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KIPP New Jersey

26-27 Director of School Operations

KIPP New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, us, 07175

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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.

Core Components

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

Qualifications 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 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

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.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer 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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