Chief Operating Officer

Company Description

Navigator Schools is a growing network of public charter schools that operates four high-performing

schools in the Northern Central Coast and Bay area, and will soon open schools in Monterey and

Orange Counties. Navigator exists because a group of concerned educators and parents no longer

wanted to wait for someone else to figure out how to improve the quality of public school education.

They were determined to demonstrate that ethnicity, early English fluency, and socio-economic

status are factors outside the classroom that may challenge, but should not predetermine a

student’s academic success. With that determination, our first site was founded.

After studying best practices from schools throughout the United States, we created a rigorous

TK-8 full inclusion model that anticipates and meets the needs of all students. Our students enjoy

research-based, personalized learning supported by a strong instructional staff. Our staff is

supported by extensive professional development and regular coaching at every level of the

organization, which leads to phenomenal results for all students.

Navigator Schools is committed to closing the achievement gap through highly effective,

student-focused teaching methods, and boasts some of the top test scores in California. Navigator

operates a growing network of schools, with campuses currently in Gilroy, Hayward, Hollister, and

Watsonville, and has also positively influenced public school districts and charter schools

organizations throughout California by establishing partnerships and implementing professional

development modules for school staff and leaders outside of the Navigator organization.

Role Description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for transforming the CEO’s vision into consistent,,

measurable organizational performance. Reporting directly to the CEO & Superintendent, the COO

serves as both a strategic thought partner and an operational first responder. When challenges

surface-whether a compliance gap, a financial surprise, a staffing crisis, or a technology

breakdown-the COO collaborates with department leaders to engage, diagnose the issue, and

drive resolution. When the CEO needs a sounding board, proxy, or a trusted voice who will tell the

truth, the COO is the person.

A critical member of the Navigator Schools Senior Leadership Team, the COO directly oversees

Finance and Accounting, Compliance and Operations, People Support (HR), Technology, Facilities,

and New School Development.

The COO drives cross-departmental collaboration and works in collaboration with the Support Office

staff members, school site members, members of the Board of Trustees, and the General Counsel

to achieve operational and fiscal excellence in support of providing Navigator students and staff

with optimal learning and working environments.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Business Planning and Operations Management
• Excellent Analytical Skills and a proven ability to make data-driven decisions
• Finance and Budgeting experience with a track record of effective financial stewardship
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Experience in the education sector or charter school operations is a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)