Job Description

FOUNDING CHIEF OF STAFF AND OPERATIONS
Charter Management Organization
St. Louis, Missouri
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, CMO

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are building a new Charter Management Organization in St. Louis in partnership with The Opportunity Trust with the goal of launching academically strong schools that can scale and serve as proof points for what is possible for students and families.

The Founding Chief of Staff and Operations will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and play a central role in turning vision into disciplined execution. This leader will function as the integrator of the organization, ensuring that priorities are translated into clear plans, systems are built with rigor, and the organization operates with focus and accountability.  

This is a rare opportunity to build the operating system of a new school network from the ground up.  In the earliest stages, this role will operate across strategy and operations, building core infrastructure while also stepping directly into problem-solving and execution when needed.  

This is a high-impact, high-visibility position designed for a leader who thrives in ambiguity, moves work forward independently, and wants to help build something enduring from day one.  

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Partner with the CEO to shape and operationalize the multi-year strategic plan
• Translate priorities into clear workstreams, timelines and accountability systems that drive execution
• Build and manage dashboards that track organizational milestones and performance
• Lead high-impact special projects from design through implementation, ensuring strong follow through
• Identify execution gaps, pressure-test plans, and drive disciplined follow-through across the organization

New School Launch and Readiness 

• Lead cross-functional operational readiness for new school openings
• Build and manage detailed launch plans across all operational domains
• Ensure all systems, staffing, vendors, and compliance requirements are in place prior to day on
• Track launch readiness through clear milestones and dashboards
• Problem-solve in real time to remove barriers and ensure strong execution 

Growth and Expansion

• Conduct market research and landscape analysis to inform growth strategy
• Develop growth scenarios and replication models
• Support preparation of CSP and other major grant applications
• Ensure operational readiness aligns to expansion timelines and strategic priorities
• Build systems and frameworks that support both new school launches and expansion efforts 

Network Operations and Infrastructure Build

• Build and operationalize core network systems including enrollment, HR, compliance, finance coordination, and vendor management
• Design and implement systems for student recruitment, enrollment, and new family onboarding
• Build and manage vendor strategy across transportation, food service, facilities, and other essential services
• Develop compliance systems including student records, background checks, and regulatory requirements
• Support facilities planning and school launch readiness across campuses
• Build scalable systems and processes that support multiple schools and future growth
• Design and implement systems that ensure strong, consistent family partnership and communication across all schools
• Ensure schools open fully enrolled with families who understand, trust, and choose the mode
• P artner with school leaders to build structures that support ongoing family partnership and long-term student persistence 

Organizational Effectiveness and Integration

• Build clear communication rhythms and operating cadences across the organization
• Ensure alignment across functions and priorities
• Drive clarity on roles, responsibilities, and decision making
• Serve as connective tissue across all areas of the organization
• Ensure CEO time is focused on the highest-leverage work

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• 7 to 12 years of experience in operations, strategy, educational leadership, or high-growth organizations
• Proven track record of building systems and driving measurable results in complex environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional work from design through execution
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with operational planning and financial modeling
• Ability to operate both at a strategic and highly detailed level
• Experience in charter schools or public education preferred

WHO YOU ARE

• A builder who wants to create systems and infrastructure from the ground up
• Able to move seamlessly between big picture thinking and day to day execution
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and bringing structure to complex work
• Comfortable influencing without formal authority
• A systems thinker who believes strong operations enable strong academic outcomes
• Motivated by impact and the opportunity to build something enduring 

YEAR ONE SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

• Core operational systems built and functioning across enrollment, compliance, vendors, and school launch
• Clear dashboards and tracking systems in place to monitor progress and readiness
• Launch readiness milestones consistently met across all functional areas
• Growth modeling completed and ready for execution
• At least two founding schools on track to open with strong operational execution

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $180,000 - $220,000 commensurate with experience

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