26-27 Director of School Operations

KIPP Team and Family • Newark, NJ

1d • $97,000 - $117,000

About The Position

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate over 7,738 students in grades K-12 across 15 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will have fifteen schools in Newark and seven in Camden providing a world-class education to over 11,600 students. To learn more, visit www.kippnj.org. We anticipate beginning interviews in mid-to-late January 2026 and the full process concluding by March 2026, with July 2026 start dates. Applications received after January will be considered on a rolling, and as-needed basis. Role Overview: The Director of School Operations (DSO) is the leader of operations. The DSO manages and is responsible for all non-instructional systems and staff in the building. The DSO Fellowship prepares operations leaders to step into the Director of School Operations role. In addition to working with a current Director of School Operations, Fellows get support through weekly professional development and support from regional operations leads. The core components of the role(s) are:

Requirements

• Must Haves:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, specifically Excel / Google Spreadsheets
• Database management and reporting
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organization skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Superb customer service skills and love and support for families and children
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team on collaborative projects
• Ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented in high-stress situations
• Commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful
• Ability to proactively problem solve; anticipate challenges before they occur
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and generate creative solutions
• Ability to develop and manage multiple projects simultaneously and comfortably with ambiguity
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage high-stress situations with a calm and positive demeanor
• Ability to work evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

• Nice-to-Haves:
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
• Previous experience in a customer service-oriented role
• Previous experience in an educational or non-profit setting

Responsibilities

• People Management
• Manage the school operations staff and all other school support workers on the operations team
• Implement and execute a performance management system for direct reports
• Conduct weekly individual meetings and team meetings
• Provide professional development
• Finance and Purchasing
• Support management of the school’s budget
• Oversee purchasing for the school
• Academic Support Operations
• Manage the operational logistics of all student test administration and other academic operational systems, in coordination with school leadership and/or teaching staff
• Student Recruitment / Enrollment
• Ensure the school meets annual enrollment targets by backwards planning from target enrollment numbers and dates
• Plan events and outreach to families
• Establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations
• Technology
• Oversee day-to-day operations of school-based technology projects by ensuring that school leaders, students, and staff have access to the technology they need
• Plan any technology-related enhancements or additional purchases for the subsequent school year
• Facilities
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of facilities and maintain a beautiful school
• Vendor Management
• Procure and manage all vendors needed for the smooth and successful operation of the facility, including contractors, service providers, and maintenance workers
• Nutrition Program
• Manage partnership with Food Service Management Company to ensure the meal program meets the school’s expectations
• Compliance
• Ensure school-wide compliance with health and safety laws
• Ensure onboarding requirements for new staff members are completed
• Comply with any city and state education mandates
• Comply with all federal and state workplace regulations
• School Operations
• Ensure the day-to-day school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently, including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive salary, we a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:
• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision
• Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
• A school-issued laptop
• Transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into Newark from the New York City area
• Generous Time-Off including 3.5-4 school vacation weeks (depending on the year), allocated sick and personal days, and an extended summer break
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave for primary caregivers
• Employer paid life insurance
• Extensive optional ancillary benefits including, short term and long term disability and accident and hospital indemnity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees