The Position
The Chief Operating Officer reports to the President and CEO and works closely with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, the Chief Research Officer, the Chief of Policy and Programs, and the Executive Director in designing and managing systems and initiatives that support the implementation of the organization’s strategic vision for research that informs and impacts education policy. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional talent for building and leading strong operational teams and systems with a passion for ensuring that all children have a high-quality education. They will be a self-directed leader with deep expertise and skill in building strong management systems and will be well versed in overseeing operational strategy for start up/high growth enterprises. This is an extraordinary platform for a savvy organizational builder and leader interested in impacting educational outcomes on a broad national scale.
This position will work west coast hours and require periodic travel to our Palo Alto, CA and Washington, DC offices.
Major Responsibilities
The COO must be a high-energy, self-directed individual with a background in education and highly developed skills in developing and managing effective organizational systems and moving ideas from concept to implementation to ensure the organization meets its short- and long-term objectives. The job requires an individual with proven organization building experience, excellent people and change management skills, and technical expertise and knowledge when it comes to successfully developing and sustaining program management infrastructure. To that end, they will be responsible for:
Systems Design and Strategy
- Identify, develop and launch (where needed), implement / oversee, and continually improve systems across the organization for orchestrating data, personnel, projects, and initiatives that support the core mission of the organization in a coherent, well-integrated fashion.
- Create and support consistent, repeatable processes, ensuring reliability and accountability within and across key functions.
- Participate in annual strategic planning process in partnership with the President, executive team, and senior leaders. Facilitate operationalization of the plan throughout the organization with attention to goal setting, prioritization, personnel allocation, and accountability systems using our Quality Construction principles.
- Partner with the President and executive team to identify needs and address operational and strategic issues as they arise, develop solutions, and support their implementation.
Successful Execution of Systems
- Support management of internal processes to ensure that work is moving forward; that systems are being designed, implemented, sustained, and improved; that important tasks are facilitated and moved forward in ways that ensure best outcomes for the organization.
- Support problem solving for projects and areas of work where there are challenges or critical needs.
- Support quality construction and oversight, including close reading of documents to ensure that they are accurate and meet a standard of quality; protect LPI’s assets, reputation, IP, credibility; and move work forward in a productive way.
- Work with the President and executive team to assess aspects of organizational performance and improve functioning while identifying issues, trends, and changes in the operating model and delivery that need attention.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree and at least 15 years of relevant experience.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of education systems and research processes.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent problem solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience dealing with a wide range of people, including those in prominent positions.
- Proven ability to work well with others and to collaborate in solving problems.
- Ability to thrive in a highly matrixed and collaborative environment.
- The necessary discretion to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately.
- Excellent organizational skills; ability to set and juggle multiple priorities, support team members, and track complex tasks across multiple stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to plan effectively and the flexibility to handle the unexpected.
- High tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to create structure and execution plans while working in a fast-paced environment.
Dispositions
- Passion for ensuring that all children – especially those furthest from opportunity -- receive empowering and equitable education.
- Self-starter mentality and the ability to both work independently and foster collaborative working relationships, and to work well in a team-setting.
- A demonstrated commitment to excellence and equity.
- Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment.
- The intellectual strength and curiosity to understand and appreciate the varied and complex educational policy landscape, and the ability to translate that understanding to policymaker and lay audiences.
- An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature.
- A collaborative team player who is committed to lifelong learning.
- A hands-on manager with integrity, a strong service mentality, and a desire to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
- A roll up your sleeves attitude and a good sense of humor.
Compensation
The annual salary for this role ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 commensurate with experience, expertise, and education.
To apply
Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task/performance assessment at that time. The position is open until filled.
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