Job Title: Chief Operations &  Infrastructure                                                                     Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

 

Reports to: Superintendent

 

Dept./School: Operations & Infrastructure                                                                           Initiated Date: August 2026

 

 

 

WHO WE ARE

La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district’s vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.

 

Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.

1. Customer Service
2. Trust & Transparency
3. High-Quality Instruction
4. Excellence in Leadership
5. Integrity & Accountability

We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

La Joya ISD seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as Chief Operations Officer. This Cabinet-level leader will oversee the district’s operational systems and infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient, sustainable, and high-quality environments that support student success.

 

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings strong expertise in complex school district operations, infrastructure, facilities, transportation, and resource management
• Has a proven record of leading large-scale operational improvements, managing complex projects, and translating strategic priorities into measurable results.
• Can lead long-range planning and capital improvement efforts, including facilities assessment, demographic analysis, and long-range facility master planning.
• Demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship and the ability to align operational investments with district priorities and student needs.
• Is an exceptional systems thinker and problem-solver who can identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service, safety, and sustainability across the district.
• Builds strong relationships with campus leaders, staff, community partners, and Cabinet colleagues while maintaining high expectations for service and execution.

 

• Has the courage to lead significant systems change while maintaining operational stability and accountability
• Is committed to collaborating with the Superintendent and Cabinet to ensure executive-level work, shared ownership of district priorities, and timely execution.

 

WHY LA JOYA ISD

You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to high-quality, research-based resources and operational systems. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement, rigorous analysis, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, Operations Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or related field required.
• Doctoral degree in a relevant field (preferred).
• Texas Mid-Management or Superintendent certification (preferred).
• Relevant professional certifications in operations, facilities, transportation, safety, construction, project management, or related fields preferred.

 

Experience:

• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in operations, facilities, transportation, construction, infrastructure, business administration, or a related
• Minimum three years of experience leading complex, multi-department operations within a large organization preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale budgets, capital projects, contracts, vendors, and operational service delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives with measurable results.
• Experience in public education or another large public-sector organization

 

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Proven success in leading complex operational systems toward continuous improvement with a relentless pursuit of excellence in service delivery.
• Deep knowledge of facilities management, transportation systems, custodial operations, grounds management, energy management, child nutrition, and school safety.
• Strong understanding of long-range facilities planning, facility condition assessments, demographic and enrollment trends, capital improvement planning, construction, renovation, and project management.
• Knowledge of school transportation operations, routing, fleet management, transportation policies, safety requirements, and service delivery models.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and requirements related to school operations, facilities, transportation, food service, environmental compliance, and safety.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, procurement, contracts, vendor management, and fiscal stewardship.

 

• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational, financial, facilities, transportation, enrollment, and service data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ability to establish clear performance expectations, monitor implementation, and hold teams accountable for measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and
• Strong leadership, management, organizational, problem-solving, and project management
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, vendors, community partners, and elected officials.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

 

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS

The Chief Operations Officer will be responsible for and held accountable to the following outcomes:

• Operational Excellence: Improve the quality, efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness of district operational services across all assigned departments
• Transportation Transformation: Successfully implement the district’s multiyear transportation transformation, including routing, service models, policies, efficiency initiatives, technology, and customer service Improve on-time performance, route efficiency, service reliability, and customer satisfaction while maintaining safe and compliant transportation operations
• Facilities & Infrastructure: Complete and utilize the Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) to establish a prioritized, data-driven approach to facility maintenance, renovation, replacement, and capital investment. Lead the development and implementation of a Long-Range Facility Master Plan (LRFMP) informed by facility condition, demographic, enrollment, programmatic, financial, and operational Ensure construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects are completed safely, on schedule, within approved budgets, and consistent with established quality standards
• Safety & Security: implement a comprehensive district safety grant strategy that maximizes available funding and results in measurable improvements to student and staff Ensure district operational practices, facilities, and systems meet applicable safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements
• Service Quality: Improve customer satisfaction and responsiveness across transportation, custodial, maintenance, grounds, child nutrition, and other operational services. Establish and monitor service-level expectations and performance measures for assigned departments.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Maximize the return on district investments through effective budgeting, procurement, contract management, energy management, operational efficiencies, and long-range capital planning.
• Organizational Capacity: Develop and retain high-performing operational leaders through effective coaching, performance management, professional development, and clear accountability
• Strategic Execution: Successfully execute major operational initiatives and Board-approved priorities within established timelines, budgets, and performance expectations.

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

 

Executive Leadership:

• Serve as a transformational executive leader working to create a best-in-class learning and working
• Serve as a key advisor to the Superintendent and Cabinet on district operations, infrastructure, facilities, transportation, safety, and resource management.
• Participate in executive-level decision-making and strategy development as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet.

 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and strategic direction for Operations & Infrastructure aligned to the district’s mission, strategic plan, Board priorities, and Superintendent
• Promote the expectation for high-level performance, customer service, operational excellence, and accountability across all assigned departments.
• Establish annual performance goals and measurable outcomes for Operations & Infrastructure and monitor progress toward achievement.
• Build strong relationships across the district to ensure operational decisions support the district’s instructional mission and student outcomes.
• Collaborate with other Cabinet members and district leaders to identify operational barriers and develop solutions that improve the overall effectiveness of the organization.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, transparent, and responsible behavior and serve as a role model for district leadership.

 

Operational Leadership & Service Delivery

• Provide executive oversight of Custodial, Maintenance & Facilities, Energy Management, Child Nutrition Services, Transportation, Grounds, and other assigned operational functions.
• Establish clear standards, expectations, performance measures, and accountability systems for operational service delivery.
• Monitor the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of assigned departments and direct corrective action when performance does not meet expectations.
• Ensure district facilities and operational services are safe, clean, functional, efficient, and responsive to the needs of students, staff, and campuses.
• Develop and implement systems to improve communication, work order management, preventive maintenance, service response, and customer service.
• Evaluate operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, eliminate duplication, reduce costs, and improve service quality.
• Ensure departments maintain accurate records, operational procedures, performance data, and required documentation.

 

Transportation

• Lead the district’s multiyear transportation transformation strategy, including routing, bell-time alignment, service models, transportation policies, technology, fleet utilization, and operational
• Establish clear performance expectations for transportation operations, including on-time performance, route efficiency, safety, customer service, and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor transportation data and service delivery to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure transportation policies and practices are aligned with district priorities, student needs, fiscal realities, and applicable requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of transportation technology and systems designed to improve routing, communication, safety, and accountability.
• Engage campus and community stakeholders in transportation improvement efforts and communicate changes clearly and proactively.

 

Facilities, Construction & Long-Range Planning

• Lead districtwide facilities planning, maintenance, capital improvement, construction, and renovation strategies.

 

• Use the Facility Condition Assessment, demographic study, enrollment projections, programmatic needs, and financial data to inform long-range facilities decisions.
• Lead the development and implementation of the district’s Long-Range Facility Master
• Develop recommendations regarding future construction, renovation, replacement, repurposing, consolidation, and other capital investments based on established criteria and district priorities.
• Provide executive oversight of major construction and renovation projects to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and according to approved specifications.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, consultants, governmental agencies, and district stakeholders on capital projects.
• Monitor construction progress, project risks, change orders, timelines, budgets, and quality standards and provide timely recommendations to the Superintendent.
• Ensure completed facilities and infrastructure are transitioned effectively into ongoing maintenance and operations.
• Oversee district construction and facility improvement projects as assigned, ensuring alignment with approved plans, budgets, timelines, and quality standards.

 

Safety & Grant Strategy

• Lead the district’s strategic approach to safety-related grant identification, application, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Coordinate with district departments and external partners to maximize available grant resources supporting student and staff safety.
• Ensure grant-funded safety initiatives are aligned to district priorities, implemented with fidelity, and evaluated for effectiveness.
• Monitor compliance with grant requirements, timelines, budgets, and reporting
• Collaborate with district leadership and appropriate agencies to identify emerging safety needs and develop proactive solutions.

Energy & Environmental Management

• Provide strategic oversight of district energy management initiatives designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support responsible stewardship of district resources.
• Monitor utility consumption, energy costs, and facility performance and identify opportunities for conservation and operational improvement.
• Establish energy management goals and performance measures and monitor progress toward established targets.
• Ensure district facilities and operational practices comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.

Child Nutrition Services

• Provide executive oversight of Child Nutrition Services to ensure students have access to high-quality, nutritious, efficient, and compliant food service.
• Monitor program quality, participation, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and customer service.
• Collaborate with academic and student support leaders to identify opportunities for Child Nutrition Services to support student wellness and academic success.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise the Deputy Chief of Operations & Infrastructure and assigned department heads, including Directors and Executive Directors.

 

• Establish clear performance expectations and annual goals aligned with district priorities and operational outcomes.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to build the capacity of department
• Conduct evaluations and ensure appropriate documentation related to performance, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Ensure strong cross-functional collaboration and accountability among departments to meet timelines, compliance requirements, service expectations, and strategic goals.
• Develop leadership capacity and succession planning within the Operations & Infrastructure

 

Culture & Climate

• Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all
• Facilitate effective and timely resolution of
• Ensure systems and programs exist that enhance students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic achievement.
• Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA.

 

School or Community Relations

• Articulate the mission, goals, and priorities of Operations & Infrastructure to internal and external
• Serve as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, governmental agencies, community organizations, contractors, vendors, and other external partners on operational and infrastructure matters.
• Communicate major operational changes, construction projects, transportation initiatives, and facilities plans clearly and proactively to stakeholders.
• Build trust and transparency through timely communication regarding operational challenges, project timelines, service disruptions, and improvement efforts.
• Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and incorporate stakeholder feedback into operational planning and service delivery.

 

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

• Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records as
• Develop and oversee the Operations & Infrastructure budget and ensure effective stewardship of district resources.
• Evaluate operational expenditures, contracts, and capital investments to maximize efficiency and return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, Board policies, and district procedures.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of required reports, records, audits, inspections, grant documentation, and compliance activities.

Other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Physical Demands

Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.

 

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

 

Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing.

 

Mental Demands:

Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.

 

POSITION WORKING DAYS

226 days

 

COMPENSATION

Based on the district’s approved compensation plan.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

 

 

 

 

 

Employee’s Signature:                                                  Supervisor’s Name:                                              

 

Employee’s ID:                                                              Supervisor’s Signature:                                       

 

Date:                                                                             Date: