JTD stands at a pivotal moment as it embarks on a transformative capital campaign and construction project. To support this bold vision, the school seeks its first Director of Operations (DOO) to drive operational excellence and sustainability. This role will empower the Head of School to focus on strategic leadership while ensuring the school’s daily operations, HR, and campus projects run efficiently.
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The DOO will oversee operational functions, logistics, and facilities, aligning strategies with JTD’s mission. As a key member of the Administrative Team, they will collaborate with the Board of Trustees, manage the Facilities Department, and lead Human Resources, fostering a thriving workplace culture and compliance with evolving labor laws. The DOO will be a strategic thought partner to the IT Manager and Community Programs Manager, collaborating to develop and implement effective strategies that positively impact the JTD community.
A primary responsibility will be overseeing JTD’s multi-year construction project—ensuring timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication remain on track. Additionally, the DOO will manage security, emergency preparedness, and campus maintenance, ensuring a safe and inspiring learning environment.
The DOO will work closely with the Head of School, Division Heads, Director of Teaching & Learning, and the Director of Finance to implement recommendations emerging from a multi-year project to enhance faculty compensation, benefits, and the evaluation system. As the point person for employee relations, the Head of School will rely heavily on the DOO’s expertise to support JTD’s strategic goal of retaining excellent educators.
The ideal candidate is a strategic problem-solver who excels in innovation, collaboration, and execution. While experience in independent schools or construction is a plus, the priority is a commitment to operational excellence and long-term sustainability. They should also have the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
This is more than an operations role—it’s a rare opportunity to shape JTD’s future, strengthening its foundation for generations to come.
CANDIDATE PROFILEThe ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Operational and Strategic LeadershipA 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 ManagementManaging 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 ManagementThis 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 LeadershipThis 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 CollaborationEffective 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.