Chief Operations and Finance Officer

TITLE Chief Operations and Finance Officer (COFO) LOCATION Central Office OVERVIEW The Kansas City- Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and 60+ different languages are spoken in the homes of our students. KCKPS is home to Sumner Academy- the #6 highest rated High School in the Nation and #1 High School in Kansas according to the US News rankings. With Head Start/preschools- 28 elementary schools- 7 middle schools- and 5 college and career academies/high schools- we are the fifth largest district in the state of Kansas and our student population is approximately 56% Hispanic- 24% African American- 9% White- and 6% Asian. To serve our students- the district employs approximately 4,000 employees including more than 1,800 teachers. JOB GOAL The Chief Operations and Finance Officer (COFO) serves as the senior executive responsible for all operational and financial functions of Kansas City- Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS)- reporting directly to the Superintendent. The COFO is a key strategic partner in shaping and implementing the district’s vision and ensuring long-term fiscal and operational sustainability. This role integrates finance and operations to ensure alignment between financial strategy and educational goals. The COFO leads the Finance and Operations departments—including budgeting, payroll, procurement, benefits, construction, grants and risk management—and develops a multi-year financial framework to support the district’s mission. As a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet- the COFO is expected to engage with stakeholders including the Board of Education, school leaders, families and the broader community. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provide direct leadership and strategic oversight of all financial and operational functions- ensuring the Superintendent is informed of key developments. Supervise and collaborate with the Executive Director of Finance, Executive Director of Operations, Executive Director TIS & Data, Evaluation, Research & Assessment and Chief of Police to align departmental priorities with the district’s strategic plan. Develop and maintain a comprehensive financial model- including multi-year forecasts, cash flow management and debt strategy. Oversee the preparation and presentation of timely and accurate financial and operational reports for the Board of Education, Superintendent, auditors and external stakeholders. Oversee the annual budget development process- ensuring transparency, stakeholder input and alignment with educational priorities. Ensure regulatory compliance and successful audit outcomes across all fiscal operations. Oversee the management of all aspects of school district finance- including payroll, procurement, accounts payable/receivable, grant and federal/state/local fund accounting, risk and insurance programs, bond issuance and capital project financing, investment strategies and direct legal and contractual reviews for financial and operational agreements (e.g., leases, vendor contracts, MOUs). Oversee real estate acquisition, facility planning and construction financials. Foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement within finance and operations teams. Serve as the district’s primary liaison to lenders, bondholders and financial institutions. Develop policies and systems that support strong financial stewardship and operational efficiency. Evaluate and implement financial technologies and systems to improve data integrity, reporting and service delivery. Support fundraising and development efforts by establishing internal financial controls for contributed income. Serve as an ambassador of the district’s fiscal and operational integrity to community partners and stakeholders. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration or Education Administration required. MBA, CPA or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred. Minimum of 3 years in a senior financial and/or operational leadership role (e.g., CFO, COO, Executive Director of Finance/Business). Demonstrated expertise in public sector or educational finance- including budget development, financial modeling and compliance. Proven experience managing complex financial systems including municipal bonds, capital projects, grant funding and debt instruments. Strong knowledge of school district governance, budgeting and funding mechanisms. Experience working in or with organizations that have nonprofit (501c3) or hybrid structures is preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to effectively engage a wide range of stakeholders including the Board, leadership teams, community members and financial partners. Proficient with financial and business software (Excel, Word, Outlook, ERP systems, financial databases). COMMUNICATION / ORGANIZATION Maintains communication with school personnel and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action which will meet the educational needs of students. Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties. Performs other related work as required. REASONING ABILITY Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Able to address complex issues where standard solutions may not apply. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and analyze and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence and protocols. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students and the general public. 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 sit, walk, stand, talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and depth perception. 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 noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for students’ safety, work output and well-being. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 261 days SALARY Compensation includes competitive salary and benefits package FLSA STATUS EXEMPT REPORT TO Superintendent of KCKPS EVALUATION Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy APPLICATIONS Applications will be reviewed prior to the closing date for this position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individual holding this position performs additional duties and additional duties may be assigned. EEO STATEMENT Kansas City- Kansas Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KCKPS is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies with respect to hiring, compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex/gender (to include orientation, identity or expression), age, disability, national origin, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law. CONTACT For more information regarding Title IX please contact: Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is an exceptional urban system using an array of innovative teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of our students with a vigorous professional development program designed to support our teachers. #J-18808-Ljbffr