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.

KIPP NJ is seeking a Regional Director of School Operations (DSO) to lead regional projects and initiatives, including filling in for DSOs or other operations leaders during leaves. For this role, we are seeking candidates based in the Camden, NJ area.

The Regional DSO’s primary workstream will be to support DSOs during leaves or critical peak times (school moves, etc.).  As such, the below outlines the DSO job description in detail.  Beyond filling in for DSOs and providing support to schools during operationally peak times, the Regional DSO can expect to be given a portfolio of regional initiatives or projects to lead.

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

• Bachelor’s degree
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive, specifically Excel and/or Google Sheets
• 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.

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, an optional subsidized wireless plan through Verizon, a school laptop and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City or Philadelphia areas.

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer