Operations Manager

The Covenant School; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Covenant School in Charlottesville, VA seeks an Operations Manager to coordinate day-to-day school-wide support services across transportation, athletic, and facilities functions. This full-time, exempt role partners with the Director of Facilities to ensure safe, efficient operations.

Responsibilities include managing transportation programs, hiring and supervising drivers, maintaining fleet records, coordinating event logistics, and supporting campus safety and vendor management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in operations, logistics, or facilities management.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Valid driver's license; ability to drive school vehicles.
• Knowledge of DOT and state transportation regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee transportation program, routes, and field trips.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise drivers and staff.
• Manage fleet maintenance and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate athletic event logistics and facility usage.
• Support vendor management, budgeting, and purchase orders.
• Assist with school events logistics, safety drills, and records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Position Title: Operations Manager
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Facilities
Supports: Athletic Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Operations Manager at The Covenant School serves as a vital operational leader responsible for the day-to-day coordination of school-wide support services. This role bridges the administrative, athletic, and facilities functions of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Transportation Operations

• Oversee all aspects of the school's transportation program, including daily routes, athletic team travel, and field trip coordination
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise bus drivers, van operators, and transportation staff
• Manage vehicle fleet maintenance, inspections, and compliance with all local, state, and federal transportation regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for transportation vendors, charter bus companies, and third-party transport providers
• Develop and maintain transportation policies, procedures, and safety protocols in alignment with school and regulatory standards
• Coordinate with the Athletic Director to plan and execute transportation logistics for all athletic events, including away games, tournaments, and multi-day trips
• Monitor transportation budgets, track expenses, and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies
• Maintain accurate records of driver certifications, vehicle registrations, insurance, and maintenance logs
• Respond promptly to transportation-related incidents, delays, or emergencies and communicate effectively with families and staff

Athletic Operations Support

• Partner with the Athletic Director to support event-day logistics, including facility setup, staffing coordination, and game-day operations
• Assist in scheduling and coordinating athletic facility usage, including gyms, fields, and multi-purpose spaces
• Coordinate equipment inventory, storage, and distribution for athletic programs
• Support planning and execution of special athletic events, tournaments, and schoolsponsored competitions

Facilities Operations Support

• Support the operational needs of campus buildings and grounds
• Coordinate work orders, vendor scheduling, and routine maintenance activities in conjunction with facilities staff
• Assist with the logistics of school events, including setup, breakdown, and facility access coordination
• Help manage space reservations and ensure facilities are prepared and accessible for scheduled activities
• Support emergency preparedness planning and assist in executing safety drills and protocols

General Operations & Administration

• Serve as a collaborative operational resource across departments, identifying and resolving logistical challenges proactively
• Submit purchase orders and ensure alignment with invoices, budgets, and vendor agreements
• Maintain operational records, documentation, and reporting for COO review
• Assist in vendor management, contract administration, and procurement for operational needs
• Support the COO with special projects, strategic initiatives, and school-wide operational planning

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Education Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in operations, logistics, or facilities management, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external vendors
• Proficiency with productivity software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) and operations or scheduling tools
• Valid driver's license; ability to drive school vehicles as needed
• Knowledge of DOT, state transportation regulations, and school safety requirements

Preferred

• Experience in K–12 independent or private school administration
• Demonstrated experience managing transportation programs or fleet operations
• Familiarity with athletic program logistics and event management
• Experience with facilities management systems or fleet management software
• CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or willingness to obtain

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence – Demonstrates precision, reliability, and follow-through in managing complex logistics
• Collaborative Leadership – Works effectively across departments and supports the success of others
• Problem Solving – Identifies issues proactively and develops practical, timely solutions
• Communication – Conveys information clearly and respectfully, and listens well across all levels of the school community
• Integrity & Judgment – Models the values and character expected of all Covenant School team members
• Adaptability – Thrives in a dynamic environment and responds with professionalism to changing circumstances

Working Conditions

This position requires a combination of office-based work and active presence across both campuses. The Operations Manager will regularly work outdoor and indoor environments, occasionally lift or move equipment, and be available during early morning, evening, and weekend hours to support transportation, facilities, and athletic operations as needed. Some travel is required for off-campus events and vendor meetings.

Located in Charlottesville, VA, The Covenant School is a non-denominational, private, Christian day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, visual and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.