Managing Director of Operational Excellence - KIPP Kansas City

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Managing Director of Operational Excellence (MDOE) will play a critical leadership role at KIPP Kansas City, ensuring all non-instructional operations are aligned with the organization's mission and goals. The MDOE will develop and execute a strategic vision for school operations, covering areas such as facilities, technology, transportation, student engagement, and more. This role centers on driving operational efficiency while nurturing a culture of care, equity, and excellence for both staff and students.

The MDOE will partner closely with the Chief of People & Strategy and the leadership team to ensure operational success, ultimately contributing to a learning environment that supports educational justice and student achievement.

What You Will Accomplish:

• LEAD the operational strategy that supports KIPP KC’s goals while fostering a people-centered, equity-driven culture.
• BUILD operational systems that enhance efficiency and ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.
• PARTNER with the leadership team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and long-term success, driving forward KIPP KC’s mission.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Operational Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead the development and execution of KIPP KC’s long-term operational strategy, ensuring alignment with academic and cultural objectives.
  • Develop a people-centered, values-based culture that supports staff sustainability, retention, and development.
  • Lead, manage, and coach the school operations team, including facilities, front office, custodial, technology, and vendors.
  • Build scalable and equitable operational systems, policies, and procedures that support high academic achievement.
  • Work collaboratively with the leadership team to manage budgets, oversee operational priorities, and align resources with strategic goals.
  • Serve as a thought partner to the leadership team, anticipating challenges, influencing decision-making, and driving forward operational priorities.

• Facilities & Vendor Oversight

  • Build and maintain systems that ensure the efficiency of school operations, from technology and facilities management to transportation and student services.
  • Ensure all facilities operate safely and efficiently, adhering to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance and repair plans to optimize building functionality.
  • Manage vendor relationships for services such as cleaning, repairs, and other facilities needs.

• Student Recruitment & Enrollment

  • Develop and implement student recruitment strategies to ensure full enrollment across KIPP KC schools.
  • Oversee all aspects of the enrollment and transfer processes, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
  • Collaborate with the family engagement team to ensure a seamless enrollment experience.

• Operational Efficiency & Student Data Management

  • Partner with the Data Team to manage accurate and compliant student data.
  • Oversee operational support for State Testing logistics and all major student assessments.
  • Ensure technology and equipment needs for both staff and students are met and aligned with academic goals.

• Transportation & Family Services

  • Oversee student transportation, including arrival and dismissal procedures, field trips, and athletics.
  • Manage communication channels between schools and families, ensuring timely and efficient information sharing.

• Budget Management & Compliance

  • Collaborate with the finance team to manage the operational budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
  • Lead the implementation of emergency procedures and ensure all staff are trained on safety protocols.

• Culture of Equity & Inclusion

  • Champion equity and inclusion in all operational practices, ensuring that systems and policies are accessible to all members of the school community.
  • Implement operational changes with a focus on cultural responsiveness, fostering an environment where students and staff from diverse backgrounds thrive.

How to Thrive in This Role:

• You are a strategic thinker who can manage both today’s priorities and long-term organizational goals.
• You excel at change management, anticipating challenges and proactively addressing them to ensure smooth transitions.
• You approach leadership with an equity lens, ensuring that all operational decisions prioritize people and promote inclusive practices.
• You are flexible, adaptable, and comfortable navigating complex and evolving environments.
• You are a culture champion, fostering an environment of care, transparency, and collaboration across teams.
• You are an excellent communicator and a natural relationship builder, comfortable working across teams and functions to drive impact.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education leadership, or a related field (Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience preferred)
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in school operations leadership, with a proven track record of success
• Experience working in a multi-school setting (Pre-K-12 preferred)

Skills and Competencies: 

• Possess a deep understanding of best practices in school operations management.
• Commitment to KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.
• Proven track record of managing school operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Strong background in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated success in leading school operations to support academic excellence.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission, vision, and core values, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Are detail-oriented, fastidious thinkers who love building systems that work.
• Have a strategic mindset and can see both short-term wins and long-term possibilities.
• Enjoy supporting people, nurturing talent, and fostering positive connections.
• A deep belief in the potential of all students and a commitment to creating inclusive environments for learning.
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings, and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.
• Hybrid: A typical school, office, or virtual environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• This role requires occasional travel, ranging from 20-30%.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.