About this opportunity
University Prep Schools (Detroit) lists this Chief Operating Officer opportunity in detroit, Michigan. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
University Prep Schools ("U Prep") is Detroit's largest public charter school network, serving ~4,600 K-12 students across 10 schools in three distinct districts: University Preparatory Academy (UPA), University Prep Science & Math (UPSM), and University Prep Art & Design (UPAD). U Prep operates on a four-pillar model: Culturally Responsive Teaching, Project-Based Learning, CREW, and Distributed Leadership. Its non-negotiable core values are:
We work well by ourselves and in teams
We care about people
Our actions have a purpose
We think big and do
Learning is exciting
Governance & Financial Model
Grand Valley State University serves as the charter authorizer for the Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD), whose Board governs the districts. Each district contracts with Detroit 90/90, a nonprofit educational management organization that employs network staff and provides central support. A pivotal partnership with the Thompson Schools Foundation provided a ~$123M investment in nine facilities leased for $1/year. Led by CEO/Superintendent Djeneba "DJ" Cherif, U Prep's Strategic Plan emphasizes teacher retention, modernizing HR and data systems, school culture, and resource alignment.
The Opportunity: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Townsend Search Group has been retained to recruit a COO reporting directly to the CEO as part of the Executive Leadership Team. Operating under the principle that operations serve academics, the COO will lead the Operations House , directly supervising:
Executive Director of Finance
Senior Director of Human Resources
Director of Athletics
Director of Information Technology
Director of Attendance
Marketing Manager
Key Responsibilities
Executive & Academic Partnership: Collaborate with academic and school leaders to ensure all operational decisions directly improve classroom conditions and student outcomes.
Team Development: Coach and develop department heads, building an efficient, mission-aligned, and accountable culture.
Financial Strategy & Sustainability: Partner with executive leadership to translate strategic priorities into sustainable budgets, optimized resource allocations, and modernized systems.
Modernization & Automation: Streamline processes, build durable SOPs, and implement smart automation/IT solutions across HR, finance, marketing, and logistics.
Talent & Student Recruitment: Optimize marketing and recruitment funnels to compete effectively for student enrollment and high-caliber educators in the Detroit market.
Compliance & Culture: Ensure total adherence to regulatory standards (payroll, food service, data privacy) while maintaining a welcoming, well-resourced school environment.
Candidate Requirements
Experience: 10+ years in operations, finance, or business management within complex environments. K‑12 experience is not required; candidates bringing best practices from corporate or outside industries are encouraged.
Core Competencies:
Direct experience leading cross‑functional teams (HR, finance, IT, logistics).
Proven track record of process improvement, automation, and cost‑efficiency implementation.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and mission‑driven leadership.
Strong change‑management, communication, and analytical problem‑solving skills.
Must work on‑site at U Prep’s headquarters in Detroit, MI.
Rewards & Contact
Compensation: Competitive salary, comprehensive medical benefits, 401(k) with up to 6% employer match, and dedicated professional development. Position is exempt and Detroit‑based.
University Prep Schools (Detroit 90/90) is an equal opportunity employer.
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Worksite address
detroit, MI, 48228, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.