Operations Manager

Ewing Marion Kauffman School; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off & school holidays

Paid parental leave

403B with employer match up to 4%

KCPSRS retirement system

Professional development

Growth opportunities

Job summary

The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day logistics of school operations. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will coach the operations team, manage vendor relationships, and help design and manage budgets and processes to support instruction and student achievement.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in operations, experience in schools or similar settings, and strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of relevant operational experience.
• Undergraduate degree preferred.
• Experience in schools, urban communities, or non-profit environments preferred.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and vendor coordination experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and standard school administration tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations team and ensure smooth day-to-day school functioning.
• Manage relationships with facilities, custodial staff, food services, transportation, and security vendors.
• Develop, implement and monitor operational processes, budgets, and priorities to stay within budget.
• Provide logistical oversight for on-campus events and field trips.
• Coordinate student transitions (lunch, bus loading/unloading) and volunteer/intern supervision.
• Support student health services in coordination with staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations or COO.

Skills

Operations management

Project management

Time management

Cross-functional teamwork

Vendor relations

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power School

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving 5th–12th graders with a mission to create college graduates. EMKS seeks results-driven, culturally responsive staff to join our team. We anchor our work around four guiding principles:

• Belief and Connection: Hold high expectations for every student while building strong relationships; never allow identity or bias to lower standards.
• Clear is Kind: Communicate high expectations directly and teach students how to navigate systems and norms they may not yet know.
• Intent and Impact: Act with purpose to empower students, continually assess the impact of practices, and adjust as needed.
• Cultural Context + Critical Thinking: Deliver rigorous, culturally responsive learning that pushes students to think critically and engage with their world.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the team that runs the day-to-day logistics of school operations. The operations department is a cornerstone of the Kauffman School’s model, which seeks to relieve the instructional staff of non-instructional obligations so that they can focus almost exclusively on student achievement and instructional staff development. The Operations Manager has a strong sense of systems management and can coach team members to run systems that help the organization function with fluidity. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

Primary Responsibilities

• Embody and advocate the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Kauffman School
• Manage other members of the operations team
• Manage relationships with vendors to ensure effective service delivery:
  • Facilities
  • Custodial personnel
  • Food services
  • Transportation
  • Security
• Assist with and oversee development, implementation, enhancement, and management of operational processes, procedures and priorities to provide more effective and efficient systems including but not limited to:
  • Student recruitment and enrollment
  • Supply systems
  • Design and implement program, supplies and curriculum budgets; manage day-to-day spending to keep operations on track and within budget limits
• Provide logistical oversight and coordination for on campus events and field trips
• Coordinate and assist with student transitions such as lunch and restroom breaks, bus loading and unloading, etc., as needed
• Select and oversee volunteers and/or interns
• Support student health services when needed; coordinate with staff to ensure that students receive appropriate care
• All other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations or Chief Operating Officer

Desired Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree is preferred
• A minimum of 3+ years of relevant operational experience is required
• Prior experience working in schools, urban communities, non-profit, military, private sector, and/or a fast paced entrepreneurial environment is preferred
• High comfort level with children and youth is required
• Demonstrated project/program management experience is necessary. Must possess experience successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with external vendors to develop and implement systems and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a growing organization is essential
• Effectively prioritize work and meet deadlines; organized; manage multiple assignments; follow assignments through to completion; respond quickly to requests for information and assistance
• High organizational and analytical ability
• Results-driven with experience driving operational excellence
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office; Power School, Outlook, Word, and Excel are necessary

Personal Characteristics

• Commitment to and complete belief in the Kauffman School’s mission to create college graduates as well as in the School’s organizational success
• Entrepreneurial energy, hands-on approach and ambition necessary for a start-up school
• Personality should project enthusiasm, professionalism, and a high level of credibility
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands and external pressures
• Should be highly adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment
• Ambition and desire to grow and to work both autonomously and collaboratively
• Commitment to getting the job done right and willingness to do whatever it takes to create and maintain an orderly, effective school organization
• Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members
• Must have a strong personal value system that encompasses high integrity, honesty, a solid work ethic, high professional standards and strong moral character
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• 403B plan as well as employer match available up to 4%
• Part of the KCPSRS retirement system
• Paid time off and school holidays
• Paid parental leave available
• Professional development and growth opportunities

The Kauffman School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.