ABOUT US

Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools (www.freedomprep.org) comprise a high-performing PreK-12 charter school network in Memphis, TN. Our mission is to prepare all students in grades PK-12 to excel in college and in life. We accomplish our mission by providing a highly structured, academically rigorous environment where students master core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, and demonstrate the school’s core values of: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, and Community.

Freedom Preparatory Academy was established in August of 2009 with a class of nearly 100 6th graders. We now serve nearly 2,500 students in grades PreK-12. In 2019, as we celebrate our 10th year of providing a quality education for students in low-income/underserved communities, we are proud to see our students exceed local and state averages in Math and local averages in English language arts. We have received numerous awards year after year for being one of the top schools for growth in the city and state of TN. As of 2021, 100% of all of our graduating classes were accepted to four-year colleges and universities!

We have three core beliefs that drive our mission: Every child deserves the right to a high-quality public education, a foundation in character development is essential, and direct exposure to an array of opportunities and experiences provides each child with the self-confidence and social knowledge to compete globally.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dean of Operations is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the day-to-day business operations of a school office, and serves as an administrative aide and advisor to the school leader, relieving him/her of administrative details. The primary role of the Manager of School Operations is to support the Academy’s internal and external operations through the creation and implementation of strong, efficient systems and structures. The Manager of School Operations will be housed at a school site. This position reports to the Head of Schools, with significant support and training from the central operations team.

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Dean of School Operations is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the day-to-day logistical operations of the school.

Below are some of the characteristics the Manager of School Operations will be expected to exhibit.

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  Embody the characteristics that the school values, especially perseverance, social responsibility, an “all hands on deck” mentality, and professionalism
• Embody and advocate the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Academy
• Assist in the development/implementation of structures and systems to assist in building consistency within the school and throughout the network
• Promotes and maintains a positive and effective school climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public at large are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly.
• Recognizes problems and impediments and reports them promptly with options for solutions to the site Head of School and Director of Network Operations; promotes and assists with constructive resolutions.
• Attend and support school functions.
• Seek out and participate in educational and professional development and motivate and encourage such developments for school-classified employees.
• Must be comfortable with ambiguity.

In addition to the expectations, the Dean of School Operations will also be expected to carry some specific administrative duties.

Finance and Procurement:

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  Manage all school-level vendor relationships including, but not limited to, supplies, facilities, food services, transportation, etc.
• Coordinate with the central finance and accounting staff on the purchase order/requisition process and timely payment of vendors
• Ensure adherence to all fiscal policies

Facilities:

• Manage school-site facility maintenance and custodial needs
• Scrutinize facility wear and tear and makes recommendations as to facility improvement (i.e., carpet replacement, exterior and interior paint, turf)
• Track and conduct regular inventory of all school assets and property

Student Information Systems and Reporting

• Ensure accuracy of Student Information Systems (SIS) and supervise the timely, accurate, and consistent maintenance of student data
• Work with school personnel to maintain integrity and accuracy of student records, including maintenance and tracking of attendance, grades, enrollment and retention.
• Conduct regular student file audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with state standards
• Coordinate required data for state, federal, and grant program compliance reporting with central office staff

Human Resources:

• On-boards new staff on School policies and regulations as they apply to school site operations; standard school site rules and procedures; computer operation and software programs used at the school site; proper use of office equipment; emergency procedures, etc.

School Logistics:

• Lead a high quality, responsive front office team
• Manage all aspects of free and reduced lunch program/process, including managing the entire application process
• Manage all aspects/records of emergency planning
• Coordinate IT services with central office team
• Coordinate logistics for all field lessons
• Sustain and monitor a safe, orderly, disciplined culture of high behavioral standards during arrival, dismissal and after school activities

Perform other duties as assigned by Head of Schools or Director of Network Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

B.A. or B.S. degree required with course work in Business Administration, Organizational

Management or related discipline desired.

Experience:

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

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles, methods and procedures, related to purchasing, operation, safety, computer networking programs, food service, budgeting and accounting, electronic data processing techniques and methods, purchasing and inventory control systems; Knowledge of principles, methods, techniques and strategies of organization, management and supervision; Knowledge of law, policies and regulations pertaining to youth and employee records; Ability to apply empirical principles and procedures in work performed; preparation of financial and statistical documents and reports; Analyze student achievement data, draw logical conclusions and prepare comprehensive reports; Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with all partners; Deal effectively and graciously with situations requiring tact and judgment; Exercise patience, common sense, and good humor to thrive within the pressures, competing priorities and demands of a school office environment.

Additional Qualifications Desired:

• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of the Academy
• Bachelor’s degree
• Results-oriented individual – a flexible thinker willing to do “whatever it takes”
• Belief in FPA and the school’s mission and model
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook
• Experience in Operations at a non-profit organization or public, private, or charter school
• Experience with youth programs, successfully working with urban youth
• Motivational and energetic leader who is committed to excellence
• Unwavering in pursuit of excellence even in the face of difficult opposition and challenge
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people
• Analytical problem-solver and solutions-oriented strategic thinker who has overcome difficult organizational challenges
• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, detail-driven work style with excellent organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, delegate, and lead by example