Operations Manager

Qalam; Carrollton (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Qalam Academy in Carrollton, Texas, seeks an Operations Manager to lead the operations function across all four program pillars—Qalam Hifdh, Qalam Learn, and Qalam Experience—managing a team of Associates and Leads, and partnering with program leads to ensure operational excellence.

You will own systems, processes, and standards, drive budget discipline, vendor decisions, and cross‑org coordination to keep programs on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operations function across all four program pillars
• Design and continuously improve operational processes, workflows, and standards
• Set the operational cadence: weekly status, monthly process review, quarterly capacity check
• Own the task management system (ClickUp, Asana, etc) and ensure consistent use across the team
• Maintain operational dashboards visible to program leads and the Associate Director
• Partner with each program lead to support their program execution
• Conduct budget reviews and report cost plans to upper management
• Ensure that operational activities remain on time and within budget
• Lead, motivate, and support a large team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment
• Manage and develop direct reports through regular 1:1s, structured performance management, and quarterly development reviews
• Coach respective team members on their growth areas; create written development plans for every direct report
• Maintain healthy team dynamics across operations, curriculum, and admin functions
• Oversee operations across all four pillars: Qalam Hifdh PT/FT/Adult Hifdh; Qalam Learn Foundations, Academy Core, Academy; Qalam Experience Outreach Programs + Retreats, Camps, Sisters\' Suhbah, Intensives, and Summits
• Ensure intensives, events, and recurring programs run smoothly
• Approve operational decisions: vendor selection within budget, day-of logistics, materials and venue execution
• Resolve cross-pillar operational overlap
• Coordinate with the curriculum team in order to prepare the material for the program managers
• Support cross-departmental projects and initiatives in coordination with the broader Qalam Institute
• Provide quarterly readouts on operational health to leadership when the Associate Director delegates
• Represent Qalam Academy operations in inter-departmental meetings as needed

Job description

Qalam is an Islamic educational institute committed to nurturing faith, character, and personal growth through learning rooted in our sacred tradition. We believe that deepening one’s understanding of Islam should lead to becoming a better person. Our mission is to inspire growth through nurturing education built on a sacred foundation.

Our Culture

Prophetic Character
At Qalam, our culture is deeply rooted in Prophetic character. We view education as a transformative endeavor—one that shapes not only minds, but hearts. Our team strives for excellence in all that we do, guided by the belief that our collective efforts can positively impact learners and the communities we serve.

Work Ethic
We believe that when dedicated people work together, they can achieve great things. Team members are encouraged to approach their responsibilities with diligence, passion, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Respect
Our faith teaches us the inherent dignity of every human being. At Qalam, respect is reflected through open communication, active listening, and genuine appreciation for one another’s time and effort. We foster a collaborative, communicative, and responsive work environment where every team member feels valued.

Integrity
We value transparency and integrity in all aspects of our work. Team members are encouraged to communicate openly and share feedback constructively. This commitment to honesty and accountability builds trust and strengthens our team.

Position Overview

The Qalam Academy Operations Manager leads the operations function across all four program pillars, Kids, Hifdh, Learn, and Experiences. This role manages a team of direct reports (Operations Associates and Ops Leads and Admin + Curriculum Coordinator), partners with program leads to ensure operational excellence across all programming, and owns the systems, processes, and standards that keep Qalam Academy running.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

• Lead the operations function across all four program pillars
• Design and continuously improve operational processes, workflows, and standards
• Set the operational cadence: weekly status, monthly process review, quarterly capacity check
• Own the task management system (ClickUp, Asana, etc) and ensure consistent use across the team
• Maintain operational dashboards visible to program leads and the Associate Director
• Partner with each program lead to support their program execution
• Conduct budget reviews and report cost plans to upper management
• Ensure that operational activities remain on time and within budget

People Management

• Lead, motivate, and support a large team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment
• Manage and develop direct reports through regular 1:1s, structured performance management, and quarterly development reviews
• Coach respective team members on their growth areas; create written development plans for every direct report
• Maintain healthy team dynamics across operations, curriculum, and admin functions

Program Operations

• Oversee operations across all four pillars:
• Qalam Hifdh — PT/FT/Adult Hifdh
• Qalam Learn — Foundations, Academy Core, Academy
• Qalam Experience — Outreach Programs (Seminars, Community Contracts, Conferences) + Retreats, Camps, Sisters' Suhbah, Intensives, and Summits
• Ensure intensives, events, and recurring programs run smoothly
• Approve operational decisions: vendor selection within budget, day-of logistics, materials and venue execution
• Resolve cross-pillar operational overlap
• Coordinate with the curriculum team in order to prepare the material for the program managers

Cross-Org Coordination

• Support cross-departmental projects and initiatives in coordination with the broader Qalam Institute
• Provide quarterly readouts on operational health to leadership when the Associate Director delegates
• Represent Qalam Academy operations in inter-departmental meetings as needed