Operations Project Manager

The Gardner School•Franklin, IL

2d•$105,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. The Operations Program Manager at The Gardner School (TGS) is responsible for managing the successful opening of new schools, whether through supporting the setup of newly constructed schools or integrating acquired schools, and additional high priority special projects that span multiple teams across TGS. Within the New School Opening process, this role ensures smooth transitions from pre-opening planning to post-launch integration and ensures that all new schools meet TGS’s high standards. The Program Manager will collaborate across departments to coordinate everything from regulatory compliance and licensing to pre-opening enrollment and operational readiness for new schools. This role may be based in Chicago, IL or Nashville, TN, with the option for a hybrid or remote work arrangement, depending on the candidate’s location and business needs. Salary & Benefits This position offers a salary range of $105,000–$115,000, based on experience, location, and work arrangement. We also provide a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; generous PTO and paid holidays; wellness resources; professional development opportunities; and childcare tuition benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or a related field or equivalent experience.
Experience in supporting the opening of new locations, whether through construction or acquisition integration.
Strong knowledge of licensing and regulatory requirements in early childhood education or a related field.

Nice To Haves

2+ years of experience in Early Childhood Education
2+ years of experience in project management, new business development, or equivalent experience.
Experience in early childhood education or related fields.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Strong financial acumen, particularly in budgeting and resource management.
Preferred candidates will have existing broker relationships

Responsibilities

Support Opening of New Schools
Own and refine a standard playbook for the opening and new school setup process.
Delegate and provide guidance to the cross-functional New School Core team to ensure all activities stay on plan and budget, and the team is working as one cohesive unit.
Collaborate with Construction and Facilities teams to ensure that all necessary resources and supplies are in place for new school openings.
Partner with the Marketing and People & Culture teams to develop and implement a pre-opening enrollment strategy to ensure that new schools meet initial enrollment targets and are staffed appropriately.
Oversee the setup and operational readiness of newly constructed schools, ensuring a smooth transition from construction completion to school opening.
Supervise and audit the procurement and installation of supplies, furniture, and classroom materials, ensuring all aspects of the school environment are ready for day one.
Ensure all vendor orders and ongoing relationships/accounts are set up and established.
Work with internal teams, Operations and Finance, to ensure that all licensing and regulatory requirements are met before opening.
In partnership with the District Manager and Finance, manage the licensing process for both newly constructed and acquired schools, ensuring all federal, state, and local regulations are met.
Ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are in place for the smooth opening and ongoing operation of newly constructed and acquired schools.
Work closely with the identified internal Core team, including operations, marketing, finance, and human resources, to coordinate all aspects of new school openings.
Ensure cross-functional efforts are being completed on time and to TGS standards, related to enrollment marketing, staffing, and training to ensure new schools are fully operational on opening day.
Support of High Priority Projects
Translate high‑level strategies into clear project roadmaps, with defined objectives, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics.
Monitor progress against milestones, proactively identify risks and issues, drive mitigation plans, and escalate decisions when needed.
Build strong relationships with leaders across departments and run regular project reviews to ensure accountability for decisions, actions, and follow through.
Develop and execute stakeholder engagement and communication plans for key initiatives.
Develop and maintain dashboards and scorecards that summarize the status of special projects.