The Position

Poudre School District seeks an experienced forward thinking Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the ability to enhance operational efficiencies. The successful candidate will be expected to think strategically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

The COO is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the comprehensive services and systems for the Operations Division.     

The COO will:

• Plan, direct, coordinate, manage, and supervise operational functions within the district including Facilities, Transportation, Child Nutrition, Custodial, Planning, Construction, Safety and Security. Provide overall leadership, technical support, and guidance for implementation of projects described in the District’s Long-Range Plan that comprises bond program construction projects. Coordinate assigned activities with other departments, offices, and outside organizations. Serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, district committees, boards and councils.

About the Poudre School District

Poudre School District serves about 28,000 students and includes 55 schools and five charter schools. PSD, the ninth largest school district in Colorado, encompasses several communities including Fort Collins, Laporte, Timnath, Wellington, Red Feather, Livermore, Stove Prairie, and parts of Windsor.

Student demographics

• Asian: 2.7%
• Black/African American: 1.3%
• Hispanic/Latino: 19.5%
• Native American/Alaskan Native: 0.5%
• White: 71.8%
• Other minorities: 4.2%

Student data                                                                                                   

• Free/reduced lunch participation: 27%
• Special education: 9% 
• Gifted and talented: 11.3%
• English language learners: 5.3%

Staff profile 

• Classified: 1,714
• Administrators: 177
• Certified teachers: 1,527
• Certified other staff: 550
• Average teaching experience in PSD: 12.97 years

The Ideal Candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure that your own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the District.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the District.
• Project Management: Have strong project management experience including expert acumen with timelines and deliverables, cost control, project audit and review, and contract management.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations and to create new opportunities.
• Focus on Client Needs:  Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the District’s parameters.                                                     
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.              
• Lead:    Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the District.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the District.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Think Strategically: Assess options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the District.

Education and Related Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a major pertinent to the position requirements: Construction Management, Business Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum seven years of senior level experience within a large and complex business government, or education organization. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications:

• Criminal background check required for hire.

Compensation and Benefits

The approximate starting base salary is $130,000 - $172,000.

Additional benefits include:

• Pension contributions by District  https://www.copera.org/new-members-in-the-defined-benefit-plan Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Longevity Bonus starting at year three  

How to Apply

The recruitment for this position is being handled by GovHR USA. Position will be Open Until Filled. Candidates should apply immediately with resume, cover letter and contact information for five work-related references to www.GovHRjobs.com attention: Beth Flores, Vice President, GovHR USA bflores@govhrusa.com Tel:  847-370-8317 

Poudre School District is dedicated to affirming respect, compassion, and acceptance for all, and we celebrate diversity with regard to all backgrounds and identities.  We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive work environments with employees who reflect our students and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. PSD is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply!

If you have a mental or physical impairment which limits one of your major life activities (e.g., walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations during any portion of the application process, please contact hr@psdschools.org.  For accommodation request regarding testing or interviews, you must contact the Risk Management Department at kbennett@psdschools.org at least three (3) working days before the interview or test date.