Finance Chief of Operations
Job Description
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) is a statewide charter school authorizer whose mission is to foster high-quality public-school choices offered through charter schools, particularly schools that are focused on closing the achievement gap for at-risk students. Governed by a board of nine members appointed by the Governor and Commissioner of Education, CSI currently serves a diverse portfolio of 40+ schools across the state of Colorado serving over 20,000 students. CSI is uniquely positioned to serve and promote charter school innovation in communities throughout Colorado and to be a leader in improvements in authorizer practices. CSI aspires to continue growing the quality and quantity of its portfolio of schools in Colorado in response to the need for high quality, innovative charter school options. Our organization is at an extraordinary point of opportunity and is poised to make additional systemic changes that will yield improvements within the portfolio’s overall student achievement.
Visit our website to learn more https://www.csi.state.co.us/csi-careers/
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.
POSITION SUMMARY
Are you ready to drive systemic change and foster innovation in public education? The Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as the Chief of Operations. As a key member of CSI’s leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in fostering high-quality school options for students across Colorado.
The Chief of Operations will oversee critical departments, including finance, grants, and school nutrition, and establish supports in facilities, safety, and transportation ensuring operational excellence and compliance with state and federal standards. This role offers the unique opportunity to influence the future of charter schools in Colorado by optimizing resources, guiding strategic planning, and ensuring the alignment of operations with CSI’s mission.
SALARY RANGE
Starting at $10,416.67 to $12,916.67 per month, with performance bonus potential of 10-12% of base salary.
Please see below for a complete position description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.
LEADERSHIP TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES (65% for Chief)
Essential duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.
- Engage in CSI-wide strategic planning that sets the vision and direction of the organization and provide operational support to the Executive Director.
- Set the vision and direction for the department that aligns with, and advances, broader strategic objectives.
- Ensure work and decisions align with national best practices to maintain high standards for charter schools, uphold school autonomy, and protect student and public interests.
- Collaborate to ensure coordination and alignment of work across departments, effective allocation of resources, opportunities to learn from the in-depth work of the team and inform broader organizational initiatives.
- Regularly engage with and report to the CSI Board and Board committees.
- Regularly engage and represent CSI with a variety of audiences, including schools, school leaders, school boards, the CSI Board, Colorado Department of Education, other charter authorizers, charter school support organizations and decision makers in public and high-stakes settings.
- Build community internally and in partnership with schools that promotes trusting relationships, engagement across differences, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, and demonstrates a commitment to equitable policies and practices.
- Oversee and monitor compliance with state and federal statutory requirements and regulations by providing professional development, coaching, and technical assistance for schools.
- Contribute to the development of contract conditions and milestones, risk assessments, and staff reports for recommendation to the Executive Director.
- Oversee the development and monitoring of the departmental budget.
- Oversee the development and monitoring of annual goals, performance check ins and evaluations, professional development of team members, and continuous improvement of the team
- Fulfill all applicable departmental responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: ROLE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (35%)
Essential duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.
- Oversee the financial controls and compliance of the organization, ensuring adherence to GAAP, state fiscal rules, and federal regulations.
- Direct and oversee facilities management and safety operations, ensuring that CSI schools maintain safe, secure environments, and are compliant with state and federal safety regulations.
- Oversee and provide strategic leadership in the implementation and oversight of nutrition services, ensuring compliance with federal and state nutritional standards while promoting healthy and equitable meal programs in CSI schools.
- Oversee the procurement and grant management processes, ensuring transparency and accountability in resource allocation for both CSI and its schools.
- Collaborate across teams to implement a system of differentiated support for CSI schools, particularly regarding financial outcomes, facilities maintenance, and safety protocols.
- Provide access to resources to schools in managing capital projects, including school facilities, renovations, and expansions, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Oversee safety and emergency management protocols, ensuring all schools are prepared for potential hazards and emergencies through regular drills, training, and system updates.
- Support CSI schools in leveraging grants and other funding opportunities, ensuring schools have access to the resources they need for operational success.
- Provide operational support and guidance for risk management, ensuring that financial, safety, and facilities-related risks are proactively identified and addressed.
- Manage office related issues including building management and printer maintenance and repairs.
BENEFITS
As a valued member of the Colorado Charter School Institute team, you’ll enjoy an array of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and professional growth. These include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays, generous paid leave, flexible schedule options, a supportive work-life balance ethos, complimentary life, and disability insurance (with opportunities for enhanced coverage), options for Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts, access to professional development programs, wellness initiatives and funds, performance-based bonuses, and membership in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA).
CSI INCLUSION STATEMENT
CSI recognizes that autonomy and diversity can drive innovation and improved outcomes, both in our schools and in our organization. We are committed to a diverse and culturally inclusive workplace as we believe that differences in perspective and experiences broaden our awareness, enrich our daily experiences, and contribute to our collective strength.
As a charter school authorizer with schools that serve a wide range of communities across the state, we prioritize recruiting a staff that shares the diversity of the students and communities our schools serve. CSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, race, color, religion or belief, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
At a minimum, we are looking for the following:
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent education experience, with an academic concentration in specified field* OR Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and at least 5 years of experience (required) in public accounting
- Demonstrated deep experience and understanding of school finance, including the administration and implementation of best practices related to the Colorado School Finance Act, competitive and formula grants, and federal funds.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the operational functions of schools, such as capital construction, school nutrition programs, school safety, and transportation programs.
- Exceptional communication, listening, and conflict resolution skills with multiple stakeholders, such as school staff, state partners, legislators, board members, both verbal and written (e.g., technical and policy writing).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in senior/executive leadership and supervision in an education and/or government setting.
- Ability to prioritize work and balance the urgent with the important, demonstrating strong self-management skills.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience with public finance and accounting.
- Demonstrated responsibility and successful administration of public funds.
- All final candidates must successfully pass a thorough criminal background check.
Ideal candidates will have some, or all, of the following education, skills, and abilities:
- Experience with Colorado charter schools and/or networks
- Master Degree in Finance, Public Administration, Accounting, or Leadership
LOCATION & TRAVEL
Must reside in Colorado. Some travel within and outside the state is required. Flexibility to telecommute available.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment includes a standard office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
NOTE
This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. CSI may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.
