Deputy Chief Operations Officer

Category: District Leadership

Job Function: Executive

Department: Dept-Operations

Summary

The Deputy Chief Operations Officer (DCOO) serves as a strategic and operational partner in advancing the District’s short- and long-range facilities planning goals. In collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the DCOO supports the development and execution of divisional priorities, ensuring alignment between strategic direction and daily operations across the Operational Division. This role provides leadership guidance, and support to departments, fostering a shared leadership approach that builds capacity, strengthens collaboration, and promotes accountability.

Working closely with the COO, the DCOO helps translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and supports the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of key initiatives. The DCOO facilitates cross-functional alignment and effective communication with the Board of Education, the Office of the Superintendent, and stakeholders while promoting efficient systems, high-quality service delivery, and continuous improvement. While the COO establishes vision and direction, the DCOO partners in advancing that work through shared leadership, consistent follow-through, and a focus on performance and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Duties

• Partners with the Chief Operations Officer to advance divisional priorities, goals and performance expectations
• Supervises division personnel as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer
• Supports the implementation of strategic direction through operational plans, timelines, and measurable department actions
• Monitors progress on key initiatives and shares updates regarding performance, opportunities, and needs
• Prepares executive briefings, reports, presentations, board agenda materials, and official correspondence related to operational matters
• Represents and supports the Chief Operations Officer in meetings, planning sessions, and stakeholder engagements, as appropriate
• Collaborates with operational departments to ensure alignment and shared focus across Facilities & Maintenance, Transportation, Operational Planning, Nutrition, and Capital Programs
• Reinforces established chain of command, communication protocols, and leadership expectations across the division
• Works with department leaders to clarify priorities, deliverables, timelines, and service expectations
• Promotes efficient, consistent, and customer-focused service delivery across operational functions
• Supports the implementation of operational projects, service improvements, and divisional initiatives
• Identifies barriers to execution and works collaboratively to develop solutions and provide needed support
• Contributes to the development and refinement of procedures, systems, and workflows to strengthen operational effectiveness
• Promotes a culture of accountability, service quality, and responsive support across operational areas
• Provides guidance, coaching, and support to directors, managers, and other assigned personnel
• Addresses operational concerns and cross-departmental challenges in a timely and professional manner
• Supports emergency preparedness, operational response, continuity planning, and recovery efforts under the direction of the Chief Operations Officer
• Supports the Chief Operations Officer by carrying out assigned responsibilities aligned to divisional priorities
• Maintains a working knowledge and understanding of all issues and priorities central to the operations and credibility of the District and the departments within the Operations Division
• Position requires availability outside the normal workday for meetings and in the event of emergencies or major operational needs
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator
  
  

Required Education

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, or a closely related field

Certification/Licensure

None required

Experience Qualifications

Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in K-12 operations, district administration, public sector operations or related field. Additionally, a minimum of two years of leadership and supervision required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of K-12 school district operational systems and support services
• Knowledge of leadership, supervision, planning, budgeting, project management, and process improvement practices
• Ability to align and execute the strategic direction of the Chief Operations Officer
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across multiple departments and drive execution across complex workstreams
• Ability to analyze operational challenges, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with leaders, staff, school administrators, vendors, and stakeholders
• Strong decision-making skills, sound judgment and the ability to determine appropriate escalation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to use data effectively to inform decisions, evaluate performance, and drive continuous improvement
• Knowledge of construction, design, project management and contract compliance in a K-12 environment
• Ability to develop and manage budgets for multiple construction projects
• Develop and manage budgets across district funding and enterprise-funded departments, ensuring expenditures align with strategic priorities
• Effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, and responsibilities in a complex, fast-paced environment
  
  

Working Conditions

• Office and school environment, maintenance sites & facilities, transportation facilities, warehouses, and construction environments
• May require attendance at evening meetings, special events, and emergency response activities
  
  

Physical Demands

• Routine physical activity associated with normal office environment
• Must be able to climb ladders, walk catwalks, and access construction sites
  
  

Posting ID: 34112

It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service. If you wish to make a complaint or request accommodation or modification due to discrimination in any program, activity, or service, contact Compliance Coordinator Gonzalo LaCava, 6201 Powers Ferry Rd, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, or phone 470-254-4585.TTY 1-800-255-0135.

Deputy Chief Operations Officer

Req ID: Fulton County Schools

Nearest Major Market: Atlanta