Director of Operations

Specialized Education Services•Chicago, IL

4h•$60,000

About The Position

In special education and alternative education settings nationwide, the team members of Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) shine a positive light on students who need academic, emotional, social, and behavioral support and uncover the unique learner within. Have a profound impact, grow, learn, and thrive as part of our team. Overview The Director of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for managing the daily operational functions of the school. This position ensures that facilities, resources, and support services are maintained to create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. The Director of Operations collaborates with school leadership to implement strategic initiatives, manage budgets, oversee vendor contracts, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations or facilities management, with a preference for experience in an educational setting.
Proven leadership and team management skills.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost-saving initiatives.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Facilities & Infrastructure Management: Oversee the maintenance, repair, and improvement of school buildings, grounds, and related infrastructure.
Ensure that all facilities are compliant with health, safety, and accessibility standards.
Coordinate facility improvement projects and emergency repair efforts.
Budget & Financial Oversight: Develop, manage, and monitor the operations budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
Track expenditures and prepare regular financial reports for school leadership.
Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Vendor & Contract Management: Negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors for services such as maintenance, security, cleaning, and supplies.
Monitor vendor performance to ensure service quality and adherence to contractual obligations.
Operational Policy & Procedure Development: Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure consistent, efficient, and effective school operations.
Regularly review and update policies in response to changes in regulations, technology, or school needs.
Staff Supervision & Collaboration: Supervise and provide leadership to the operations team, including facilities, maintenance, and administrative support staff.
Foster a collaborative work environment that promotes professional development and teamwork.
Coordinate with other departments to support school-wide initiatives and operational needs.
Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Develop, implement, and oversee emergency response plans, safety protocols, and security measures.
Conduct regular safety audits and drills to ensure preparedness for various emergencies.
Strategic Planning & Communication: Collaborate with school leadership on long-term strategic planning for operational improvements and resource allocation.
Serve as a liaison between school leadership, staff, and external stakeholders on matters related to operations.
Communicate operational updates, changes, and strategic initiatives effectively to all stakeholders.