Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

The Environmental Charter School (ECS) seeks a strategic, systems-minded Chief Operating Officer to support ECS in becoming a fully mission aligned operation and a best place to work . The successful candidate will bring experience and demonstrated ability to lead as a Chief Operating Officer as well as in Human Resources management. The successful candidate will also possess a genuine commitment to the ECS mission and core values of environment, equity, and collaboration.

OUR MISSION AND VISION

The mission of ECS is to educate each student to high academic standards using innovative curricula that will foster knowledge, love of, and respect for the environment and preserve it for future generations. We grow citizens. Our vision is that every ECS graduate will be an actively engaged citizen driving thoughtful change in the world around them.

ECS combines academic rigor with a multi-disciplinary, “out-the-door” learning approach rooted in real-world problem-solving. Using environmental literacy and an innovative curriculum, students progress from play, wonder, and curiosity in the primary grades to agency and advocacy in middle and high school, growing into active, engaged, empathetic citizens who are critical thinkers and purposeful agents of change.

OUR CORE VALUES

Environment : We commit to environmental education and responsibility as a guiding criteria for every decision.

Equity: We prioritize equity, inclusivity, and diversity across all facets of our organization so that every individual is empowered to thrive.

Collaboration : We work in collaboration with each other and our community – with a generosity of spirit – in ways that build trust and extend compassion toward others.

WORKING AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER SCHOOL

Our 2024-2027 strategic framework commits ECS to five priorities: reinvigorate teaching and learning; energize teachers, staff, and our community; renew family engagement and support; foster community connections; and launch visibility and thought leadership. The Chief Operating Officer is central to each of these priorities, especially the second – that teachers and staff will experience ECS as a best place to work – and to our Team Health and Performance outcomes, including that all staff will thrive together in a positive and productive culture, where everyone contributes to the mission. Currently, we measure our progress through indicators such as staff satisfaction and pride, safety and inclusion, commitment and support, retention, and the experience of new and departing staff and we expect our Chief Operating Officer to help us understand and improve each one of them.

OVERVIEW

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a member of the Environmental Charter School Senior Leadership Team along with the Chief Executive Officer, Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Innovation and Technology Services. The COO manages day-to-day operations of a K-12 charter school district of approximately 250 employees serving approximately 1,100 students coming from approximately 40 zip codes. The COO ensures that all non-instructional operations of ECS — human resources, facilities, food services, transportation and related administrative functions — run efficiently, innovatively, safely, in compliance with applicable law and requirements and in direct support of the ECS mission. They will also serve as the school's Director of Human Resources. Roles reporting to the COO include (and may expand), director of facilities, director of food services, senior home office manager, transportation coordinator, athletics, and human resources staff.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in management including as a Chief Operating Officer
• Experience working in Pennsylvania school districts, charter schools or public organizations
• Demonstrated success leading Human Resources, including designing and implementing Human Resources systems, processes and/or HRIS platforms
• Experience with complex employment certifications and requirements, including clearances and certification
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Minimum starting salary of $119,371 with consideration given for experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short-, and long-term disability insurance, voluntary coverage options, generous paid time off and participation in a generous 403b retirement plan.

To Apply :

Submit cover letter and resume to: https://www.ecspgh.org/about/careers by November 24, 2026 .

A more extensive position description will be provided to applicants selected to interview.

Clearances current within one year of hire will be required and include Arrest/Conviction disclosure, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Clearance (Act 34), and FBI Criminal Background Check (Act 114). A Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (Act 168) and Mandated Reporter certification also will be required.