Date of Posting: January 4, 2016
Title: Director of Operations
Organization: The Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School (BUGS), is a small, community-based, mission-driven charter middle school that opened in 2013. It serves the children and families of District 15 and other neighboring districts. BUGS has approximately 300 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and 60 staff members. To learn more about BUGS, please visit our website at www.BUGSbrooklyn.org.
Criteria: The Director of Operations will be a key member of the school’s senior staff, reporting directly to the Executive Director and collaborating closely with the Principal. BUGS is seeking candidates with the following qualifications and experience:
Commitment to the BUGS vision, mission, and strategic direction.
Interest in environmental sustainability
Ability to demonstrate systems thinking
Comfortable working with middle school aged children, their families and a diverse group of staff in a highly dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced environment
Ability to manage multiple projects of varying levels of complexity, stay calm under pressure, and maintain a good sense of humor.
Acute attention to detail – particularly in managing large quantities of complex data; as well as an eye for the big picture.
Previous experience at a school a must. Charter school experience preferred.
Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
A “can do” attitude and enthusiasm to be a hard-working, team player.
Bachelor’s degree required. A Masters in a related field or MBA ideal.
Minimum 7-10 years of professional experience.
Responsibilities:
To work closely with the Executive Director, Principal and other staff on school operations and logistics, including, but not limited to the following areas:
Leadership
Implement and support the mission, vision and strategic direction of the school in close partnership with the Executive Director, Principal and Director of Finance.
Implement pre-existing systems for all key aspects of the school’s operations; and build new procedures if/as the school develops new initiatives.
Manage and develop Operations staff, currently consisting of an Operations Manager, Operations Coordinator and Cafeteria Assistant. In addition, oversee all vendor provided staff (in the areas of custodial, food and technology services) and the DOE-provided nurse.
Create and nurture a culture of high operational expectations and performance from students and staff, with a staunch focus on goals for high academic achievement and environmental sustainability.
Day to Day Oversight of:
Facilities: managing building repairs & maintenance, cleaning, waste management, larger construction and facilities-related educational projects (if/as needed), furniture and equipment.
Human Resources: overseeing payroll, benefits administration, onboarding, performance management support.
Vendor Contracts: handling negotiations, execution and management, in the areas of custodial and food services, technology, construction, and various educational services (professional development for teachers, online resources for students, etc.)
Security and Safety: ensuring coordination with building security and the two other schools co-located in the building, including the implementation of fire, lockdown and code blue drills and procedures.
Budgeting & Finance: projecting yearly budgets, tracking operational expenses, ensuring timely management of Purchase Orders, checks and deposits, in addition to the implementation of the school’s other fiscal policies and procedures.
Food Services: providing healthy breakfast and lunch service options, managing vendor services and cafeteria staff, meeting audited requirements (set by the Department of Health and NY Office of Child Nutrition), overseeing free and reduced price meal applications and reimbursements.
Technology: ensuring all software, hardware, and information technology systems are working smoothly, staff are equipped and supported and academic needs are met (through close collaboration with the Principal).
Transportation Services: overseeing the distribution of Metrocards and coordination of IEP-mandated busing and field trip transportation.
Pupil Accounting: supervising the accuracy and completion of all student records (digital and paper files).
Enrollment: supporting student recruitment efforts and events, as well as driving the overall lottery and admissions process.
Compliance: meeting the requirements of various regulatory bodies (including but not limited to independent financial auditors and the New York State Education Department.)
Health: overseeing daily nurse services, as well as immunizations, vision screening and other health-related processes.
Start Date: January 11, 2016, or as soon as possible
Compensation: Full-time salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits package
To Apply: Please submit cover letter, resume, writing prompts, and salary history (required) online through the BUGS website – http://www.bugsbrooklyn.org/careers/
(Note: Firefox browser works best for our Recruit & Hire system)
Written Response #1
Given what you know about BUGS, its mission, and stage of development, what would be the top 4 priorities you would set for yourself as the Director of Operations during your first 6 months on the job? Please respond in 500 words or less.
Written Response #2 (Case Study)
Today is Monday, May 16, 2016. On Tuesday, June 21st 5:30-7pm, BUGS is hosting its twice-per-year school-wide “Semester Celebration,” complete with a potluck dinner for families, a student and staff presentation, student performances, and student project exhibits. Approximately 300 people, comprised of both students and their families, are expected to attend.
Develop an action plan that ensures attendees are comfortable and safe, staff are prepared, and students are meeting behavioral expectations during the event. Any format for the action plan is acceptable. Please respond in 500 words or less.
Further questions can be directed to:
How to apply
Visit https://bugsbrooklyn.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=30