26-27 Director of School Operations

KIPP • Newark, NJ

15d • $97,000 - $117,000

About The Position

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:People ManagementManage the school operations staff and all other school support workers on the operations teamImplement and execute a performance management system for direct reportsConduct weekly individual meetings and team meetingsProvide professional developmentFinance and PurchasingSupport management of the school's budgetOversee purchasing for the schoolAcademic Support OperationsManage the operational logistics of all student test administration and other academic operational systems, in coordination with school leadership and/or teaching staffStudent Recruitment / EnrollmentEnsure the school meets annual enrollment targets by backwards planning from target enrollment numbers and datesPlan events and outreach to familiesEstablish partnerships with local businesses and organizationsTechnologyOversee day-to-day operations of school-based technology projects by ensuring that school leaders, students, and staff have access to the technology they needPlan any technology-related enhancements or additional purchases for the subsequent school yearFacilitiesOversee the day-to-day operations of facilities and maintain a beautiful schoolVendor ManagementProcure and manage all vendors needed for the smooth and successful operation of the facility, including contractors, service providers, and maintenance workersNutrition ProgramManage partnership with Food Service Management Company to ensure the meal program meets the school's expectationsComplianceEnsure school-wide compliance with health and safety lawsEnsure onboarding requirements for new staff members are completedComply with any city and state education mandatesComply with all federal and state workplace regulationsSchool OperationsEnsure the day-to-day school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently, including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance

Requirements

• 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

• 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

• 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
• Support management of the school's budget
• Oversee purchasing for the school
• Manage the operational logistics of all student test administration and other academic operational systems, in coordination with school leadership and/or teaching staff
• 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
• 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
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of facilities and maintain a beautiful school
• Procure and manage all vendors needed for the smooth and successful operation of the facility, including contractors, service providers, and maintenance workers
• Manage partnership with Food Service Management Company to ensure the meal program meets the school's expectations
• 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
• Ensure the day-to-day school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently, including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance

Benefits

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision
• Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
• A school-issued laptop
• 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