Chief Operations Officer (K-12 Education)

Location: Hybrid role based in North Carolina, USA, with in-person and remote work, frequent travel between Charlotte, Durham, and Halifax/Gaston. Residence in North Carolina is required; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill is preferred. Travel may take 50–75% of working time, with some office or school attendance required.

Annual salary: $145,000–$160,000, plus comprehensive benefits, retirement, health care, and a laptop.

Company

A network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools serving approximately 3,000 K–12 students across North Carolina.

What you will do

• Lead the statewide Operations Team and drive operational excellence across the school network.
• Develop, implement, and manage business systems and processes for a growing region.
• Oversee operational functions such as compliance, transportation, technology, data analytics, school nutrition, student enrollment, and facilities.
• Manage, coach, and develop high-performing teams and managers.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders and collaborate across rural and urban school communities.
• Prioritize initiatives, lead projects, and maintain results during periods of uncertainty and transition.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressively increasing operational management experience in a growing organization or business.
• Previous K–12 school or education experience, with strong knowledge of public education, education reform, and charter schools.
• Bachelor’s degree required; a related master’s degree is preferred.
• 5–10 years of significant team management experience, including coaching high performers and developing managers.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, project leadership, and prioritization skills.
• Must live in North Carolina and be willing to travel throughout the state multiple times per week.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience supporting predominantly Black, Brown, and low-income communities.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission focused on improving outcomes and expanding opportunities for K–12 students.
• Commitment to racial equity, anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Comprehensive health care and retirement benefits.
• Hybrid work arrangement with travel across the state.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.