The Opportunity:
Prospect Schools is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and equity-minded Director of School Operations (DSO) to ensure that school systems run smoothly so that leaders and teachers can focus on teaching and learning. Reporting to the Senior Director of School Operations (SDSO) and serving as a key member of the School Management Team (SMT), the DSO leads all non-instructional functions of the school, with a focus on financial stewardship, enrollment, facilities and safety, people management, compliance, and operational planning.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
School Leadership & Strategic Partnership
- Serve as a core member of the SMT, advising on school-wide decisions and aligning operations to instructional and cultural priorities.
- Analyze operational and financial data to recommend strategic adjustments that sustain the school's financial health.
- Collaborate with the Principal, SDSO, the MD of Schools, and the Teaching & Learning team to foster a safe, equitable, and student-centered environment.
- Lead school-based enrollment and recruitment efforts, including tours, open houses, and onboarding new families to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience.
Financial Management & Budget Stewardship
- Partner with the Principal and Network Finance Team to build, monitor, and adjust the school budget; recommend corrective actions to ensure reserves and targets are met.
- Track revenue and expenses across categories (supplies, food service, facilities, aftercare, etc.), making proactive adjustments to close gaps.
- Coordinate procurement processes for essential curricular and school supplies.
- Provide clear, data-driven updates to SDSO, Principal, and network leadership.
Facilities, Safety & Compliance
- Oversee facilities management and vendor partnerships to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming spaces.
- Develop proactive facilities and safety calendars, ensuring readiness for key deadlines (e.g., testing windows, first day of school, compliance submissions).
- Lead emergency preparedness systems, including safety drills, protocols, and staff readiness.
- Ensure the school meets all health, safety, and legal compliance requirements.
Team Management & Coaching
- Manage, coach, and develop a team of operations staff, with clear performance goals, feedback structures, and accountability systems.
- Model effective coaching by addressing underperformance directly and supporting professional growth.
- Build a collaborative, high-trust operations culture that strengthens teacher and family confidence.
Operational Planning & Systems Execution
- Design and execute detailed, minute-by-minute plans for complex school events (testing windows, orientation, family nights, etc.), integrating staff, student flow, facilities, and contingencies.
- Lead and monitor systems for enrollment, testing, and state assessments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective communication with staff and families.
- Steward systems for attendance and operational data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and accessibility for decision-making.
- Lead professional development on school operations and systems.
- Establish role clarity and accountability systems across staff, ensuring follow-through.
About You
- 2-5 years of operational leadership experience in education, nonprofit, or related sectors.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- Proven track record of budget management, enrollment operations, facilities oversight, compliance, team coaching, and large-scale event planning.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to frame recommendations clearly for senior leaders.
- Deep alignment with Prospect Schools' mission and values.
Salary:
The salary range for this role starts at $117,000, then increases based on years of experience. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual's skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. At Prospect Schools we remain committed to providing competitive salaries.
Our Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO) or Paid Sick Time (PST) based on date of hire and hours worked per week
- 401(K) and Roth IRA with a 4% employer match with a 3-year vesting schedule
- Flexible spending accounts, including Transit Commuter Options, Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA options
- Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program with free expert support services to assist with a variety of life issues
