Managing Director of Operations - Camden - KIPP New Jersey

About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, 80 fifth graders walked through the doors of our first middle school in Newark, New Jersey and KIPP New Jersey has since grown to educate 8,135 students in grades K-12 across 17 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. 

By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will provide a world-class education to over 10,300 students across fifteen schools in Newark and five in Camden. To learn more, visit www.kippnj.org.

Here's what you need to know:

The Managing Director of Operations (MDO) for KIPP Camden leads a team in executing world-class operational support for the schools in the region. The Managing Director of Operations oversees non-instructional functions to ensure our schools reflect our guiding values and meet operational excellence standards. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and collaborating closely with the Senior Head of Schools, this role is pivotal in driving the achievement of our organizational goals.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Regional and School Operations:

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team managing school and regional operations.
• Set vision for school operations excellence and ensure schools reflect our guiding values.
• Manage attendance outcomes, enrollment targets, and student persistence goals.
• Oversee transportation services, facilities maintenance, and nutritional programs.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to facilitate professional development for operations staff.
• Drive talent and leadership pipeline development for staffing and regional growth goals.

Regional Budget and Purchasing:

• Facilitate regional budgeting process and manage local budget allocations.
• Support finance team in enrollment and student retention targets.
• Coordinate budget creation and provide support and accountability for school-based leaders.
• Hold budget managers accountable for compliance, accuracy, and financial forecasting throughout the year.

Student Recruitment and Enrollment:

• Collaborate on setting enrollment targets and local student recruitment strategies.
• Ensure compliance with enrollment deadlines.
• Coordinate with student recruitment team on marketing and outreach efforts.

Board Management and Compliance:

• Manage local board relationships and ensure compliance with state and local laws.
• Coordinate compliance submissions and support finance and accounting teams.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of grants and grant-related funding.
• Review and approve contracts and vendor engagements.

Advocacy and Community Engagement:

• Manage community engagement team and local community partnerships.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with district, local, and political leaders.
• Work with district and local partners on growth planning and events.
• Mobilize parents for advocacy actions and support legislative changes affecting the region.

Organizational Leadership:

• Participate in network-wide operations leadership cohort to develop, build, and maintain operations systems.
• Cascade network goals and priorities in the region.
• Ensure regional compliance across local functions.

Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to continuous improvement and results-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in developing and managing business systems and processes.
• Knowledge of public education and charter school movement preferred.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of operational management experience, preferably in education or nonprofit.
• Significant team management experience, including coaching and development.
• Familiarity with school-based operational structures preferred.
• Other things you should know about the role:

Physical Requirements:

• Weekend and evening work may be required.
• Travel to other KIPP cities and regions for conferences and professional development.

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP NJ offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop, and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area.