Chief Operating Officer

Our client, Excel Academy Charter Schools, is a growing network of five public charter schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island serving students in grades 5–12. Since its founding in 2003, Excel has been committed to ensuring that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—has access to a free, high-quality, holistic education that prepares them to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Today, Excel educates more than 1,700 students, the majority of whom identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college.

Currently, Excel Academy is in a pivotal period of growth and organizational change. With plans to scale up to three schools in Rhode Island, the new COO will play a significant part in growing the organization into a network of eight or more schools serving nearly 4,000 students in grades K–12 across two states.

Additionally, this leader will serve as the senior executive responsible for managing Excel’s key priority projects, building systems and practices for the effective functioning of the Network Team, driving continuous improvement of people operations, and ensuring the Network Team provides excellent support across the growing network. The COO will directly oversee Network Team leaders who manage centralized supports and functional teams, including human resources, talent, school and network operations, real estate and facilities, risk management, legal, and compliance.

This is role is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned cross-functional leader to scale and improve systems, marshal resources, manage and lead a large team through layers, and play a significant leadership role in a growing, student-centered, high-impact organization.

Key priorities for the COO in their first year include:

• Taking ownership of Excel’s growth plan by establishing clear project management systems, structures, communication channels, and accountability
• Continuing to build and develop a strong Network Team to carry out short- and long-term organizational priorities, with a focus on the connection between Network and School Teams
• Fostering a strong Network Team culture and establishing routines and systems for effective collaboration
• Establishing an effective performance management and goal-setting process for the Network Team
• Positioning Excel for continued growth by shoring up, scaling, and improving people operations work (including talent and human resources systems)
• Coaching and supporting functional leaders to systematize people operations
• Building strong relationships and trust with leaders across the organization to generate investment in and deliver on these priorities

To learn more about Excel Academy Charter Schools, please visit their website.