Chief of Schools - Virginia Department of Education

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GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Chief of Schools supports all district administrators in operational matters and plays a vital role in aligning with the district's vision of inspiring, educating, and developing Danville Public Schools students. In this capacity, the Chief of Schools oversees all aspects of construction and facilities management and provides strategic leadership for various departments, including environmental services, maintenance, safety and security, technology, transportation, and other operational divisions as assigned. This role also includes supervision of school principals. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Chief of Schools serves as a key member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, ensuring the effective management of the district’s operational functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the departments and offices within the Operations Division.
• Leads the evaluation process of the division's personnel, both formative and summative, in line with established policies and procedures.
• Serves as the liaison to the School Board, other school divisions, and external agencies/organizations regarding construction, facilities management, environmental services, maintenance, safety and security, technology, and transportation.
• Collaborates with school administrators and district supervisors to develop and implement school and district operational procedures.
• Provides guidance to all Chief Officers on district-wide operational matters.
• Responds to inquiries from district staff regarding unclear regulations, policies, or legislation.
• Ensures cost-effective and timely execution of all projects and strategic initiatives within the Operations Division.
• Stays informed on emerging trends in administrative functions and school construction management by participating in workshops, conferences, seminars, and relevant readings.
• Prepares and submits required reports to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Carries out specific duties annually, as outlined in the operations area's responsibility delineation or action plans.
• Represents the Superintendent on assigned matters as a designated designee.
• Performance evaluation will be conducted annually by the Superintendent on the effectiveness by which the employee has carried out the above responsibilities
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to facilities and construction management.
• Strong understanding of supervision, organizational structures, and administrative processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the formal bidding process and guidelines at the local, state, and federal levels, including expertise in school construction bonds.
• Familiarity with public relations principles and practices.
• Ability to plan, develop, and implement effective programs and systems.
• Proficiency in interpreting state and federal regulations, as well as school board policies.
• Skilled in budget development and administration.
• Competence in accounting for both initial costs and long-term operational expenses when making recommendations and decisions.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Capable of delivering oral presentations to large audiences.
• Demonstrated tact and courtesy in regular interactions with the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships as required by work responsibilities.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

A Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a focus in business, finance, technology, personnel, or general administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. A Doctorate degree is preferred, along with experience in senior-level leadership roles.

Coursework in the following areas is highly desirable: Budgeting and Financial Management, Business and Personnel Management, Quantitative Methods, Administrative Practices, Computer Information Systems and Management, and Construction and Building Facilities Management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements:

Physical Requirements:
Must be capable of operating various equipment, including computers, copiers, and calculators, as well as driving a motor vehicle.
Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and consistently apply minimal force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects, including the human body.
This role involves light physical activity, often requiring significant walking or standing.

Data Conception:
Ability to compare, evaluate, and assess observable characteristics of data, people, or things, determining their functional or structural similarities and differences.

Interpersonal Communication:
Ability to effectively communicate with others, providing instructions, assignments, or directions to subordinates and assistants.

Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend a wide range of materials, including reports, schedules, forms, manuals, invoices, and journals.
Ability to prepare documents such as reports, evaluations, procedures, charts, surveys, and budgets, adhering to proper grammar, punctuation, and style.
Must be able to speak confidently and clearly to large groups.

Cognitive Abilities:
Ability to apply logical or scientific principles to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Must be able to interpret complex technical instructions and manage abstract or concrete variables.

Verbal Aptitude:
Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.
Must communicate effectively in various technical or professional languages, such as legal, medical, accounting, and marketing terminology.

Numerical Skills:
Ability to use mathematical formulas to perform operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and apply principles of algebra and geometry.

Spatial Aptitude:
Ability to inspect objects for correct length, width, and shape.

Motor Coordination:
Ability to coordinate hand and eye movements quickly and accurately when using office equipment.

Manual Dexterity:
Ability to handle different office equipment and tools, requiring minimal eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Differentiation:
Ability to distinguish between different colors and shades.

Interpersonal Temperament:
Ability to work with people in various situations, beyond simply following instructions.
Must be adaptable to stressful and emergency situations.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

12 months (260 days); at least 8 hours per day

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. Administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.

Revised: September 18, 2024