26-27 RI Director of School Operations

Achievement First; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 97,167 - 126,781; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan with match

Paid family leave

Job summary

Achievement First in Rhode Island is seeking a strategic Director of School Operations to relieve the principal by handling non-instructional administrative matters and lead the operations team.

You will manage budgeting up to $10M, payroll, facilities, safety, and family engagement while partnering with the principal and Regional Director of Operations to drive school performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ operations management experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams to develop and implement systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the principal as a strategic #2 to identify priorities and decisions.
• Ensure school meets operational KPIs including finances, safety, attendance, and facilities.
• Directly manage the operations team, setting goals and coaching.
• Lead annual budgeting for up to $10M and coordinate procurement.
• Oversee payroll, leaves, benefits, and HR compliance.
• Develop family engagement strategies for recruitment, enrollment and retention.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Financial oversight

Autonomy

Collaboration

Detail-oriented

Leadership

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Achievement First is seeking a strategic and dynamic Director of School Operations. The role reports to the Regional Director of Operations and the school principal and focuses on non‑instructional administrative matters, relieving the principal to concentrate on student achievement.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the principal as a strategic #2 to identify priorities and make school‑wide decisions.
• Ensure school meets operational KPIs, including financial management, safety, attendance, facilities and priorities.
• Member of leadership team with principal and deans; provide a holistic view of school performance.
• Directly manage the operations team (student services managers, office coordinators, etc.), setting goals and coaching.
• Continuously improve team performance through identification of high and low performers, feedback, training and development.
• Lead the annual budgeting process for up to $10M, manage forecasts, approve transactions and coordinate procurement.
• Oversee payroll for all school staff, partnering with network support.
• Manage human resources functions: leaves, accommodations, staff time, benefits, compliance with employment laws, onboarding/offboarding, certification tracking.
• Lead family engagement for recruitment, enrollment, transfer and retention, ensuring seats are filled and data accuracy.
• Maintain school safety: conduct drills, emergency procedures, crisis response coordination with local agencies.
• Manage facilities: set aesthetic vision, oversee renovations, contract custodial and third‑party services, enforce standards.
• Oversee daily operations: custodial, food, health, transportation, technical support and readiness processes.
• Develop family engagement strategy and act as first point of contact for family concerns, managing communication and events.

Skills and Characteristics

• Commitment to the Achievement First mission and educational model.
• Strong financial oversight and budgeting skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, collaboratively, or under senior staff direction.
• Strategic thinking with acute attention to detail.
• Flexible multitasker capable of handling ambiguity and driving clarity.
• Resourceful in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and a high‑energy disposition.

Educational Background and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ operations management experience in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams to develop and implement systems and processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $97,167 – $126,781, adjusted for skill, experience and equity considerations.
• Full‑time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with match, and paid family leave.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Achievement First is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. For more on our diversity initiatives, visit http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/.