Director of School Operations (26-27)

KIPP • Newark, NJ

4h • $97,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Director of School Operations (DSO) leads a school’s operations and is responsible for its non-instructional systems and staff. The DSO Fellowship prepares operations leaders to step into the DSO role. Fellows work with a current DSO and receive weekly professional development and support from regional operations leads.

The role oversees operations staff and other school support workers, including performance management, regular individual and team meetings, and professional development. It supports school budgeting and purchasing; coordinates operational logistics for student testing and other academic systems; and leads enrollment planning, family outreach, events, and local partnerships.

The DSO oversees school-based technology operations and planning, facilities, vendors, and the nutrition program. The role ensures compliance with health and safety laws, onboarding requirements, education mandates, and workplace regulations. It also ensures daily school systems operate smoothly, including front office processes, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, specifically Excel or Google Spreadsheets.
• Database management and reporting skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong customer service skills and commitment to supporting families and children.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on team projects.
• Ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented in high-stress situations.
• Commitment to ensuring teachers and students have what they need to be successful.
• Ability to proactively solve problems and anticipate challenges.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and generate creative solutions.
• Ability to develop and manage multiple projects simultaneously and work 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.
• Previous experience in a customer service-oriented role.
• Previous experience in an educational or non-profit setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage school operations staff and other school support workers on the operations team.
• Implement and execute a performance management system for direct reports.
• Conduct weekly individual and team meetings and provide professional development.
• Support management of the school’s budget and oversee school purchasing.
• Manage operational logistics for student test administration and other academic operational systems in coordination with school leadership and/or teaching staff.
• Meet annual enrollment targets through backwards planning from enrollment targets and dates.
• Plan events and family outreach, and establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
• Oversee day-to-day school-based technology projects and ensure school leaders, students, and staff have needed technology.
• Plan technology enhancements or additional purchases for the subsequent school year.
• Oversee day-to-day facilities operations and maintain a beautiful school.
• Procure and manage vendors, including contractors, service providers, and maintenance workers.
• Manage the partnership with the Food Service Management Company to ensure the meal program meets school expectations.
• Ensure school-wide compliance with health and safety laws, staff onboarding requirements, city and state education mandates, and federal and state workplace regulations.
• Ensure daily school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently, including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions.
• School-issued laptop.
• Transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into Newark from the New York City area.
• Paid school vacation weeks, allocated sick and personal days, and an extended summer break.
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Optional short-term and long-term disability, accident, and hospital indemnity benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed