KIPP Schools
Company Description
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.
Job Description We anticipate beginning interviews in mid-to-late January 2026 and the full process concluding by March 2026, with July 2026 start dates. Applications received after January will be considered on a rolling, and as-needed basis.
Role Overview The Director of School Operations (DSO) is the leader of operations. The DSO manages and is responsible for all non-instructional systems and staff in the building. The DSO Fellowship prepares operations leaders to step into the Director of School Operations role. In addition to working with a current Director of School Operations, Fellows get support through weekly professional development and support from regional operations leads.
The core components of the role(s) are:
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
Support management of the school’s budget
Oversee purchasing for the school
Academic Support Operations
Manage the operational logistics of all student test administration and other academic operational systems, 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
Manage partnership with Food Service Management Company to ensure the meal program meets the school’s expectations
Compliance
Ensure school-wide compliance with health and safety laws
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
School Operations
Ensure the day-to-day school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently, including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance
Must Haves
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, specifically Excel / Google Spreadsheets
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 loveand 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
Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
Previous experience in a customer service-oriented role
Previous experience in an educational or non-profit setting
Additional Information Compensation & Benefits KIPP Team & Family offers a market-competitive salary range starting at $97,000 for a DSO Fellow, and $107,000-$117,000 for a DSO and may increase based on experience. Salary ranges at KIPP are set based on the role level and function using benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector and allow for growth within the role. Individual compensation within this range will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: relevant professional experience and qualifications; education, skills and training; and market conditions.
In addition to a competitive salary, we a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:
Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision
Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
A school-issued laptop
Transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into Newark from the New York City area
Generous Time-Off including 3.5-4 school vacation weeks (depending on the year), allocated sick and personal days, and an extended summer break
Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave for primary caregivers
Employer paid life insurance
Extensive optional ancillary benefits including, short term and long term disability and accident and hospital indemnity
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization. No questions on this application are asked for any unlawful purpose.
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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.
Job Description We anticipate beginning interviews in mid-to-late January 2026 and the full process concluding by March 2026, with July 2026 start dates. Applications received after January will be considered on a rolling, and as-needed basis.
Role Overview The Director of School Operations (DSO) is the leader of operations. The DSO manages and is responsible for all non-instructional systems and staff in the building. The DSO Fellowship prepares operations leaders to step into the Director of School Operations role. In addition to working with a current Director of School Operations, Fellows get support through weekly professional development and support from regional operations leads.
The core components of the role(s) are:
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
Support management of the school’s budget
Oversee purchasing for the school
Academic Support Operations
Manage the operational logistics of all student test administration and other academic operational systems, 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
Manage partnership with Food Service Management Company to ensure the meal program meets the school’s expectations
Compliance
Ensure school-wide compliance with health and safety laws
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
School Operations
Ensure the day-to-day school operating systems run smoothly and efficiently, including front office systems, transportation, routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and attendance
Must Haves
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, specifically Excel / Google Spreadsheets
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 loveand 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
Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
Previous experience in a customer service-oriented role
Previous experience in an educational or non-profit setting
Additional Information Compensation & Benefits KIPP Team & Family offers a market-competitive salary range starting at $97,000 for a DSO Fellow, and $107,000-$117,000 for a DSO and may increase based on experience. Salary ranges at KIPP are set based on the role level and function using benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector and allow for growth within the role. Individual compensation within this range will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: relevant professional experience and qualifications; education, skills and training; and market conditions.
In addition to a competitive salary, we a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:
Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision
Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
A school-issued laptop
Transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into Newark from the New York City area
Generous Time-Off including 3.5-4 school vacation weeks (depending on the year), allocated sick and personal days, and an extended summer break
Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave for primary caregivers
Employer paid life insurance
Extensive optional ancillary benefits including, short term and long term disability and accident and hospital indemnity
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization. No questions on this application are asked for any unlawful purpose.
#LI-NJ
#J-18808-Ljbffr