Deputy Superintendent of Business & Operations - 1.0 FTE

Posting Timeline

On August 19th, 2021, Gov. Kate Brown announced that all Oregon K-12 educators, staff and volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18th, 2021 or six weeks after full federal approval, whichever is later. Exceptions to this requirement are limited to Medical or Religious exceptions.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Position Details

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic leader to be our Deputy Superintendent of Business & Operations. This position will partner with the Superintendent and other executive leadership to develop and implement the business and operational systems and structures that will support the District's teaching, curriculum, and student support work. As the day-to-day business and operations leader, the Deputy Superintendent of Business & Operations reports directly to the Superintendent and will lead the operational planning and efficiencies of streamlined business functions of finance and accounting; business operations (security, nutrition, transportation, purchasing, contracting, publishing services); technology; facilities and maintenance; and school modernization. The Deputy Superintendent of Business & Operations will work closely with the Superintendent and other executive leaders to engage and communicate with all major stakeholders, including students, teachers, families, community members, business and civic leaders, and other interested parties to ensure that PPS keep its promises to students and families, engage high achievement and joyful learners, and make equity a reality.

• Collaborate with the Superintendent and district leadership to prioritize the work of all leaders in ensuring equitable and high academic outcomes for all students.
• Build coalitions and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups.
• Assume day-to-day duties of the Superintendent and other duties, as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Acts as a business liaison with local, state, and national agencies.
• Advises the Superintendent on all fiscal and operational matters.
• Assists in the general planning, organization and management of the District.
• Develops goals and objectives for the Business & Operations departments and provides clear direction for employees and programs.
• Identifies new and innovative business practices, achieving more effective and efficient business services.
• Participates as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and Superintendent's Cabinet.
• Presents reports and presentations (e.g. interim reports, budget guidelines and assumptions, staffing ratios, new program analysis, long-range financial planning and negotiations analysis, etc.) for the purpose of keeping the Superintendent, Board, and other entities informed regarding the financial activity of the district.
• Provides supervision and leadership to senior leaders and teams responsible for:
  • Finance, budget management, accounting, treasury, and payroll
  • Business operations, purchasing, contracting, security, nutrition services, and transportation
  • Facilities and maintenance planning, project management, and operations
  • School modernization and bond management
  • Information technology infrastructure and innovation
• Supervises the development of the annual budget for the purpose of addressing the needs of the District and complying with district, county, state and federal regulations.

• Master's Degree in Business or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of experience as a successful business leader including 5+ years of experience leading one of more of the following areas: finance, accounting, business operations, technology, facilities, maintenance, and school modernization.
• Any other combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired skills, knowledge, and abilities may be considered.

• PK-12 public education experience, preferably in a large urban school district
• Demonstrated success implementing and leading shared services
• Experience in leading large-scale business program development in an educational reform environment
• System thinker with the ability to develop and implement specific, tangible plans
• Proven ability to work effectively with racially and ethnically diverse staff, students, and community to bring groups together towards common goals
• Experience in project management, including the ability to identify, develop and deploy resources across multiple initiatives
• Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations
• Demonstrated ability to skillfully navigate existing political structures/systems
• Skilled at re-envisioning, building and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contributions to team effort
• Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral
• Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively
• Unwavering personal integrity
• Ability to lead in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment