THE ROLE

LEAD Charter School seeks an exceptional Director of Operations to join our mission-driven community. The Director of Operations (DOO) is responsible for performing administrative and supervisory work in the non-academic operations of the school. This includes budget preparation, financial management and reporting, data reporting and compliance, purchasing, event planning and management, student transportation, overseeing the food service program, office staff, nurse staff, school safety, facilities, and enrollment. The DOO works to ensure the operational success of the organization, ensure contractual and regulatory requirements are met, and that resources are managed effectively. 

WHO WE ARE

The mission of LEAD is to enable students ages 16-21 in grades 9-12 to master essential skills for success in careers, postsecondary education, and community leadership within a global society. We implement the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) school model, supporting the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. At LEAD Charter School, we are a vibrant school community that holds an unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and their communities. We are dedicated practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems, ensuring every student receives a tailored, personalized, and strengths-based learning experience. As passionate advocates of opportunity youth, we strive to provide the necessary support and opportunities for our students to succeed.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAY

• "Being at LEAD has accelerated my career trajectory in ways that I could never imagine. I feel valued, supported, and empowered."
• 100% of LEAD staff feel they are trusted as professionals.
• 96% of LEAD staff feel supported in their work and professional development.
• 95% of LEAD staff feel they're treated with respect
• 91% of LEAD staff say supervisors encourage feedback and suggestions

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Master's Degree preferred. 
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in school operations, finance, and/or technology for youth development and/or education organizations.
• Commitment to LEAD design and philosophy and unwavering belief that all students can excel.
• Able to work well with limited oversight and direction.
• Ability to develop an organization-wide strategy for operational excellence.
• Strong management skills, with the emotional intelligence to work effectively with diverse leaders and leadership teams, developing and enhancing their capabilities
• Skilled at pushing staff perspectives and approaches to always focus first on students’ needs.
• Effective problem-solving skills, with an ability to creatively solve seemingly intractable problems while inspiring staff to do the same
• Demonstrated leadership skills in the areas of operations, finance, facilities, data and technology
• Robust analytical skills, with an ability to use quantitative and qualitative data to drive results
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including use of productivity software.
• Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status.

HOW YOU WILL THRIVE

• Professional Development: Weekly half-day sessions tailored to support your professional growth.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to develop and lead school initiatives and engage in career planning for growth and trajectory.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a dedicated, talented, and supportive staff and empowered school leaders.
• Impact: Contribute to a mission that transforms equity through opportunity for young people in Newark.
• Career Bonus: Yearly Resigning Bonus

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off + Summer Vacation
• Health/Vision/Dental Benefits
• Enrollment in NJ Pension 
• HealthEquity (Employer paid HRA debit card)
• 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
• 100% Employer Paid Talkspace Access
• Metlife Legal Plan & Identity Protection
• Laptop & Supplies for all staff members
• Training & Professional Development

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Leadership

• Provides effective leadership, as well as stewardship, of all LEAD operations, including finance, facilities, enrollment, technology, front office staff, safety team, food service, nurse staff, data and operations.
• Ensures the successful implementation of the food service program, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks; oversees monthly reporting and reimbursement processes; and ensures the food service team is properly trained and remains in full compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Oversees the successful submission of all state reporting district wide. 
• Assists the COO in the preparation of the annual school budget and is responsible for the administration of all phases of the budget throughout the year.
• Ensures that all operations operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of LEAD.
• Leads a high performing team and provides assistance with recruitment, training, and retention.
• Implements and leads a continuous quality improvement process throughout service areas, focusing on systems/process improvement.
• Promotes regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on programming.
• Complies with LEAD policies and procedures, federal and state requirements, and educational/certification/registry requirements
• Oversees school based events, including but not limited to back-to-school night, parent teacher conferences, Title-I information session, graduation, school trips, and other miscellaneous community events.
• Leads the school safety team.
• Active member of the site leadership team. 

 

Technology and Information Systems Management

• Develops and evaluates the school's technology plan with school staff and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Provides leadership in the development of policies related to the use of technology hardware, software, and services.
• Studies, evaluates, and, as appropriate, recommends to the COO the adoption of new technology, methods and programs and the purchase of technology hardware, software, and services to meet operational and instructional needs.
• Safeguards and maintains all records of LEAD, and devises a system of acceptable recording and filing to guarantee the safety and availability of all reports, minutes of meetings, contracts, communications and publications, and such other data and documents.

Facilities Management

• Oversees the operation and maintenance of LEAD facilities and supervises custodial, grounds and maintenance services. Ensures that all local, state/federal standards for the health and safety of students and staff are maintained and that required reports are maintained.
• Assists the COO in projection of facility needs and oversees all construction programs. Helps develop educational standards for sites, buildings and equipment; prepares cost data; and cooperates with architects and construction supervisors during construction programs.
• Responsible for scheduling the use of buildings and grounds by authorized groups in accordance with Board policies.
• Coordinate all building inspections monthly and annually. 

Professional Expectations

• Assumes responsibility for his/her continuing professional growth and development by attendance at professional meetings, memberships in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses and by reading professional journals and other publications.
• Attends LEAD staff meetings, staff development activities, and other special activities and functions.
• Performs other duties, which may be assigned by COO or required by law, code, regulation, and board policy.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 12-month employee.
• Salary to be recommended by the LEAD’s Management Team and approved by the Board.

EVALUATION

• Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the Board's policy on evaluation.