LEARN DC Operations Manager

Position Type:
Initial Application for School Staff/Washington DC

Date Posted:
3/14/2024

Location:
LEARN Washington, DC

Closing Date:
Until Filled

District:
LEARN Charter School
Who We Are:

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a non profit network of PK-8th grade elementary schools that is creating measurable, transformational change in the lives of its students. We currently educate 4,000 students, a majority low-income, minority student population (88% and 98%, respectively), across 11 campuses across Chicago, Lake County, and Washington D.C.

Our schools provide a rigorous educational program that is built upon an intimate understanding of each student's individual learning style and academic needs. We are guided by five core values which include: expectations of high achievement; mutual respect; the development of a safe and nurturing environment; active family involvement; and the positive development of the Whole Child.

LEARN alumni graduate college at 2x the rate of their peers, exceeding city, state and national averages. Our college graduation rate is 10 points above the national average for all students regardless of socio-economic status or ethnicity. We are proud to be closing the achievement gap.

What You'll Do:

The LEARN D.C. Operations Manager will manage the operational domain of LEARN D.C., including facilities management, student enrollment support, campus technology, and coordination of operational services provided through LEARN's Charter Management Organization (CMO). This person may supervise one (or more) direct and indirect reports in addition to contracted services and vendors. The Operations Manager will report directly to the Principal of the LEARN D.C. Campus and will have responsibilities that have an additional reporting relationship to the LEARN Network Leadership Team (including but not limited to the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Data Analytics and Compliance).

Key Responsibilities:

Facilities Operations (includes Security, Food and Transportation) in collaboration with LEARN Network Operations Department

• Oversee space planning, maintenance and repair of LEARN DC school facilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, common areas and coordinate necessary repairs or renovations;
• Ensure local contracting and oversight for the maintenance of facilities that are clean, organized, and well-maintained; establish and implement preventive and scheduled maintenance plans; overseeing space reconfigurations to accommodate building population shifts.
• Support procurement, maintenance and replacement of classroom furniture, furnishings and major supplies of student materials within budget; coordinating as applicable with LEARN CMO for economies of scale and standardization of LEARN brand.
• Find and select service and equipment providers. Negotiate and enforce costs, terms and conditions with suppliers. Conduct requests for proposals (RFPs) as needed.
• Maintain site relationships and any lease, real estate fulfillment obligations required by school district or military base authorities.

Campus Support

• Directly and indirectly manage all site-based operations staff such as IT technical support, building engineers, security officers, facility custodians, food service workers, and office management. Covers all vendor-leased staff.
• Oversee and optimize processes and operations of campus infrastructure
• Included but not limited to understanding the intricacies of individual vendor contracts and proactive project management for respective vendor services.
• In conjunction with Network HR Operations Team, Support local onboarding and off-boarding of staff including building/room access key(s), security badging; and any background checking verifications needed to comply with DC Safe Schools policies .
• Scheduling and coordinating in conjunction with base personnel campus activities such as safety drills, pick-up and drop-off, school outings and other campus-wide teacher, parent or student events.
• Assist with student retention through nurturing relationships with stakeholders, open houses, and regular communication with families.

Business Management & Compliance

• With LEARN CMO Leadership Team, LEARN D.C. Executive Director and Principal, monitor the school's budget and financial status on a regular basis to ensure that funds are used appropriately.
• Track and ensure budget alignment of expenditures against allowed budget sources in coordination with the Principal.
• Coordination with the LEARN Finance Team on Payroll and reimbursement requests.
• Coordination of grant management and reporting with the LEARN Network Development Team to ensure adherence to grant benchmarks.
• Supervise student enrollment and attendance data collection, data entry, and reporting (using Powerschool) in partnership with LEARN Network Director of Data and Compliance.
• Organize and manage board meetings and compliance with FOIA rules, under the direction of LEARN's CEO or LEARN DC Executive Director.
• Support planning and compliance with all local, state and federal health, safety, occupancy, property and related regulations in conjunction with the LEARN Network Director of Data and Compliance and base personnel.
• Responsible for overseeing school level compliance and ensuring that all required information is submitted to the Director of Data Analytics and Compliance accurately and in advance of required deadlines.
• Perform special projects as assigned.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in accounting or business management concentration.
• Ability to plan and execute simple to complex work practices and projects.
• Ability to analyze and improve processes.
• Hands-on experience with financial software systems and operations.
• At least 3 years of project management leadership experience including direct supervision of support staff.
• High degree of integrity and ethics; able to operate with full confidentiality of information.
• Well-developed problem identification and resolution abilities. High degree of initiative and independent judgment.
• Has the availability to work extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties.
• Maintains a high level of energy and a consistent positive attitude.
• Experience in development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office and Google applications and use for project planning and data reporting.
• Customer Service oriented, ability to tactfully and effectively communicate in a personable and professional manner with all levels and types of stakeholders (both internal and external).
• Ability to prioritize, develop and manage multiple projects and tactical budgets, adhering to strict timelines.

Preferred

• Working knowledge and understanding of property safety and security operations.
• Working knowledge of IT management knowledge and experience.
• Working knowledge of day-to-day business management (budgets, financial reporting, forecasting).
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills and the ability to evaluate and improve processes.

Benefits Summary:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays
• Short and long term disability
• Paid life insurance
• 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, family medical history, disability or veteran status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, and to conduct in-person property inspections that may entail movement via stairs, ladders or construction type vehicles. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Some day and overnight travel by car and air as required. Some travel may be required to Network headquarters in Chicago.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Majority of the work is performed in a general office or K-8 school environment. Some work may occur in mechanical equipment areas, outside landscapes, or basement/rooftop locations. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. May require participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.