Chief of Staff II - Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Chief Operating Officer (Immediate Opening)

DescriptionChief of Staff II - Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Chief Operating OfficerRole:The Chief of Staff II serves as a senior executive partner responsible for advancing organizational priorities, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring effective execution across multiple departments. This role increases the effectiveness and productivity of executive leadership by managing complex priorities, orchestrating cross-functional work, and translating strategy into measurable outcomes.Acting as a trusted advisor, proxy, and thought partner, the Chief of Staff II operates at the highest levels of the organization - supporting executive decision-making, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring organizational goals are achieved. This role balances long-term strategic planning with the urgency of day-to-day operations and requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.The Chief of Staff II thrives in complexity, creates structure from ambiguity, and enables leaders to focus on the highest-impact work while ensuring systems, processes, and teams operate efficiently and effectively in alignment with IDEA's mission and Core Values.Supervisory Responsibilities:This role typically includes direct management of senior leaders, project managers, and/or functional teams. Scope may include oversight of cross-functional workstreams, leadership development functions, or enterprise initiatives.Location:This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.Travel Expectations:Travel may be required up to 25%-50%, depending on organizational needs.What You'll Do:Essential Duties:Acts as a strategic thought partner, confidante, and sounding board to executive leadershipServes as a trusted proxy, representing leadership in high-level meetings, decisions, and communicationsLeads and executes complex, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives across departments and functionsDesigns and manages systems that align priorities, track progress, and ensure accountability for resultsTranslates strategic priorities into actionable plans, ensuring measurable outcomes and organizational alignmentManages and develops direct reports, including senior leaders and project managers, to drive execution of key workstreamsCoordinates and collaborates with senior leaders, external stakeholders, and cross-functional teams on strategic and operational prioritiesFacilitates data-driven decision-making by synthesizing complex information into actionable insights, reports, and presentationsEstablishes and maintains operational rhythms, including meeting structures, planning cycles, and performance management processesLeads or supports annual strategic planning and ensures execution fidelity across departmentsAnticipates risks, identifies challenges, and proactively develops solutions to complex organizational issuesProvides executive-level support in policy development, implementation planning, and organizational decision-makingFunctions as 'eyes and ears' for leadership by identifying risks, surfacing insights, and navigating organizational dynamicsAdditional Duties:* Performs other duties as assigned in support of executive and organizational prioritiesWhat You BringCompetencies:Make Strategic Decisions: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams. They analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization's strategic goals. They also guide others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.Manage Work and Teams: This leader is responsible for coordination between teams, aligning team objectives with organizational strategy, and ensuring resource allocation is optimized across teams. They also mentor other team leaders to enhance their management skills.Grow Self and Others: This leader sets a priority of development for the entire organization. They champion initiatives that promote a lifelong learning culture, ensuring that all staff have access to career development opportunities. They measure the impact of these initiatives on organizational performance and adjust strategies to optimize results.Build a Culture of Trust: This leader strategically promotes trust and psychological safety across broader groups, implementing policies and practices that support these values and modeling them in every leadership action.Communicate Deliberately: This leader is responsible for communicating complex ideas and strategies across multiple teams or departments. They develop and deliver messages that align with organizational goals, ensuring that their communication strategies enhance team alignment and strategic execution.Additional Knowledge and Skills:Deep understanding of organizational strategy, business operations, and planning processesKnowledge of human capital practices, including workforce planning, talent development, and organizational designStrong analytical capability, including the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insightsAdvanced project and performance management skills, including managing multiple priorities simultaneouslyStrong understanding of resource allocation, cross-functional coordination, and operational systems designExceptional ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership and board-level interactionsHigh level of emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential mattersAbility to:Serve as an effective advisor by brainstorming solutions and offering strategic recommendations without creating unnecessary disruptionCommunicate effectively with executive leadership, board members, and diverse stakeholder groupsNavigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and high-pressure situations with composure and clarityInfluence outcomes and drive alignment across teams without direct authorityAnticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions or recommendationsManage multiple complex priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detailWork Style:Leadership - Willingness to lead, take initiative, and provide direction in complex environmentsIntegrity - Demonstrates honesty, ethics, and professionalismInitiative - Proactively identifies opportunities and takes ownership of outcomesStress Tolerance - Performs effectively in high-stakes, fast-paced environmentsDependability - Consistently delivers high-quality work and follows through on commitmentsAchievement/Effort - Sets and pursues ambitious goalsIndependence - Operates with minimal supervision and strong self-directionSelf-Control - Maintains composure in challenging or sensitive situationsAttention to Detail - Ensures accuracy, quality, and thoroughnessRequired Experience:Education: Bachelor's degree requiredMinimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience supporting senior executivesExperience in strategic planning and executionExperience managing complex programs or enterprise initiativesExperience advising and influencing executive leadershipCross-functional leadership with competing prioritiesExperience developing high-impact written materialsHigh level of proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)Proven ability to manage high-profile workstreamsStrong written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated emotional intelligence and leadership capabilityPreferred Experience:10+ years of relevant experienceMaster's degree preferredExperience managing senior leaders or multiple functional teamsExperience working with executive leadership and/or board-level stakeholdersExperience in education systems or similarly complex organizationsPhysical Requirements:Ability to travel frequently, including air travel and overnight staysAbility to navigate office and school environmentsAbility to respond to operational needs across multiple locationsWhat We Offer:Compensation & Benefits:Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $119,000 and $142,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.Application process:Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.Learn more about IDEAAt IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values