Please apply on the Galloway website and submit your resume and cover letter to cooposition@gallowayschool.org
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) assumes responsibilities for the non-academic functions and logistics of the school, ensuring its continued smooth and safe daily and annual operation. Broadly, these responsibilities include oversight of the physical plant and campus, capital projects, campus safety and security, food service, and information technology. The COO serves on the Facilities Committee and as a member of the Leadership Team.
The COO reports directly to the Head of School and supervises the following positions: School Nurse, School Security, Facilities Director and Front Desk Receptionist. They will also work with and maintain relationships with pivotal outside vendors and contractors, across all dimensions of the School but in particular the Food Service, Maintenance and Janitorial Services.
The ideal candidate will enthusiastically envision and engage in new possibilities while strengthening what is already being done.
The COO must be an excellent supervisor, be able to multitask, and be eager to learn and understand regulations in areas they oversee. This is a hands-on position that requires in-depth area-specific knowledge as well as experience in positive and engaging leadership as well as comfort with having difficult conversations. This is a position which requires an individual who consistently adheres to character traits including integrity, fidelity, and reliability. The COO should be a team player with a collaborative nature, positive energy, and sense of humor; is a consensus builder; and has the presence and expertise to engage with the entire school community. The COO must have excellent communication and technology skills, including outstanding writing and public speaking skills, and possess a deep commitment to growth and accountability.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategy: Provide strategic and logistical leadership for areas of critical infrastructure, including facilities and maintenance, technology, and food service
Management: Responsible for the success of the maintenance team (currently third party provider). Guide productivity of team across two campuses. Maintain a visible and approachable presence on campus. Understand needs, projects and priorities of all departments/divisions so that Facilities team can provide proactive support behind the scenes.
Infrastructure: Assume a leadership role in the planning, design, development and maintenance of future facilities and renovation projects. Serve as the point person during active projects to ensure construction process has minimal impact on day to day functioning of the school.
Budgeting and Planning: Work with Finance to prioritize the school’s needs and ensure funds are used to the school’s best advantage. Plan for future investments based on the school's strategic goals and financial resources.
Support and Training: Ensure that policies and procedures implemented are clearly communicated to Faculty & Staff to ensure compliance and enable accountability.
Vendor Management: Evaluate vendors and manage contracts with service providers. Ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of external services. Secure bids and oversee the services of contracted service providers with annual contracts.
Drive Health & Safety culture at the school such that (1) students and staff have no question if, when, or how to report concerns; and (2) campus is safe and employees are prepared to respond to a range of safety issues.
Ensure the school is compliant with local, state, and federal safety requirements
Prioritize the use of safety funds to the school’s greatest needs
Competencies:
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with all constituents of the school community
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced environment
Strategic and independent problem-solving skills
Commitment to strict confidentiality and professional integrity
Comfortable and experienced managing people and vendors
Proactive problem solver
Specialized Skills and Knowledge:
Excellent project management abilities with attention to detail and quality
Advanced certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), FMP (Facilities Management Professional), or CCM (Certified Construction Manager ) are a plus but not required
Balancing aesthetics with durability for high-traffic student environments
Familiarity with the unique needs of school environments and understanding life safety requirements for facilities serving minors
