Director of School Operations - Newark - KIPP New Jersey

About KIPP New Jersey

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.

The Director of School Operations is the leader of operations. The DSO manages and is responsible for all non-instructional systems and staff in the building, and is required to be on-site daily.

• 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          
  • Develop and manage the school’s budget
  • Oversee purchasing for the school
• Academic Support Operations 
  • Manage the operational logistics of all student test administration, 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        
  • Oversee the food service management company to ensure the meal program meets the network’s expectations
  • Maintain compliance for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner
• Compliance     
  • Ensure school-wide compliance with health and safety laws
  • Support staff certification and fingerprinting compliance
  • 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
• Community Partnerships         
  • Develop and manage a protocol for community use of the building that includes MOUs, background checks, and compliant use of the facility
• School Operations       
  • Ensure the day-to-day school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival and dismissal

Must Haves:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
• 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:

• Previous experience in a customer service-oriented role
• Previous experience in an educational or non-profit setting

Compensation & Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP NJ offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area. 

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer