Director of School Operations (Potential Start Date: Late June/July 1, 2026)

The New School of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of School Operations (DoSO) is a strategic and execution-focused leader required to be on-site daily and punctual to ensure that all school operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in full alignment with the school’s mission and standards. The DoSO owns the systems, people, and processes that ensure a safe, compliant, and high-functioning school environment where students can learn and staff can excel. This role requires a leader who can think beyond day-to-day operations to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and make decisions that consider the full impact across the school community. The DoSO sets a high bar for operational excellence, professionalism, and accountability, and serves as a key member of the School Leadership Team. This role reports directly to the COO. We recognize that candidates from historically underrepresented groups do not always apply for leadership positions. We strongly encourage all such candidates to apply, and we are committed to reviewing all perspectives and experiences as part of an inclusive and equitable hiring process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Deep belief in the mission, vision, and values of the organization, including a demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining a Pro-Black, anti-racist organizational culture
Demonstrated ability to work effectively across lines of difference, including race, culture, language, and identity, and to build strong, trust-based relationships with diverse staff, students, and families
5–7+ years of relevant experience
3+ years in a leadership role overseeing operations, systems, or teams
Prior experience serving on a leadership team and partnering cross-functionally across departments
Demonstrated ability to operate at both a strategic and executional level
Proven ability to lead teams to strong, measurable outcomes
Demonstrated ability to build and manage systems that drive efficiency, accountability, and consistency
Strong decision-making skills with the ability to assess risk, ensure compliance, and consider cross-functional impact
Demonstrated experience ensuring organizational compliance and maintaining accurate, audit-ready systems and records
High level of professionalism, reliability, and personal accountability, including strong time management, consistent daily on-site presence, and punctuality required
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated high emotional intelligence, including the ability to build strong relationships, navigate conflict, strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple groups, including staff, families, and school leadership
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across diverse stakeholders
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining clarity and focus
Experience managing complex projects from start to finish

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business, education, public administration, or a related field strongly preferred
Experience in a school setting strongly preferred
Spanish bilingual strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Own the vision, strategy, and execution of all school-based operations functions
Define, implement, and continuously improve systems that drive efficiency, clarity, and consistency across the school
Anticipate operational needs, identify risks, and proactively implement solutions
Ensure all operational decisions align with school-wide priorities, compliance requirements, and organizational values
Perform other duties as assigned by the COO to support the mission, vision, and operational success of the school
Plan, coordinate/support, and execute complex operational projects across the school, including: Facilities upgrades and maintenance initiatives, Food service improvements and vendor management, Technology implementations and student systems initiatives, Space planning, preparation for the opening of the school year, and end-of-year closeout processes, Testing coordination, school-wide events, orientations, and community events
Lead projects from concept through completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects that improve efficiency, compliance, and student and staff experience
Anticipate risks, manage dependencies, and implement solutions proactively to prevent operational or compliance issues
Management of the school operations budget, including oversight of spending, vendor contracts, and participation in annual budget planning
Establish systems for tracking progress, measuring impact, and reporting outcomes to leadership
Own systems that ensure clear, timely, and accessible communication with families, staff, and visitors
Foster strong relationships with families through responsive, solutions-oriented service
Partner with school leadership to execute high-quality, consistent school-wide communications
Ensure full compliance with all school, district, state, and regulatory requirements, including health, safety, and nutrition standards
Ensure student registration, enrollment, and attendance systems are accurate, efficient, and aligned with regulatory and school standards
Drive strategies to improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism
Maintain accurate, audit-ready records for all operational areas, including facilities, food services, and student systems
Anticipate risks and proactively implement solutions that prevent compliance issues or operational breakdowns
Lead, manage, and develop the some members of the school operations team
Set clear expectations, hold team members accountable, and build a strong performance culture
Hire, coach, and retain high-performing team members
Lead team planning, goal setting, and professional development
Serve as a key member of the School Wide Leadership Team
Partner closely with instructional and program leaders to ensure operational systems support academic and culture and climate success
Make decisions with a full understanding of cross-functional impact, avoiding siloed approaches
Collaborate on annual budget planning and financial decision making for operational areas
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the COO and school leadership
Ensure the physical environment reflects the school’s values, culture, and commitment to students
Support the planning and execution of school events and community experiences
Contribute to a welcoming, organized, and joyful school environment
Oversee school-wide duties management and expectation setting