Director Of Operations
13 days ago
Nashville
Job Description About Explore! Community School At Explore! we always begin with our mission: to foster the independence, critical thinking, and creativity of a diverse community of learners so they are fully prepared to become confident, conscientious leaders who change the world. To achieve our mission we emphasize interactive, hands-on, project-based learning to build upon our rigorous, standards-based curriculum and ensure learning is authentic, meaningful, and fun. We focus on the whole child, nurturing the social and emotional development of Explorers while fostering their academic excellence. Explore! serves a diverse community of learners in grades K-8 and currently enrolls 600 students supported by 80+ staff members. Explore is located in East Nashville, occupies a beautiful, recently constructed, 90,000 square foot, state of the art building and with capacity for 850 students expects continued enrollment growth. Explore! Community School is an educational outreach of the Martha O’Bryan Center, one of Nashville’s oldest and most impactful anti-poverty organizations with a community based educational mission. Along with our sister school, East End Prep, both schools support approximately 1500 students across Nashville. Explore! was unanimously renewed for an additional ten year charter through 2035 and is authorized by Metro Nashville Public Schools. We are seeking a skilled operations leader to guide our continued growth and success as we embark on our next decade of service to the Nashville community. The school was a Tennessee Reward School in 2022 and has delivered 4 consecutive years of Level 5 TVAAS. The Position Explore! Community School is seeking a detail-oriented logistics and process expert to serve as the Director of Operations (DOO) of our vibrant educational community. The DOO is expected to model our core values and manage all non-instructional systems such as custodial, transportation, maintenance, technology, vendor relationships, student enrollment data, and staff compliance. This role interacts directly with our accounting team ensuring tight purchasing processes and related compliance reporting and with our facilities leader to ensure our building is well cared for and kept in effective operating condition. The DOO reports to the Executive Principal and is responsible for all aspects of the Operations Team so that other staff members can focus on ensuring our Explorers receive a challenging and rigorous education. The DOO also supervises several key operations staff (registrar, office staff, operations coordinator) as well as key contractors such as foodservice, transportation, technology, custodial, etc. The DOO is an essential member of the Executive Leadership Team. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Operational Leadership • Ensure smooth execution of school operations including school meals, student transportation, emergency plans, facility maintenance and upkeep, materials, technology, and supplies inventories;, • Manage and develop the staff that comprise the Operations team;, • Ensure operational systems are well-documented and expertly carried out by all staff;, • Manage and direct the marketing and enrollment activities in partnership with the Executive Leadership Team and Registrar to meet or exceed enrollment goals;, • Oversee the student registration and rostering process, including direct management of the Registrar;, • Manage accuracy of student information across various information databases;, • Ensure the school is compliant with all local/state reporting requirements;, • Collaborate with our accounting team to ensure procurement of goods and services follows our system of internal control including coding and submission of purchase orders, tracking/documenting delivery and inventory, related invoices, and reimbursement requests;, • Manage vendor relationships and ensure they deliver on expectations;, • Serve as liaison between Human Resources and employees regarding onboarding;, • Monitor teacher licensure requirements and reporting in TN-Compass;, • Reconcile leave requests in Kronos and approve payroll bi-monthly;, • Coordinate daily coverage sheet to ensure all classes are staffed prior to school day;, • Track and maintain accurate computer equipment inventory;, • Implement and maintain a process for required repairs and technical support;, • Order, purchase, and ensure timely setup of software for instruction and assessments;, • Oversee daily student transportation to and from the school and holding our transportation vendor accountable for high quality, safe, and timely service;, • Evaluate transportation routes to ensure equity among enrolled students;, • Communicate changes in routes or arrival/departure times via email/text;, • Manage and resolve transportation concerns with caregivers;, • Serve as liaison between school and transportation team, and serve as primary point of contact for bus issues;, • Ensure meals are served on time and food service teams have the necessary tools;, • Serve as liaison between school and food service management team (external providers), • Coordinate an annual meeting of the school’s Wellness Committee;, • Commitment to Explore Community School’s mission, values, and educational model;, • Strong organizational skills; unrelenting attention to detail, and follow-through including effective writing and spreadsheet skills;, • Experience with the inner workings of schools and/or related non-profits;, • Possess the energy and willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure success;, • Maturity, humility, sense of humor, and love for students, staff, and families;, • Commitment to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community;, • Commitment to learning and adopting best practices and innovative solutions;, • Educational background and work experience is preferred but relevant other experience is also valuable, • Experience managing teams of adults, building relationships and trust with colleagues and other stakeholders; We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including healthcare, retirement, most holidays, and generous paid time off. 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