Job Detail
Director of Operations
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Operational and Strategic Leadership
A leader who can seamlessly oversee the daily operations of the school, ensuring that all aspects—from facilities management to security—are well-coordinated and efficient. A data-driven approach is essential to identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements that optimize the school’s operations. Beyond handling logistics, this individual will be a strategic thinker and must also think of the school as a business, ensuring that decisions are made with long-term financial and operational sustainability in mind. Their leadership will alleviate operational burdens, allowing the Head of School to focus on strategic priorities.
Project and Facilities Management
Managing capital projects, particularly large-scale construction, will be a major aspect of this role. The leader must be highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that all phases of construction are executed on schedule and within budget. Acting as the day-to-day project lead, the leader will coordinate with the Owner’s Rep, Director of Finance (DFO), and contractors while keeping the Board and school community informed. Additionally, they will oversee ongoing facilities management, security, fire mitigation, and emergency preparedness, ensuring that the school remains a safe and well-maintained environment. Their ability to juggle long-term construction projects while also handling daily operational responsibilities will be critical in ensuring the smooth functioning of the school’s infrastructure.
HR and People Management
This position will oversee key HR functions, including employee relations, conflict resolution, and benefits administration. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in Human Resources Management and a strong understanding of California labor law and employment practices. They will provide expert guidance to ensure compliance while fostering a supportive workplace culture. Serving as the primary HR resource for faculty and staff, they will ensure continuity in HR services and handle employee concerns professionally and equitably. Strong listening skills, empathy, and the ability to address challenges with fairness and clarity are essential. Additionally, they must understand the unique dynamics of an elementary school environment, where emotions and interpersonal relationships influence decision-making. By fostering a strong, supportive HR presence, they will enhance faculty and staff satisfaction and stability.
Adaptability, Problem-Solving, and Hands-On Leadership
This role requires a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic school environment. A strategic problem-solver, they will anticipate challenges, implement solutions, and align operations with the school’s long-term vision. With strong decision-making skills, they will manage HR, operations, and construction projects independently.
The ideal candidate must exercise independent judgment, discretion, and adaptability, maintaining flexibility to shift priorities as needed. Given the fast-paced nature of the school, they should be able to multi-task effectively, handling frequent interruptions while ensuring smooth operations. They should step into various roles as needed, ensuring smooth operations while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture. Resilient and adaptable, this leader will navigate the evolving complexities of independent school operations while maintaining a sense of urgency and accountability in all aspects of their work. With a resourceful and strategic mindset, they will balance immediate operational needs with long-term planning, ensuring the school’s sustained success.
Strong Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is critical for success in this role, as it involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the Board, project managers, facilities staff, neighborhood associations, and employees. The leader must excel in verbal and written communication, providing clear, structured, and timely updates on construction and operations. They will serve as the key liaison between project teams and the school community, ensuring that disruptions are well-communicated and managed proactively. Approachable and diplomatic, they will foster collaboration, ensuring faculty, staff, and external partners feel heard and informed. A high-touch communication approach is essential in this close-knit community, where transparency and engagement are highly valued.
Download the full PDF description here.
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The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Operational and Strategic Leadership
A leader who can seamlessly oversee the daily operations of the school, ensuring that all aspects—from facilities management to security—are well-coordinated and efficient. A data-driven approach is essential to identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements that optimize the school’s operations. Beyond handling logistics, this individual will be a strategic thinker and must also think of the school as a business, ensuring that decisions are made with long-term financial and operational sustainability in mind. Their leadership will alleviate operational burdens, allowing the Head of School to focus on strategic priorities.
Project and Facilities Management
Managing capital projects, particularly large-scale construction, will be a major aspect of this role. The leader must be highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that all phases of construction are executed on schedule and within budget. Acting as the day-to-day project lead, the leader will coordinate with the Owner’s Rep, Director of Finance (DFO), and contractors while keeping the Board and school community informed. Additionally, they will oversee ongoing facilities management, security, fire mitigation, and emergency preparedness, ensuring that the school remains a safe and well-maintained environment. Their ability to juggle long-term construction projects while also handling daily operational responsibilities will be critical in ensuring the smooth functioning of the school’s infrastructure.
HR and People Management
This position will oversee key HR functions, including employee relations, conflict resolution, and benefits administration. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in Human Resources Management and a strong understanding of California labor law and employment practices. They will provide expert guidance to ensure compliance while fostering a supportive workplace culture. Serving as the primary HR resource for faculty and staff, they will ensure continuity in HR services and handle employee concerns professionally and equitably. Strong listening skills, empathy, and the ability to address challenges with fairness and clarity are essential. Additionally, they must understand the unique dynamics of an elementary school environment, where emotions and interpersonal relationships influence decision-making. By fostering a strong, supportive HR presence, they will enhance faculty and staff satisfaction and stability.
Adaptability, Problem-Solving, and Hands-On Leadership
This role requires a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic school environment. A strategic problem-solver, they will anticipate challenges, implement solutions, and align operations with the school’s long-term vision. With strong decision-making skills, they will manage HR, operations, and construction projects independently.
The ideal candidate must exercise independent judgment, discretion, and adaptability, maintaining flexibility to shift priorities as needed. Given the fast-paced nature of the school, they should be able to multi-task effectively, handling frequent interruptions while ensuring smooth operations. They should step into various roles as needed, ensuring smooth operations while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture. Resilient and adaptable, this leader will navigate the evolving complexities of independent school operations while maintaining a sense of urgency and accountability in all aspects of their work. With a resourceful and strategic mindset, they will balance immediate operational needs with long-term planning, ensuring the school’s sustained success.
Strong Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is critical for success in this role, as it involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the Board, project managers, facilities staff, neighborhood associations, and employees. The leader must excel in verbal and written communication, providing clear, structured, and timely updates on construction and operations. They will serve as the key liaison between project teams and the school community, ensuring that disruptions are well-communicated and managed proactively. Approachable and diplomatic, they will foster collaboration, ensuring faculty, staff, and external partners feel heard and informed. A high-touch communication approach is essential in this close-knit community, where transparency and engagement are highly valued.
Download the full PDF description here.
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
© The John Thomas Dye School. All rights reserved.