Chief Operating Officer

Description

Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Nashville, TN or Jackson, MS
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
 

WHO WE ARE
RePublic Schools is a network of high-performing public charter schools in Nashville, TN, and Jackson, MS, dedicated to preparing scholars for college and beyond. We believe in creating schools where every scholar feels a deep sense of belonging and where staff are developed and supported to lead rigorous, engaging instruction.

At RePublic, we are committed to operational excellence—ensuring that our schools run seamlessly so educators can focus on what matters most: teaching and learning.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior leader responsible for ensuring that RePublic Schools operate at the highest level of excellence—providing safe, efficient, and well-managed environments where scholars and staff can thrive. The COO leads our operations, facilities, technology, transportation, compliance, and school safety while building scalable systems that enable growth and sustainability.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a people-first leader, and a systems-builder who believes that great operational execution fuels academic success.

WHAT YOU’LL DO
As the Chief Operating Officer, your work will focus on the following

Drive Operational Excellence

• Set and execute the vision for school and network operations, ensuring alignment with RePublic’s mission and academic priorities.
• Develop and implement scalable systems to support student enrollment, transportation, food services, and logistics.
• Establish key operational metrics and use data to drive continuous improvement across schools.

Foster Safe, Healthy, and High-Functioning Schools

• Ensure all schools are safe, clean, and well-maintained, meeting or exceeding local and federal compliance standards.
• Lead emergency preparedness, crisis response, and school security efforts.
• Oversee facilities management and long-term capital planning to support school growth and sustainability.

Build and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Hire, coach, and develop high-impact operations leaders at both the network and school levels.
• Foster a culture of service, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration between operations, academics, and talent teams.
• Support and mentor operations teams, ensuring alignment with RePublic’s core values.

Ensure Financial Stewardship & Compliance

• Partner with the CFO to develop and manage budgets for school operations, facilities, and technology.
• Oversee vendor contracts and procurement to ensure cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all charter authorizers, state regulations, and reporting requirements.

Lead Strategic Growth & Innovation

• Lead facilities expansion and new school site planning to support RePublic’s future growth.
• Drive technology innovation, ensuring scholars and staff have the tools they need to succeed.
• Maintain strong relationships with external partners, including authorizers, city agencies, and community organizations.

Qualifications

WHO YOU ARE
You are:

A Visionary Leader

• You set a bold vision for scholar and family experience and build scalable systems to achieve it.
• You believe that strong school culture and engagement are essential to academic success.

A Relationship-Builder

• You thrive on connecting with people—from scholars and families to school leaders and external partners.
• You create spaces where scholars feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

A Data-Driven Strategist

• You use data and feedback to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• You are committed to tracking, measuring, and enhancing scholar and family engagement.

A Collaborative Team Leader

• You develop and inspire high-performing teams to achieve ambitious outcomes.
• You work across departments to integrate scholar experience into all areas of the organization.

Qualifications:

• 8 years of leadership experience in education, family engagement, community development, or related fields.
• Proven success in designing and implementing large-scale initiatives to enhance scholar and family experience.
• Strong strategic planning, data analysis, and execution skills.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and people leadership abilities.
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and antiracism.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE US
Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and local district benchmarks.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including family planning benefits, mental health support, and paid time off.

Professional Development:

• Access to leadership development programs and career advancement opportunities.

Our Culture:

• A team-oriented, equity-driven environment where your voice matters.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on creating spaces where all identities are honored and celebrated.

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
RePublic Schools is committed to hiring and developing educators who reflect the backgrounds and experiences of our scholars. We celebrate diversity and strive to create inclusive environments where all team members can thrive.