Chief Operating Officer

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 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.

REQUIREMENTS

•Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Education Leadership, Finance, or a closely related field required; Master’s degree strongly preferred

•Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 3–5 years in a senior operations, COO, or comparable executive role

•Demonstrated experience leading multiple organizational functions simultaneously—including finance, HR, operations, and/or facilities—at an organizational scale of similar complexity

•Nonprofit, charter school, or public sector experience required; California charter school or LEA experience strongly preferred

•Track record of building and strengthening operational systems in a growing organization; experience managing external service providers and holding vendors accountable

• Deep understanding of sound financial management principles, including budget oversight, cash flow management, internal controls, and audit compliance; ability to engage credibly on finance without necessarily having an accounting background

• Experience navigating Board governance dynamics; comfort maintaining appropriate boundaries between management and Board functions

• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable a diverse team of senior leaders across different functional areas