Director of Regional Operations

Job Description

The Director of Regional Operations (DRO) serves as the head of the school-based operations department for a number of 6 schools. The DRO manages the Assistant School Leaders of Operations (ASLO) for supported campuses, and supports the running and management to a consistent bar of excellence of day-to-day, non-academic operations (e.g. facilities, purchasing, nutrition service, compliance, IT, security, and transportation). The DRO serves as liaison between Regional Office departments and schools to ensure implementation of best practices in school operations. This key regional leadership role is also responsible for developing and implementing a holistic professional development plan for the school-based operations teams to maximize operational efficiency across the region. Responsibilities also include leading operations strategic projects (e.g. school moving from temporary to permanent facility; improving attendance across schools), and assisting the Chief Operating Officer on special projects and initiatives as necessary.

• Identifies areas for ASLO growth, along with School Leader, and provides ongoing coaching and support.

• Further develops existing ASLO professional development program so that ASLOs can best lead and support their individual school’s operational functions.

• Creates/enhances the onboarding program for new ASLOs/OCs.

• Works with COO to develop benchmarks for defining successful outcomes in each operational area.

• Identifies best practices among ASLOs/OCs in leading operational functions at each school, and develops cross-training opportunities for the ASLO/OC learning community.

• Conducts weekly O3s with ASLOs and Head Nurse; conducts joint O3s with ASLO and School Leader at least once a month (may vary depending on school’s needs).

• Implements accountability structure for ASLOs to succeed as operational leaders in their schools.

• Works in partnership with the Vice President of Schools to support instructional outcomes through operational excellence.

• Works with School Leaders and Regional department leaders to implement accountability structure.

• Cultivates a ASLO/OC recruitment strategy to attract strong operational leaders at each school.

• Actively participates in interviews and hiring process, involving key stakeholders in decision-making as necessary.

• Proactively identify operational areas in need of improvement at the regional level, and develop and implement large-scale improvements to systems and processes to improve efficiency.

• Develop project plans including timeline and deliverables.

• Appropriately involve key stakeholders.

• Hold team members accountable for meeting deliverables.

• Regularly meet and collaborate with Regional department leaders to identify and work on operational efficiencies or improvement projects.

• Document current process and identify needs for further enhancement and refinement, and in some cases standardization across schools.

• Support the ASLO in managing the school’s budget and maintaining attendance and enrollment.

• Ensure adherence to school fiscal policies and procedures, and a clean financial audit.

• Assist with governance and compliance issues.

• Per finance department threshold guidelines, approve purchases above certain thresholds.

• Ensure that the school has an emergency protocol in place and adheres to all state and federal requirements related to conducting safety drills (including fire drills, intruder drills, tornado drills, etc.).

• Manage regional vendor relationships, including the selection process, negotiating contracts, and conducting performance reviews.

• Develop region-wide vendor expectations, and ensures implementation by ASLOs at all schools.

• Work in partnership with the regional recruitment and enrollment leads to oversee student enrollment process, ensuring all required information is included in student records and is compliant

• Working closely with the compliance department, oversee the implementation of the school’s Student Information System to ensure that it includes accurate student data with respect to daily attendance, student grades, student meal counts, student discipline, and withdrawal information.

• Ensure that the regional office receives all information necessary to successfully complete state, federal, and KIPP Foundation reporting in advance of the deadlines.

• Serve as state testing coordinator for the region along with the Director of Student Services.

• This job posting/description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree highly desirable

• At least 3 years experience managing diverse teams

• Experience in a school-based operations role, strongly preferred.

• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

• Experience working with Student Information Systems strongly preferred.

• Excellent organization and project management skills; ability to implement programs, manage details, and work independently; ability to develop, revise, and implement procedures and systems; and ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities accordingly.

• Strong judgment and decision-making skills.

• Other key competencies include: excellence as a habit, whatever it takes attitude, detail-orientation, data-orientation, systems thinking, self-starter attitude.

• A passion for working in the city of St. Louis and a passion for the mission of KIPP.

• Dedication to helping children grow and learn.

• Frequently positions self to interact with students and families.

• Must be able to observe students inside the classroom and school building, as well as outside.

• Daily operation of a computer and office equipment.

• Occasional moderate lifting.

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).

• Frequent prolonged and irregular hours of duty.

• Maintain emotional control under stress.

• Interprets policy, procedures, and data.

• Occasionally endure inclement weather conditions to provide for student safety.

Additional Information

We are a fast paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement and to cultivate the their best working environment we provide the following:

• $0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision and dental.

• Employer Paid Short Term Disability

• $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee

• Retirement plan through PSRSSL with a 14% match and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program

• Employee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, christmas party, and more!

• Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer

• Longevity Bonuses: 2, 5, and 10 year financial rewards

• Generous time off:

  • Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave

  • Paid parental leave for new families

  • Paid holidays, as well as a one week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break

  • Wellness days and Fabulous Fridays (leave at 1:30 on Friday once a month)

• On-going professional development opportunities

If you are interested in working at KIPP St. Louis, please visit our website to find out how to apply!

www.kippstl.org/apply

Check out our KIPP St. Louis video to learn more about KIPP St. Louis Public Schools!

KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.