Campus Pride Jobs

Director of Operations

I Dream PCS Mission

I Dream PCS co-designs purposeful, self-directed learning with children and families, so they have voice and choice on the path to discovering and pursuing their dreams.

Position Overview

The Director of Operations serves as a critical partner in ensuring I Dream Public Charter School operates as a high-performing learning organization. This role plays a key role in executing our mission of co-designing purposeful, self-directed learning with children and families, empowering them with voice and choice on their unique paths to discovering and pursuing their dreams. Working closely with the Executive Director and the Principal, the Director of Operations implements strategies to optimize operational efficiency and effectiveness to ensure positive development, continued growth, and personal success for all learners and staff.

Along with the Executive Director and the Principal, the Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and vision for the design and management of I Dream PCS continuous improvement systems as well as responsibility for the talent needed to execute organizational strategy.

Essential Mindsets

• You are all about the I Dream PCS Mission

When you read the I Dream PCS mission, your eyes light up and you smile on the inside. Our website speaks to you and you know you want to be a part of making this school a reality for children. You can see it. Our mission aligns with your beliefs and passion.

• You live for data, systems and policies

There is a natural order to the world. Systems thinking leads to a natural order in a school. You believe creating and implementing clear and consistent systems and policies are required to efficiently and effectively run the business of school. Data drives the evaluation of those systems and policies. You love data as much as you love systems.

• You have a growth mindset about yourself and your work.

You are a lifelong learner that is in constant evolution. You know you are good at what you do, but you also know that you always have room to learn. You learn from your mistakes and failures as much as you learn from books and from others. Growing yourself and your expertise comes natural to you. You approach the growth and development of learners and school programs by leveraging strengths and assets rather than focusing on deficits.

• You are ready to disrupt systemic inequities in service of our children.

You understand that the current public education system perpetuates systemic racism and that the achievement gap exists by design. You are committed to social justice and ready to transform the current public school model to one that values the gifts and talents every child and every family brings to the world. You are also committed to doing your own work to identify and mitigate your biases and prejudices in service of this work.

Responsibilities

Operational Excellence: Oversee and manage the efficient and effective operation of all internal systems and processes, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning of the school:

• Management and oversight of operations, data, performance, accountability, and communications.

• Streamline and automate internal systems and processes for improved efficiency.

• Proactively identify and address operational risks and challenges including developing and implementing contingency plans to ensure business continuity in the event of disruptions, maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all learners and staff, and effectively managing/resolving operational issues and concerns.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors

• Participate in the annual operating budget and audit processes with the Executive Director and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors

• Participate in the regular and continuous review and revision of the strategic plan and annual budget with the school leadership team and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors

• Lead annual review and revision of family, learner, and staff handbooks with stakeholder input

• Oversee learner recruitment efforts to ensure that I Dream PCS achieves full enrollment each year

• Continue collaboration with external financial service to manage all financial and accounting services and prepare periodic reports on the financial status of the school, including to meet charter, legal and regulatory requirements, including the annual audit

• Manage federal and state grant activities, including managing the application and budgeting process, requesting reimbursement, and tracking activities for financial and narrative compliance reports

• Implement and maintain systems, policies, and procedures, as well as monitor vendor contracts in key functional areas of the school: school safety and security, vendor services, technology, operations, enrollment, and school lunch service.

• Purchase and maintain the technology equipment and implementation of technology training

• Manage maintenance schedule for facility (Boilers, HVAC, Roof, etc), if required in lease agreement

• Stay informed about local policies and political initiatives impacting school operations

Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Executive Director and the Principal to provide strategic leadership and vision for the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of I Dream PCS's continuous improvement systems:

• Collaborate with the school leadership team to determine and prioritize school strategies outlined in the 3-year strategic plan, while serving as an integrator and ensuring all aspects of the school operate cohesively

• Lead and manage high-impact, confidential projects that support the strategic goals and objectives of I Dream PCS

• Coordinate fire, evacuation, and crisis drills with the Principal and Executive Director

• Design, implement, and evaluate continuous improvement systems.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plan

• Support the Executive Director in grant development and management.

Operations Talent Management: Lead the talent acquisition, development, and retention efforts for the Operations Team, building a team of highly skilled and motivated professionals who are aligned with the organization's mission and values:

• Coach and develop direct reports, ensuring team members are meeting annual goals and receiving ongoing feedback

• Serve on the team of hiring managers to recruit and select school staff, ensuring alignment with the school's vision and mission

• Provide staff training to ensure all employees adhere to policies and implement systems and procedures with fidelity

• Manage fundraising activities including completion of grant applications and grant reporting as well as donor cultivation

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leverage data and analytics to inform strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement across all areas of the school's operations:

• Develop and manage a progress monitoring system(s) for school performance and accountability measures, ensuring each team is aware of goals and applicable business rules as outlined in the charter.

• Manage annual data reporting cycles as well as the submission and mitigation of compliance items for DC PCSB and OSSE.

• Serve as a steward of data-informed decision-making and intra-organizational innovation.

• In conjunction with the principal, synthesize and report on staff feedback and instructional model implementation.

• Provide staff training and act as troubleshooting liaison for student information system

• Assist the Principal with technology set up for schoolwide assessments

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrates an unwavering alignment to the I Dream PCS mission and commitment to diversity, inclusivity, equity, and anti-bias.

• Bachelor's degree with a preference for an advanced degree [i.e. Master's in Education, Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or other relevant area].

• 5+ years of relevant experience in operations, strategy, and/or leadership.

• 2+ years experience in a school-based setting [i.e. public or charter school setting, classroom experience, etc.].

• Experience effectively managing a team of 2+ and driving strong outcomes and culture.

• Demonstrated experience in building and enhancing organizational effectiveness.

• Demonstrated proficiency of working with cross-functional teams and/or working with a myriad of stakeholders including across lines of difference.

• Strong and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; experience with restorative justice practices preferred.

• Experience and comfort with managing multiple competing priorities.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

I Dream PCS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience for this position with a range of $105,000-$115,000 and a comprehensive benefits package to promote self-care and overall wellness.

I Dream PCS is excited to build a diverse founding team, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy/parenthood, veteran status, or disability. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodations, please let us know.

To Apply

→ Apply directly through our website: https://www.idreampcs.org/careers.html