Organization Overview
Achievement First is a charter school management organization started in July 2003 by the leaders of Amistad Academy, a high performing charter school in New Haven, CT. A non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization, Achievement First is creating a network of achievement-gap closing charter schools in Connecticut and New York to bring to scale the dramatic, life changing student achievement results produced at Amistad Academy. Achievement First currently operates 17 schools in both NY and CT. Over the next four years, Achievement First will grow to support 30 schools serving over 11,500 students. For more information about the Achievement First mission, model, our schools and team, please visit: www.achievementfirst.org.

Position Overview
Achievement First is currently seeking a strategic and dynamic Director of School Operations for a number of its charter schools in Hartford. Reporting to the Regional Director of Operations and the school Principal, the Director of School Operations will be responsible for all matters of school administration that do not directly relate to instruction or student behavior. The Director is a cornerstone of the Achievement First school model, which seeks to relieve the principal of non-instructional obligations so that s/he can focus almost exclusively on student achievement and the professional development of the teaching staff. This position will take on a variety of operational responsibilities from overseeing the development and implementation of the school budget to gathering and analyzing school data to ensuring that the school has sufficient materials to serve its students. The Director of School Operations will also supervise a Student Service Manager and an Office Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

Budget and Finance

Work with the school Principal and Achievement First central finance staff to develop and manage the school’s budget

• Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions and submit them to the Achievement First central finance staff for processing
• Participate in monthly meetings to review/account for budget variances; monitor usage of the school credit card
• Ensure adherence to school’s fiscal policy and procedures; participate in annual financial audit process by providing documentation as needed to auditors.
• Manage school purchasing process by placing orders with vendors, tracking delivery and maintaining inventory

School Operations

• Each year, prepare the campus for start-up/new school year by ordering furniture, equipment, and classroom supplies as well as ensuring that school services (i.e. student food services, student transportation services) are lined up and ready for action
• Process new hires and maintain employee records to prepare the facility for occupation
• Manage the tracking and follow up regarding teacher certification and employee benefits
• With the support of Achievement First’s central office, ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local employment laws and policies
• Ensure the maintenance of campus facilities by managing custodial personnel and third-party contracts for trash removal, recycling, and security
• Manage the school’s food and transportation services by coordinating with service providers and overseeing deliveries
• Manage the school’s supply and asset inventory

School Administration

• Ensure the timely implementation of all items on Achievement First’s monthly administrative calendar
• Ensure that the school is adhering to all local compliance and reporting requirements, as per calendars and guidelines provided by Achievement First
• Provide oversight of the planning and execution of school special events, such as field lessons, Report Card Night, and graduation
• Oversee the administration of all student tests
• With the support of the Achievement First central Data Analysts, disseminate progress reports to school staff and ensure the timely production of student Report Cards
• Ensure that student records are properly maintained and updated at the school

Management and Leadership

• Directly supervise the Student Services Manager and Office Coordinator
• Actively serve on the school’s leadership team, which also includes the school’s Principal and deans

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of operations management experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; demonstrated passion for and commitment to the Achievement First mission and educational model
• Comfort level with financial oversight and budgetary tracking to support strategic growth
• Experience managing cross-functional teams to develop and implement systems and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a growing organization
• Willingness to work autonomously, collaboratively, and/or under the direction of senior staff, as needed
• Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically
• Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• Personal qualities of maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and a roll-up-my-sleeves attitude
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; MBA preferred

To Apply: Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format and addressed to Gaylord Bourne, at http://jobs.cgcareers.org/application.aspx?id=1515. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Achievement First is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school. Achievement First does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

About Commongood Careers: Achievement First has partnered with Commongood Careers to conduct the search for a Director of School Operations. Commongood Careers is a nonprofit search service that connects talented individuals to organizations that are dedicated to creating positive social change. Founded and staffed by nonprofit professionals, Commongood Careers offers personalized, engaged services to jobseekers and organizations throughout the hiring process, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge about nonprofit careers. Learn more about nonprofit jobs at Commongood Careers.