• June 30 - July 27: Priority Deadline Phone Screens & Project Round (Project + Work History)

• July 29 - August 3: Priority Deadline Project Screen

• August 5 & 6: Priority Deadline Semi-Finalist Interviews on ZOOM

• August 12 & 13: Priority Deadline Final Interview Days in Oklahoma City, OK (we provide all travel and lodging for candidates not located in the OKC area)

• September 2026: Start Date

Fuel OKC believes a Big League City deserves Big League Schools, and getting there takes system-level change. This role makes that work possible by running the organization day to day so the CEO can focus on strategy, the board, and fundraising. The person we are looking for is some combination of:

▸  The Force Multiplier:  You measure your success by what you make possible for others. You take the day-to-day running of the organization off the CEO's plate so he can focus on the board, fundraising, and strategy, partnering closely with him and coordinating with the Fractional CFO on finances. Every system you build and every problem you absorb gives the team back time and focus for the mission.

▸  The Builder of Systems:  You are energized by building the infrastructure a growing organization needs, not just running what already exists. You translate Fuel's strategy into operational plans, workflows, and timelines, and you stand up the systems for operations, grants, HR, and projects that let a lean team punch above its weight. You would rather build the engine than inherit one.

▸  The Culture and Accountability Catalyst:  You bring out the best in a small team. You help recruit, onboard, and develop people; you foster a collaborative, mission-driven, high-accountability culture; and you set an operating rhythm that keeps everyone rowing in the same direction. You lead by getting into the work alongside the team, not above it.

▸  The Get-It-Done Operator:  You thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where the list is long and the team is lean. You keep major initiatives on schedule, on budget, and aligned to priorities; you make decisions with data; and you do whatever the moment requires, because at a small organization that is the job. You move with urgency because the mission demands it.

About Fuel OKC

Fuel OKC's mission is to increase the number of quality schools serving residents of Oklahoma City. We believe every child deserves a high-quality education that allows them to lead the life to which they aspire, and that when our children thrive, our urban core thrives. Getting there takes system-level change, and we are a lean, optimistic, and data-informed team that moves with urgency to make it happen. Put simply, we believe a Big League City deserves Big League Schools.

Job Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the internal operations, organizational systems, and implementation functions of Fuel OKC. The COO will work closely with the CEO to ensure organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and execution of strategic priorities aligned with Fuel OKC's mission. In doing so, the COO takes the day-to-day running of the organization off the CEO's plate, freeing him to focus on strategy, board management, and fundraising.

The COO will serve as a key member of the organization's senior leadership team and will oversee organizational operations, finance coordination, grants administration, human resources support, vendor management, compliance systems, and internal project management. This individual will help build the infrastructure necessary to support Fuel OKC's long-term growth and impact.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, mission-driven leader who combines strong operational management skills with strategic thinking, relationship management, and a commitment to educational opportunity in Oklahoma City.

Overall Job Responsibilities

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for the following:

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Execution

• Partner closely with the CEO to implement Fuel OKC's strategic priorities and organizational goals.

• Translate organizational strategy into operational plans, systems, timelines, and measurable outcomes.

• Help establish and maintain organizational systems that support sustainable growth and long-term impact.

• Support organizational planning, annual goal setting, and cross-functional coordination.

• Serve as a member of the organization's senior leadership team.

Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day organizational operations and internal systems.

• Develop and improve operational processes, workflows, and organizational infrastructure.

• Ensure organizational efficiency, accountability, and alignment across departments and initiatives.

• Oversee office operations, technology systems, vendor relationships, and organizational administration.

• Manage organizational contracts and operational partnerships.

Financial Management & Compliance

• Work closely with the CEO and Fractional CFO to support organizational financial planning and stewardship.

• Coordinate annual budgeting processes and ongoing financial monitoring.

• Oversee grant administration processes, including tracking, compliance, reporting timelines, and documentation.

• Ensure accurate operational and financial recordkeeping systems.

• Support audit preparation, tax filings, and financial reporting processes.

• Maintain organizational compliance with nonprofit operational requirements and policies.

Team Leadership & Human Resources Support

• Supervise designated staff and support cross-functional collaboration.

• Help recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing team members.

• Support development and implementation of organizational policies and employee procedures.

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and high-accountability organizational culture.

• Coordinate employee benefits administration and HR-related vendor partnerships.

Project & Initiative Management

• Lead internal coordination and execution of major organizational initiatives and special projects.

• Develop systems for tracking organizational progress toward strategic goals and key performance indicators.

• Ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with organizational priorities.

• Support board operations and preparation of materials for board meetings and committees.

Data & Organizational Effectiveness

• Promote data-informed decision making across the organization.

• Support development of dashboards, reporting systems, and operational metrics.

• Ensure systems are in place to measure organizational effectiveness and impact.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational innovation.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional duties and initiatives that may arise based on the evolving needs of the organization or the Oklahoma City educational landscape.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong commitment to expanding access to high-quality public schools in Oklahoma City.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Experience in nonprofit operations, organizational leadership, education, public sector management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated ability to manage organizational operations, systems, budgets, and cross-functional projects.

• Strong organizational leadership and project management skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Strong financial literacy and experience coordinating budgeting, reporting, and operational compliance processes.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Strong technology proficiency, including familiarity with spreadsheets, project management tools, CRM systems, and organizational reporting systems.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, mission-driven environment.

• Experience supervising staff and building organizational systems preferred.

• Familiarity with Oklahoma public education and/or charter school environments preferred.

• Willingness to travel occasionally within Oklahoma City and nationally for meetings and conferences. Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain appropriate auto insurance.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Fuel OKC will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Fuel OKC does not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other aspect of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All final candidates for the position of Chief Operating Officer will be asked to arrange three reference checks one of which must be with a current or former manager.