Director of Operations

ZEST Preparatory Academy
12461 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Suite 613

Douglasville, GA 30134 www.zestprep.org

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School

Founding Director of Operations

ABOUT US

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school in Douglasville, GA (Metro Atlanta area). The school will open in August 2023 with a class of 216 kindergarten – 3rd grade students and grow a year, until fully enrolled. Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment to develop the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and impactful community service.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service. Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it’s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it’s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students.

Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Director of Operations

CLASSIFICATION: District-Administrative (Contract-to-Hire)

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

Serving in a founding role provides the opportunity to build something new and set the foundation for success. An integral part of our success will be the daily implementation of effective systems and procedures.

The Director of Operations is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading day-to-day organizational operations. The primary role of the Director of Operations is to support ZEST Preparatory Academy’s internal and external operations through the development and implementation of strong, efficient systems and structures. This person will lead the business, finance, purchasing, facilities, transportation, recruitment, and stakeholder engagement efforts. The position works closely with the Executive Director to ensure alignment with the school’s goals, mission, and vision.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOUNDING DIRECTIOR OF OPERATIONS

• Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy
• Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly

ZEST Preparatory Academy
12461 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Suite 613

Douglasville, GA 30134 www.zestprep.org

• Flexible: Embraces an “all hands on deck” mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity
• Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions
• Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Director of Operations is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the day-to-day logistical operations of the organization. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Finance and Procurement

• Manage all vendor relationships including, but not limited to, supplies, facilities, food services, transportation, etc.
• Serve as a liaison between the Executive Director and the back-office provider with regard to accounting and bookkeeping
• Coordinate with the Executive Director and accounting team on the purchase order/requisition process and timely payments of vendors
• Grant management for federal and private grants
• Ensure adherence to all fiscal policies

Facilities

• Manage school-site facility maintenance and custodial needs
• Track and conduct regular inventory of all school assets and property

Student Information Systems and Reporting

• Manage the Student Information Systems (SIS) and supervise the timely, accurate, and consistent maintenance of student data
• Work with personnel to maintain integrity and accuracy of student records, including maintenance and tracking of attendance, grades, enrollment, and retention
• Conduct regular student file audit to ensure accuracy and compliance with state standards
• Complete required data for state, federal, and grant program compliance reporting
• Support planning, preparation, and administration for standardized tests

Human Resources

• Manages human resources systems with support to ensure effective hiring and full state compliance
• On-boards new staff on school policies and regulations, standards, school site rules and procedures; computer operation and software programs used at the school site; proper use of office equipment; emergency procedures, etc.

Recruitment and Enrollment

• Manage systems and processes to support recruitment and enrollment and collaborate with

Executive Director to oversee recruitment of new students and ensure school meets all enrollment goals

• Manage lotteries and registration for prospective students and ensure compliance with charter petition
• Manage re-enrollment for current students
• Manages recruitment marketing, volunteer coordination, enrollment system, and student registration processes

ZEST Preparatory Academy
12461 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Suite 613

Douglasville, GA 30134 www.zestprep.org

School Operations

• Lead a high quality, responsive front office team
• Manage the National free and reduced lunch program/process
• Coordinate IT services with the IT Specialist
• Coordinate logistics for field experiences
• Coordinate logistics for ZEST Leadership Days

Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

BA or BS degree required with coursework in Business Administration, Organizational Management,

Education, or related discipline desired.

Master’s degree Preferred

Experience:

Seven years broad, varied and increasingly responsible experience with operations, budgeting, computer information systems, and organizational procedures. Charter school experience desirable.

Knowledge and Competencies:

• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills
• Strong project and time management skills
• Commitment to operational excellence balanced with human-centered leadership
• Meticulous attention to detail, precision, and accuracy
• Knowledge of methods and procedures related to purchasing, operation, safety, computer networking programs, food service, budgeting, accounting, and electronic data processing
• Knowledge of strategies for organization, management and adult supervision
• Knowledge of law, policies, and regulations pertaining to youth and employee records
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary range $75,000-

$85,000.

• A comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees. Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZEST Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of leaders. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Work Location: Remote