School Operations Manager

About [ZEST Preparatory Academy]

At ZEST Prep, we strive to be the employer of choice for exceptional talent and a diverse team of teachers, leaders, and support staff. Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment that develops the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and community service. We've created an approach where every role, both instructional and non-instructional, empowers students with the necessary skills to take advantage of opportunities that foster academic, cultural, and personal growth. At ZEST Prep, you'll work in a collaborative, safe, and joyful learning environment that focuses on doing what's best for kids. 

About [ZEST Prep Team]

The ZEST's administrative support team is a small but mighty team that helps create an environment where students can learn more effectively. The team is responsible for day-to-day operations and communications across the organization. 

Position Overview:

ZEST Prep is seeking a school operations manager to implement and maintain the school’s operational systems, increasing the efficiency of school day-to-day operations, and allowing the school instructional leader and teachers to focus on students’ academic achievement. We are looking for a candidate who is attentive to detail, has excellent time management skills, and can multitask and prioritize work in general administrative duties as needed to support in task-specific areas such as enrollment, attendance, reporting, and records maintenance. This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including administrative tasks, facility management, and coordination of various operational functions. The School Operations Manager is a key figure in ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the school, enabling a conducive environment for both students and staff to excel.

The position reports to the school-based Senior Director of Operations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed in this position. This partially lists all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

Facility Management

•   Maintain and oversee the school's physical infrastructure, ensuring it is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
•   Manage facility-related contracts, such as maintenance and janitorial services.
•   Implement security measures to safeguard the school premises.

Budget Management

•   Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize expenditures while maintaining educational quality.

Administrative Support

• Manage day-to-day operations on ZEST campus (scheduling, time-off requests)
• Support and collaborate with school operations coordinator, food and nutrition assistant, and school custodians to ensure the smooth operation of administrative functions.
• Oversee school records, documentation, and data management.

Transportation and Logistics

• Coordinate transportation services for students and staff, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Manage logistics for school events and activities.
• Manages logistics to ensure successful weekly school communication to school stakeholders. Updates to school website/newsletter. 

Compliance and Regulations

•    Ensure the school complies with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations and licensing requirements.
•    Monitor changes in educational policies and adapt operations accordingly.

Health and Safety

•  Implement health and safety protocols, including emergency response plans and drills.
•  Oversee health services and ensure the well-being of students and staff.

Technology and Equipment

•   Manage school technology, including computers, audio-visual equipment, and software.
•   Coordinate IT support and maintenance.

Vendor and Supplier Relations

•  Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source materials, services, and resources for the school.
•  Negotiate contracts and agreements to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Collaboration

• Work closely with school leadership, teachers, and staff to facilitate a supportive and conducive learning environment.
• Act as a liaison between different departments within the school.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of school operations or relevant experience strongly preferred. 
• Managerial experience is strongly preferred. 
• Experience in a fast-paced, highly analytical, entrepreneurial environment. Ability to proactively manage multiple critical deadlines and quickly and confidently adapt to changing school needs, independently prioritizing and following through on completion of tasks and responsibilities. 
• Familiarity with technology and its application in educational settings.
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and student data system platforms.
• Fingerprint Clearance

[Education]

• Bachelor's degree - preferred, preferably, in business administration, education, or finance

Pay & Benefits Summary

ZEST Prep has sharpened our focus on employee well-being and sustainable working norms. Joining our team means having support just as much as contributing to impactful work and making a positive difference in the world. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, such as, 

• The compensation for the Operations Manager role is according to years of experience. 
• Competitively-priced  medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. 
• Contributions to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) in accordance with Georgia state law. 

SALARY BASED ON EXPERIENCE: Salary Range $52-$60K

[Physical functions]

The physical demands outlined in this description are representative of the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively carry out the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to facilitate individuals with disabilities in performing these functions. In the course of performing the duties associated with this role, the employee will regularly engage in verbal communication with both adults and children, and use hands or fingers to handle objects, tools, and controls. The employee will frequently stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. Additionally, the employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, as well as climb ladders. Specific visual abilities necessary for this position include close vision, distance vision, and the capacity to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment typically ranges from moderate to high.

This role entails, but is not limited to, activities such as standing, sitting, repetitive hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. There may be occasions where the movement of shipments weighing up to 30 pounds is required.

[Legal Disclaimer(s)]

• Applicants will be required to complete a background check. 
• Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with state and federal laws, ZEST Preparatory Academy does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, family status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an interfamily offense, or place of residence or business.