Director of Operations

 

Director of Operations

Great Oaks Kathleen Sherry Charter School, New York City

 

About Great Oaks Charter Schools

At Great Oaks, students will shape the world, not be defined by it. Therefore, we believe that children learn best through a combination of project-based, authentic learning experiences and direct instruction to support skill development and accelerate learning. Instruction and culture are grounded in our design principles of Mastery, Leadership and Community. As part of the model, Great Oaks Americorps Fellows provide students with additional opportunities to engage in critical content, which helps to close academic achievement gaps and level the playing field. We are seeking highly-talented, experienced, tenacious educators who enjoy thinking outside the box and share the belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. 

Great Oaks Design Principles

Mastery:  For students to shape the world and not be defined by it, they must have deep knowledge and the ability to apply that to new contexts. Therefore, we emphasize hands-on, project-based curriculum and joyful teaching.

Leadership: The purpose of leadership is to support a vision of the world in which equity and justice are essential. Therefore, we offer leadership opportunities to students so that they can persist through challenges, plan proactively for their future, and collaborate with others.

Community: Community is predicated on the understanding that if it takes a village to raise a child, why not help raise the village. Therefore, we support the whole child in the development of healthy self-esteem and confidence through building deep relationships with others and themselves. 

About Great Oaks Kathleen Sherry Charter School – New York City
Renamed in the Fall of 2024, Great Oaks Kathleen Sherry Charter School - New York City (GO-NYC) opened in the Fall of 2013 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The school serves ~330 students in 6th-12th grades. In August of 2023, we opened our doors in a new location at 240 Bleecker Street in the West Village.  At GO-NYC, we utilize a full inclusion model which means that every core class is taught as an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom. Our classrooms will typically have two co-teachers (one content, one special education) as well as an AmeriCorps Fellow working with students every day.

DEI Statement

At GO-NYC, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words – they are the foundation of who we are and how we operate. We are committed to continuously improving and evolving our practices to ensure that our workplace reflects the rich tapestry of humanity to foster a workplace where every individual is not only welcomed, but celebrated for their unique background, perspective, and identity. We seek to provide equal opportunities for all and empower every employee to thrive.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations at Great Oaks Kathleen Sherry Charter School NYC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of all operational aspects, enabling the school to achieve its mission of educational excellence. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this full-time, year-round leadership position oversees critical functions such as facilities management, student enrollment, compliance, finance, technology, and event coordination.

As a proactive problem solver and systems builder, the Director of Operations takes a hands-on approach to managing urgent priorities while driving long-term strategic planning. This role demands a detail-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces challenges, and takes ownership of delivering results. By fostering operational excellence, the Director of Operations ensures that students, families, and staff can focus on what matters most—student achievement.

Director of Operations – Role and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

School Facilities and Tutor Housing

• Oversee all aspects of school facilities and tutor residences, ensuring high standards of quality, maintenance, and functionality.
• Manage procurement and delivery of supplies, furniture, and equipment for both the school and tutor housing to ensure availability when needed.
• Implement and monitor a comprehensive capital improvement plan, coordinating upgrades, maintenance, and repairs to address wear and tear (e.g., flooring, painting, landscaping).
• Conduct regular inspections of facilities and tutor housing, document conditions, and schedule vendor walk-throughs to address maintenance needs.
• Identify and manage relationships with third-party vendors, ensuring quality performance by janitorial, maintenance, and other contracted services.
• Anticipate and address tutor housing needs, including research, procurement, and coordination of rent and utility payments with the Great Oaks Foundation.
• Prepare and manage facility use agreements in compliance with district procedures.
• Manage maintenance of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, elevator, plumbing, and life safety systems.

Student Enrollment

• Design and execute a robust student recruitment plan to ensure yearly enrollment targets are met.
• Organize and oversee student recruitment events, including open houses and community gatherings, to foster strong engagement with families.
• Manage the enrollment process and maintain accurate student records within the School Information System.
• Develop and execute "keep warm" strategies to maintain family interest and support throughout the enrollment cycle.

Compliance and Reporting

• Establish and maintain systems for tracking and fulfilling DOE, state, and federal compliance reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with administrative staff to ensure timely and accurate submission of compliance documents and reports.

Financial Management

• Assist the Executive Director in managing the school’s budget and financial processes.
• Maintain accurate financial records, approve expenditures, and ensure compliance with budget allowances.
• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Analytics to manage payroll, own the month-close-out process, coordinate with third-party vendors, and manage petty cash and purchase orders.
• Support the annual financial audit by providing necessary documentation and resolving discrepancies.
• Manage uniform purchasing systems and ensure timely submission of Per Pupil Funding Invoices.
• Manage FAMIS ordering and certification of invoices.

Student Programs and Events

• Oversee daily student food services, scholar wellness programs, and health services, ensuring smooth operations and compliance with applicable policies.
• Manage safety drills, building inspections, and emergency preparedness, documenting all activities appropriately.
• Plan and execute major school events such as report card nights, staff appreciation events, and student field trips.
• Create and oversee attendance compliance and maintain the data dashboard.
• Oversee student transportation system (Ridership, OMNY cards, etc.).

Technology Management

• Lead the school’s 1:1 computing program, ensuring efficient distribution, maintenance, and repair of student Chromebooks.
• Serve as the primary technology troubleshooter, coordinating with vendors to resolve issues and plan for future technology needs.
• Manage the school’s G Suite platform and maintain an updated inventory of technology equipment.

Human Resources

• Coordinate the onboarding and professional development for staff, ensuring alignment with school policies and values.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and assist with benefits management in partnership with the Great Oaks Tutor Corps.
• Organize staff evaluations and ensure compliance with labor regulations and safety procedures.

Leadership Traits and Expectations

• Demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset in a fast-paced, urban school environment.
• Exhibit exceptional organizational skills, multitasking abilities, and attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, providing constructive feedback and clear guidance to staff.
• Cultivate strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders to foster a collaborative and positive school culture.
• Exhibit a "do-whatever-it-takes" attitude, including occasional weekend or evening availability.
• Educational and Professional Requirements
• Master’s degree in business, operations management, or a related field required; administrative certification preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred but not required.
• Advanced proficiency in technology tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and school management software.
• Advance proficiency in data analysis and dashboard building using Excel, Google Sheets, or Tableau preferred. 
• Food Handlers, S95, and D10 certificates preferred but not required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in operations/administration, preferably within a K-12 educational setting.

This comprehensive role offers an opportunity to impact the lives of students and families by ensuring operational excellence and enabling the school to focus on its mission of student achievement.

Compensation

Great Oaks provides a competitive compensation and benefits package; exact compensation will vary based on experience, certification, and education. The anticipated salary range is between $90,500 - $124,500.