Chief Operations Officer (Effective 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR)

Shape the Future of Education: Become the COO of Tucson Unified School District

Are you a dynamic and experienced operations leader ready to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of students? Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) is seeking a visionary Chief Operations Officer to oversee critical functions and ensure the smooth and efficient operation of our diverse and vibrant district. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a dedicated team and shape the future of education in a dynamic and culturally rich environment.

About TUSD: A District on the Rise

TUSD serves a diverse student population across a wide geographic area, encompassing a rich blend of cultures and backgrounds. We are committed to providing a high-quality education to every student, and we are making significant strides in key areas. Recent news highlights include increasing graduation rates and improved academic performance in several key areas. We are actively investing in modernizing our facilities and technology infrastructure to create optimal learning environments. We are seeking a COO who can build on this momentum and lead us to even greater heights.

REPORTS TO

Superintendent 

SUMMARY

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) serves as a strategic leader on the Superintendent’s Team, responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective operation of multiple key departments within the school district. The COO is tasked with ensuring operational efficiency and the alignment of these departments with the district’s educational goals and mission. This role requires a dynamic, systems-oriented leader to provide vision, direction, and oversight for Communications, Facilities, Food Services, Student Health Services, School Safety, Student Placement and Enrollment, Strategic Project Management Office, Technology, and Transportation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s Degree in Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field.

• Five years of progressive management experience.
• Five years of experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Experience facilitating the development, implementation and monitoring of strategic plans across multiple departments aligned to support district vision and strategies
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that meets the minimum requirements will be accepted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in operations management, with a strong background in managing multiple departments within a K-12 environment.
• Experience working in a school district or similar educational environment is highly preferred.
• Experience working with technology infrastructure and information systems.
• Experience leading operational process improvement initiatives.
• Professional certifications in School Operations or Facilities Management are a plus.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, project management, and staff leadership.
• Experience with Labor Relations.

As COO, you will be a critical member of the TUSD leadership team, responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of essential operational areas, including:

• Facilities Management & Construction
• Transportation
• Food Services
• Communications & Public Relations
• Safety & Security
• And other crucial support services

POSITION SPECIFICS
EFFECTIVE: 2025-2026 School Year
LOCATION: Operations - 1010 E. 10th Street
FTE: 1.0 - 8 hours per day
SALARY RANGE: $114,483.14 to $132,911.36

WORK CALENDAR: 12 month

START DATE: July 1, 2025

First review of applications will begin on March 24, 2025, and reviews will take place weekly until the vacancy is filled.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UPON HIRE

FBI fingerprint background check

Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization.

MVReport – showing no more than the allowable points against Driver’s License as described
under Governing Board Policy: EEB-R-1 Business and Personnel Transportation Services -
Transportation by Employees.

Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language. For more information on the salary schedules, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage. 

To view the full job description, please visit our website. 

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin. 

Salary : $114,483 - $132,911