Director of School Operations

KIPP Memphis•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Director of School Operations is the operational leader of KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary (KCCE) and a key member of the founding team responsible for preparing the school to open successfully. In partnership with the Principal and regional leadership, the Director of School Operations will build the systems, structures, routines, and operational foundation necessary to launch a new school and sustain its success. During the pre-opening phase, this role will extend beyond the traditional responsibilities of an established school-based Director of School Operations. The Director of School Operations will play a hands-on role in student recruitment, community engagement, facility readiness, procurement, vendor coordination, receiving and organizing school materials, family and stakeholder events, and establishing school operations from the ground up. Once the school opens, the Director of School Operations will lead the efficient day-to-day operation of the campus, allowing the Principal and instructional team to maintain a strong focus on teaching and learning. This individual must embrace innovation and continuous improvement, demonstrate strong initiative and follow-through, and be willing to work alongside the founding team wherever needed to ensure KCCE is ready to welcome students, families, staff, and community partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university required.
Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience.
At least 2 years in school operations, education management, non-profit administration, or project management.
Demonstrated track record of successful project management, operational execution, and budget management.
Experience managing staff, service vendors, or cross-functional team projects.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, education leadership, non-profit management, or a related field.
Experience managing operations personnel, service vendors, and multi-faceted operational budgets.
Experience in a charter school network, high-performing urban school, or local educational organization.
Ability to build, streamline, and maintain complex campus systems and routines.
Strong analytical skills to resolve operational challenges.
Deep commitment to educational equity and the mission of KIPP Memphis.

Responsibilities

Build the systems, structures, routines, and operational foundation necessary to launch a new school and sustain its success.
Play a hands-on role in student recruitment, community engagement, facility readiness, procurement, vendor coordination, receiving and organizing school materials, family and stakeholder events, and establishing school operations from the ground up during the pre-opening phase.
Lead the efficient day-to-day operation of the campus once the school opens.
Embrace innovation and continuous improvement.
Demonstrate strong initiative and follow-through.
Work alongside the founding team wherever needed to ensure KCCE is ready to welcome students, families, staff, and community partners.