The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key executive leader providing operational oversight to the direction of the financial, human resources, facilities, risk governance, and strategic planning functions of Rosslyn Academy. Reporting directly to the Superintendent and serving on the Executive
Leadership Team, the COO ensures that all administrative operations align with institutional vision, board policies, and the school's Christian mission. The COO provides direct executive oversight to the functional directors of Finance, HR, IT, Facilities/Operations, and Health Services (Wellness Center).
This role requires a leader with proven operational management experience who can combine financial and strategic business acumen with operational oversight, aligning fiscal resources with organizational goals while maintaining long-term institutional viability.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership Responsibilities
Model a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, Bible-based living, and the basic tenets of
Rosslyn Academy, inspiring faith across staff and constituents.
Ensure all operational departments operate in harmony with the school's Christian philosophy and written board policies.
Lead, inspire, and evaluate support staff using effective team-building, collegial leadership, and biblical conflict resolution.
Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth, helping to implement organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Provide direct executive oversight to Finance, HR, IT, Facilities/Operations, and Health Services (Wellness Center).
Prepare the agenda and preside over departmental and direct report meetings (Usually bi-weekly)
Complete annual performance reviews for all direct reports
Finance
Develop, execute, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the finance director, ensuring compliance with board policy and safeguarding institutional assets.
Oversee with the finance director, cash flow forecasting, monthly management of accounts, external audits, tuition fee benchmarking/pricing strategies, and donor revenue opportunities.
Along with the Superintendent and Finance Director, be prepared to present quarterly Finance
Reports to the Board of Governors.
Other Departmental Responsibilities
IT: Oversee the IT Systems Director in delivering secure, cost-effective digital infrastructure and ensuring data protection compliance under Kenyan law.
HR: In conjunction with the Superintendent, oversee HR functions including recruitment, contract preparation, onboarding, performance appraisals, payroll linkages, and labor compliance.
Facilities: Update and execute the campus Master Facilities Plan within Board mandates.
Direct capital developments, collaborating with architects, contractors, and external project managers to deliver projects on schedule and budget.
Ensure property maintenance, campus security, transportation, and food services meet rigorous quality standards. Integrate sustainable solutions to reduce energy consumption.
Establish policies that promote company culture and vision
Compliance, Risk & Governance
Enforce strict compliance with Kenyan labor laws, business regulations, and local operational requirements.
Maintain the school's Risk Register, manage insurance coverage, update the Emergency
Operations Plan annually, and oversee business continuity planning.
Prepare and submit formal monitoring and operational reports to the Superintendent and the Board of Governors.
Collaboration & Communication
Use appropriate, effective, and sensitive communication modes to convey the school's philosophy, needs, mission, accomplishments, and institutional operational information to school constituents and all staff.
Participate with the other executive leaders on the Executive Team.
Participate with the other administrators on the Leadership Team.
Professional Development
Annually submit in writing professional goals to the Superintendent.
Participate with staff, faculty, and administration in professional development and in-service activities.
Annually obtain performance feedback from staff, parents, and if applicable, students, as part of the evaluation procedure.
Qualifications
Required:
Personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a sense of God's calling to serve at Rosslyn Academy.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Administration, or related field required.
Proven senior-level business and operational leadership experience in a complex, multi-functional organization with complex budgets.
Proven ability to work cross-culturally and to respect diversity within the body of Christ.
Strong communication and organizational skills, with proficiency in English and basic technology. High emotional intelligence and project management expertise needed.
Agreement with Rosslyn Academy's Christian beliefs (Core Tenants) and Statements on Diversity and Human Sexuality.
Preferred:
Master's degree (MBA or related) preferred.
Experience in an international school, educational institution, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organization is highly preferred.
Experience with financial processes that adhere to IFRS and ECFA non-profit accounting guidelines.
Work Requirements
Full-time position (minimum 40 hours per week).
Flexibility required for evening or weekend events.