ARCADIA SCHOOLS - COO

ORGANIZATION WEBSITE: Arcadia Schools

ROLE: Chief Operating Officer

LOCATION: Houston, TX

SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with Experience

  • ▶️ Strategic Architect: You don't just follow a playbook; you build the systems necessary for a "reimagined" school model to function.

    ▶️ Operational Steward: You exhibit precision and resilience, treating every operational detail as a lever for student success.

    ▶️ Houston Navigator: You understand the local Houston landscape and can navigate the complexities of launching a new school in this ecosystem.

    ▶️ Performance Driver: You use data to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions before they impact the classroom.

    ▶️ Mission-Driven: You are deeply committed to the idea that a classroom can—and should—work for everyone.

    • April 22: Priority Application Due Date

    • April 24: Phone Screens End

    • April 27 - May 1: Project Phase

    • May 4 - 8: Semi-Finalist Round

    • May 18: Final Interview

    • July 1: First Day

  • About Arcadia Schools

    Arcadia Schools is a pioneering educational organization dedicated to redesigning the classroom to work for everyone. Grounded in the belief that traditional school structures often fail to meet the diverse needs of modern learners, Arcadia focuses on "Community in the Classroom" by implementing a reimagined model of education. Through innovative scheduling, a redesigned physical and pedagogical environment, and a commitment to student-centered learning, Arcadia seeks to address the systemic challenges facing today’s students and educators.

    Vision of Excellence

    We are seeking a strategic, mission-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our launch in Houston, TX. As a key member of the C-suite, the COO will be the architect of the non-academic systems that allow our reimagined instructional model to thrive. You will ensure operational excellence, long-term sustainability, and efficient resource allocation across our inaugural site and future expansion. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will develop and execute strategic operational plans, oversee all non-instructional functions, and foster a culture of accountability and service to support high-quality education.

    What You Will Do

    (Estimated allocation of time and focus)

    Vision & Strategic Operational Leadership (30%)

    • Develop and execute a multi-year operational strategy specifically tailored to the "Arcadia Model," ensuring facilities and schedules support our unique pedagogical approach.

    • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to assess growth opportunities in the Houston ecosystem and align systems with academic goals.

    • Lead strategic planning for facilities acquisition, technology infrastructure, and student enrollment.

    Driving Operational Performance (25%)

    • Provide hands-on oversight of facilities, transportation, nutrition, technology, and compliance.

    • Implement data-driven systems and standardized procedures to ensure a seamless "day zero" launch and ongoing efficiency.

    • Manage all vendor contracts, including specialized technology partners and local service providers.

    Student Recruitment & Enrollment (15%)

    • Lead the strategy to meet enrollment targets for the Houston launch, ensuring a diverse and engaged student body.

    • Collaborate with the community engagement team on grassroots marketing and outreach.

    • Build a "welcoming" enrollment experience that reflects Arcadia’s community-centric values.

    Building & Leading Operations Teams (10%)

    • Recruit, develop, and manage a lean, high-performing operations staff.

    • Foster a service-oriented culture where the operations team sees themselves as essential partners to the instructional staff.

    Risk Management & Compliance (10%)

    • Ensure strict compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) regulations, authorizer expectations, and federal laws.

    • Develop robust risk management strategies, including campus safety and IT security.

    Executive Leadership & Stakeholder Management (10%)

    • Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to network-wide policy and decision-making.

    • Represent Arcadia Schools in meetings with Houston-based authorizers, funders, and community partners.

    The Ideal Candidate

    • Strategic Architect: You don't just follow a playbook; you build the systems necessary for a "reimagined" school model to function.

    • Operational Steward: You exhibit precision and resilience, treating every operational detail as a lever for student success.

    • Houston Navigator: You understand the local Houston landscape and can navigate the complexities of launching a new school in this ecosystem.

    • Performance Driver: You use data to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions before they impact the classroom.

    • Mission-Driven: You are deeply committed to the idea that a classroom can—and should—work for everyone.

    Experience & Qualifications

    • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, Operations Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree (MBA/MPA) preferred.

    • Professional Experience: * 5–7 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years in a senior operational leadership role.

      • Proven success managing budgets ($5M–$25M) and leading lean, agile teams.

      • Direct experience with charter school compliance, student recruitment, and facility management.

    • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Student Information Systems (SIS), ERP platforms, and advanced MS Excel.

    • Preferred: * Experience with Houston-specific charter authorizing and local vendor networks.

      • Knowledge of Texas school finance and public grants.

      • Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English) is a significant plus.

    Salary and Benefits

    • Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

    • Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching; generous paid time off; and professional development opportunities within a growing network.

    Application Instructions

    Please submit a resume and answer the accompanying questions to detail your experience with school operations and your interest in the Arcadia model to Josh’s K12 Jobs Blast at www.k12jobsblast.org/arcadia-coo

    Arcadia Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Application

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