Director of School Operations

KIPP MEMPHIS COLLEGIATE ELEMENTARY; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary is seeking a Director of School Operations to lead the launch and ongoing operations of a new campus in Cordova, TN. You will build systems, manage procurement, vendors, and family events, and work with the Principal and Operations leadership to ensure a smooth opening and effective daily functioning.

This role requires strong project management, budgeting, and staff oversight, with a passion for educational equity and organizational excellence in a charter

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• 3–5 years of professional experience with at least 2 years in school operations, education management, non-profit administration, or project management.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project management, operational execution, and budget management.
• Experience managing staff, service vendors, or cross-functional team projects.

Responsibilities

• During pre-opening, build systems, routines, and operational foundation to launch the new school.
• Lead recruitment, community engagement, facility readiness, procurement, vendor coordination, and school materials management.
• Organize family and stakeholder events and establish school operations from ground up.
• After opening, oversee day-to-day campus operations and support the instructional team.
• Report to the Managing Director of Operations and Principal; manage front office staff and external vendors.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Staff management

Operations leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Company Overview

As a leader in providing high-quality education for students who need us most, KIPP Memphis is a network of open-enrollment, tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools serving students across Memphis. KIPP Memphis is part of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), a national network of more than 200 high-performing public charter schools united by a commitment to educational excellence, equity, and opportunity. Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis has built a strong legacy of preparing students with the academic skills, confidence, and character needed to thrive in college, career, and life. Today, KIPP Memphis serves students in elementary, middle, and high school and is expanding its impact through the launch of KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary, a new school opening in Cordova, Tennessee. The mission of KIPP Memphis is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and help build a more just world.

Job Description

The Director of School Operations is the operational leader of KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary (KCCE) and a key member of the founding team responsible for preparing the school to open successfully. In partnership with the Principal and regional leadership, the Director of School Operations will build the systems, structures, routines, and operational foundation necessary to launch a new school and sustain its success. During the pre-opening phase, this role will extend beyond the traditional responsibilities of an established school-based Director of School Operations. The Director of School Operations will play a hands‑on role in student recruitment, community engagement, facility readiness, procurement, vendor coordination, receiving and organizing school materials, family and stakeholder events, and establishing school operations from the ground up. Once the school opens, the Director of School Operations will lead the efficient day‑to‑day operation of the campus, allowing the Principal and instructional team to maintain a strong focus on teaching and learning. This individual must embrace innovation and continuous improvement, demonstrate strong initiative and follow-through, and be willing to work alongside the founding team wherever needed to ensure KCCE is ready to welcome students, families, staff, and community partners. The Director of School Operations will report to the Managing Director of Operations and the campus Principal, manage the school front office team and outside vendors and service providers, and serve as a member of the school leadership team.

Requirements

• Required Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience, with at least 2 years in school operations, education management, non‑profit administration, or project management.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project management, operational execution, and budget management.
• Experience managing staff, service vendors, or cross‑functional team projects.
• Preferred Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, education leadership, non‑profit management, or a related field.
• Experience managing operations personnel, service vendors, and multi‑faceted operational budgets.
• Experience in a charter school network, high‑performing urban school, or local educational organization.

Competencies

• Ability to build, streamline, and maintain complex campus systems and routines.
• Strong analytical skills to resolve operational challenges.
• Deep commitment to educational equity and the mission of KIPP Memphis.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, in line with KIPP Memphis's compensation scale for instructional leadership roles. KIPP Memphis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan options, and paid time off.

KIPP Memphis is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.