Director of Operations

Isana; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ISANA, based in Los Angeles, seeks a Director of Operations to translate strategic priorities into scalable operational systems across six schools. You will report to the Chief Operations Officer and lead network-wide functions, developing and monitoring standards, and building capacity of operations teams.

The role requires 7+ years in multi-site operations, with a focus on compliance, data systems, and facilities oversight to ensure high-quality support for schools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in school/nonprofit/public-sector/multi-site operations.
• Experience managing multiple operational functions and coordinating across sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for operational systems across all sites and central office.
• Identify operational needs with school leaders and implement solutions.
• Set and monitor network-wide standards, calendars, and performance expectations.
• Conduct regular site reviews and ensure timely follow-through on priorities.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop dashboards, metrics, and reporting to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Organization

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

SIS

Procurement tools

Project management systems

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: ISANA Home Office - Los Angeles, CA 90010Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary/yearTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayJob Category: EducationPURPOSE OF POSITION

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Director of Operations serves as a key organizational leader responsible for translating ISANA's strategic priorities into effective, scalable, and consistently executed operational systems across six schools. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director leads network-wide operational functions, develops and monitors systems and standards, builds the capacity of operational teams, and ensures schools receive high-quality, responsive operational support.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for operational systems and practices across all school sites and central office, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and a high level of service.
• Partner with school leaders and school-based operations staff to identify operational needs, resolve challenges, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Establish and monitor network-wide operational standards, procedures, calendars, and performance expectations.
• Conduct regular school-site operational reviews and ensure timely follow-through on identified priorities.
• Ensure alignment of school operations with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Establish key performance indicators, service standards, and accountability systems to measure the effectiveness of network and school-site operations.

Team Management

• Supervise, support, and evaluate the performance of the Business Operations Manager, Operations Coordinator, and Facilities Coordinator.
• Provide strategic direction, professional development, and performance management for direct reports.
• Build cross-functional collaboration and communication to support effective execution of operational initiatives.

Facilities Oversight

• Oversee maintenance, repairs, capital improvement projects, and vendor relationships to ensure facilities are safe and operational.
• Support the Facilities Coordinator in implementing preventive maintenance schedules and compliance with safety regulations.

School Nutrition Oversight

• Manage meal program compliance with federal (NSLP) and state guidelines.
• Supervise vendor performance and ensure the quality, efficiency, and regulatory alignment of nutrition services.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations across operational functions.
• Oversee compliance reporting and documentation, including for audits, oversight reviews, and government submissions.

Data Systems Management

• Oversee the use and administration of student information systems (SIS), enrollment platforms, and operational reporting tools.
• Work closely with academic and technology teams to maintain data integrity and usability.
• Develop and monitor operational dashboards, metrics, and reporting systems to identify trends, evaluate performance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Use operational data to identify areas of risk, inefficiency, and opportunity and develop action plans to improve performance.

Student Recruitment & Enrollment

• Design and implement strategies to meet enrollment targets and support equitable access across schools.
• Monitor applications, waitlists, and enrollment processes to ensure transparency and compliance.

Procurement and Vendor Management

• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiation, implementation, performance monitoring, and renewal processes for major operational services.
• Ensure purchasing aligns with organizational policies and provides cost-effective, high-quality services and products.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage budgets for assigned operational areas in partnership with the COO and fiscal team.
• Monitor expenditures, contracts, and vendor performance to ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and strategic resource allocation.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED SKILLS / EDUCATION / TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Skills:

• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and operational platforms (e.g., SIS, procurement tools, project management systems). trt

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in school, nonprofit, public-sector, or multi-site operations, including at least 3 years of management or leadership experience.
• Experience managing multiple operational functions and/or supporting multiple school sites or locations strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with LAUSD oversight, state and federal compliance requirements, and education-related regulations strongly desired.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Regular travel between school sites within the charter network.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds.
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend work to meet operational needs or address facility-related issues.
• Work is performed in both office and school environments, including campus visits and walkthroughs.