School Operations Manager at KIPP

The School Operations Manager (SOM) serves as the operational backbone of the campus. Reporting to the school‑based Director of School Operations, the SOM designs, implements, and continuously refines every non‑instructional system. By ensuring these functions run efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with district, state, and federal requirements, the SOM frees the principal and instructional staff to remain laser‑focused on teaching and learning. Acting as both strategist and hands‑on problem solver, the SOM collaborates daily with school leaders, teachers, support staff, vendors, families, and community partners to create a best‑in‑class operational environment that directly supports student achievement. The responsibilities and essential functions of the role include: Food Service Operations • Oversee all aspects of school food service, including vendor management, meal quality, compliance, and daily operations to ensure students receive safe, nutritious meals. • Manage relationships with food service vendors to ensure adherence to safety standards and continuous improvement in service quality and efficiency. • Implement and maintain systems for accurate student meal identification and tracking (breakfast, lunch, supper, snack) in compliance with federal and state regulations. • Establish and communicate clear meal procedures to staff, students, and families to ensure smooth and equitable meal distribution. • Monitor meal service operations and dining schedules to maximize efficiency, minimize wait times, and improve the student experience. • Conduct routine observations to ensure audit readiness and compliance with nutrition and food safety requirements. • Maintain accurate student health records, including food allergies and emergency information, to support safe meal service.Facilities, Custodial & Maintenance Management • Partner with custodial and maintenance teams to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming school environment, supported by routine inspections and feedback. • Conduct daily facility walkthroughs to assess cleanliness, safety, and operational needs; ensure timely follow-up on identified issues. • Coordinate preventive maintenance and manage facilities requests to ensure timely resolution and minimal disruption to learning. • Collaborate with regional facilities teams to ensure compliance with inspections (e.g., NOLAPS) and completion of required action items. • Maintain organized, accessible storage and shared spaces. • Ensure school spaces reflect the school’s culture, brand, and high standards for presentation.Student Recruitment & Enrollment • Lead student recruitment efforts to meet enrollment targets through strategic outreach, community engagement, and partnerships. • Build and maintain relationships with local schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to strengthen recruitment pipelines. • Plan and execute recruitment events (e.g., tours, open houses, information sessions) that reflect the school’s mission and values. • Support families through the application, enrollment, and withdrawal processes, ensuring clear communication and access to resources. • Ensure timely completion of new student registration (within 5 days) and support re-registration efforts to meet school enrollment goals (e.g., 90%+ returning families). • Collaborate with regional teams and external partners to develop sustainable enrollment and retention strategies.Transportation Management • Manage relationships with transportation vendors and serve as the primary liaison between families and bus providers. • Maintain accurate transportation rosters and ensure proper bus assignments and communication of updates. • Coordinate logistics including bus signage, stop changes, and daily operations. • Monitor transportation performance, including late bus tracking and escalation of issues to regional teams. • Ensure safety protocols are followed, including driver procedures and bus checks. • Partner with internal teams to address and resolve transportation-related concerns.Technology & Asset Management • Oversee school-wide technology systems, including inventory management, distribution, and maintenance of devices (e.g., Chromebooks, staff technology). • Partner with regional IT to procure equipment and resolve technical issues, minimizing instructional disruption. • Maintain systems for tracking technology usage, ownership, and accountability. • Ensure completion and monitoring of regular technology audits (e.g., Chromebook carts). • Manage shared equipment (copiers, laminators, poster makers), ensuring functionality, maintenance, and adequate supplies. • Troubleshoot day-to-day technology issues and escalate when necessary. • Manage ordering and inventory of office and operational supplies within budget.School Communications • Develop and maintain clear, consistent communication channels with families and staff. • Create and distribute school-wide communications (e.g., newsletters, announcements, updates) aligned with school priorities and culture. • Ensure timely communication of key events, deadlines, and important information to all stakeholders.Event Planning & Execution • Plan and execute school events in collaboration with school leadership, ensuring strong logistics and alignment to school goals. • Coordinate off-campus trips, ensuring safety, organization, and meaningful student experiences. • Manage event logistics, including space setup, materials, vendor coordination, and staff support.Attendance & Student Engagement • Monitor and support daily attendance processes, including outreach to families. • Participate in attendance intervention efforts and serve as an attendance coach for targeted students. • Collaborate with school teams to improve attendance outcomes.Athletics Operations • Coordinate and oversee athletic programs, including scheduling games, practices, and events. • Manage athletic equipment, uniforms, and inventory. • Arrange transportation and logistics for athletic events. • Communicate with families and stakeholders about schedules, updates, and achievements to build engagement and school pride.General School Operations • Support front office operations as needed, including phone coverage, family interactions, and daily administrative tasks. • Ensure smooth execution of arrival and dismissal procedures, prioritizing student safety and efficiency. • Contribute to a strong, systems-driven operational culture that supports staff and student success.