Chief Operating Officer

About Strive Charter School

Strive Charter School is a new charter school in the Bronx with a progressive educational philosophy. We are building a team that is flexible, mission-driven, and excited to create a school from the ground up. Our school is conveniently located in the South Bronx just 2 blocks from a #6 line subway stop.

Chief Operating Officer

Strive Charter School

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business and non-instructional operations of Strive Charter School, ensuring that the school runs smoothly, efficiently, safely, and in compliance with applicable requirements.

The COO reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Principal and other school leaders. The position involves managing operational staff and outside service providers, coordinating the school's financial and administrative activities, and identifying opportunities to improve how the school operates.

Core Responsibilities

1. Overall School Operations

Oversee the school's non-instructional operations, including:

• Student transportation and busing
• Enrollment, registration, attendance records, and student information systems
• Facilities management, maintenance, and custodial services
• Information technology and school technology systems
• Food service and other operational vendors
• Other administrative and operational functions

Supervise relevant staff and outside vendors, establish clear responsibilities, resolve operational problems, and ensure that services are delivered reliably and effectively.

2. Financial and Administrative Management

Coordinate the school's day-to-day financial and administrative activities in partnership with the Executive Director and the school's outside financial services provider, 4th Sector Solutions, which maintains the school's books and records and provides accounting and other financial services.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing purchasing and procurement, including educational materials, equipment, supplies, and furniture
• Coordinating invoices, payments, purchasing approvals, and vendor contracts
• Working with the Executive Director and financial services provider on annual budgets, financial projections, expense monitoring, and resource allocation
• Ensuring that the financial services provider receives accurate and timely information
• Coordinating administrative aspects of payroll, personnel records, and employee benefits with the school's HR and financial service providers

The COO is not expected to serve as the school's accountant or CFO, but is responsible for ensuring that the school's financial and administrative processes operate effectively.

3. Funding, Billing, and Reimbursements

Oversee the administrative processes necessary to obtain payments, reimbursements, and other funding owed to the school, including transportation, security, extended-day programs, grants, and other eligible services.

Ensure that required applications, documentation, invoices, and claims are submitted accurately and on time; follow up on outstanding payments; and coordinate with outside financial providers to reconcile amounts received.

4. Safety, Risk Management, and Service Quality

Oversee the school's operational safety and emergency-preparedness systems in coordination with the Principal and other school leaders.

Ensure that facilities, transportation, food service, security, and other operational functions meet applicable safety requirements and quality standards. Monitor vendor performance, identify operational risks, and ensure that problems are addressed promptly.

5. Compliance and Executive Reporting

Oversee compliance with operational, administrative, contractual, and regulatory requirements, including maintenance of required records, grant documentation, reporting deadlines, and audit preparation.

Provide the Executive Director with regular, accurate information about school operations, enrollment, expenditures, reimbursements, and other key indicators, along with recommendations for addressing problems and improving performance.

6. Modernization and Continuous Improvement

Identify and implement opportunities to improve school operations through better systems, procedures, technology, and staff practices.

Lead appropriate use of AI, automation, and school management platforms to reduce administrative burdens, improve accuracy and efficiency, strengthen data security, and improve the experience of students, families, and staff.

Schedule: Expect to work 50 hours per week.

Requirements

We prefer someone

• with experience in charter school operations.
• who has a talent for and interest in using AI to achieve automation and efficiency.
• has experience with financial operations

Compensation/Benefits

• Salary of $140,000 to $160,000
• Full benefits package
• 7 weeks PTO per year (including all vacation, holidays, and sick/personal leave)
• If you have a child, they can attend our school!