Director of School Operations - Prospect Schools : Job Details

Overview

Director of School Operations (DSO) role at Prospect Schools. Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse K-12 college preparatory charter network serving more than 2,700 students in seven (soon to be 9) schools in Brooklyn. The organization models its curriculum on the International Baccalaureate Program to raise the level of academic responsibility and prepare students to be global citizens.

The Organization

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse (diverse by design) K-12 college preparatory charter network serving more than 2,700 students in seven (soon to be 9) schools in Brooklyn. Prospect Schools models its curriculum on the renowned International Baccalaureate Program, a rigorous program that raises the level of academic responsibility for students while also preparing them to be global citizens. Our Experienced Team is dedicated to our mission to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and develop a lifelong passion for learning, guided by our core values.

About The Role

Prospect Schools is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and equity-minded Director of School Operations (DSO) to ensure that school systems run smoothly so that leaders and teachers can focus on teaching and learning. Reporting to the Senior Director of School Operations (SDSO) and serving as a key member of the School Management Team (SMT), the DSO leads all non-instructional functions of the school, with a focus on financial stewardship, enrollment, facilities and safety, people management, compliance, and operational planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a core member of the SMT, advising on school-wide decisions and aligning operations to instructional and cultural priorities.
• Analyze operational and financial data to recommend strategic adjustments that sustain the school's financial health.
• Collaborate with the Principal, SDSO, the MD of Schools, and the Teaching & Learning team to foster a safe, equitable, and student-centered environment.
• Lead school-based enrollment and recruitment efforts, including tours, open houses, and onboarding new families to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Financial Management & Budget Stewardship

• Partner with the Principal and Network Finance Team to build, monitor, and adjust the school budget; recommend corrective actions to ensure reserves and targets are met.
• Track revenue and expenses across categories and make proactive adjustments to close gaps.
• Coordinate procurement processes for essential curricular and school supplies.
• Provide clear, data-driven updates to SDSO, Principal, and network leadership.

Facilities, Safety & Compliance

• Oversee facilities management and vendor partnerships to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming spaces.
• Develop proactive facilities and safety calendars, ensuring readiness for key deadlines (e.g., testing windows, first day of school, compliance submissions).
• Lead emergency preparedness systems, including safety drills, protocols, and staff readiness.
• Ensure the school meets all health, safety, and legal compliance requirements.

Team Management & Coaching

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of operations staff, with clear performance goals, feedback structures, and accountability systems.
• Model effective coaching by addressing underperformance directly and supporting professional growth.
• Build a collaborative, high-trust operations culture that strengthens teacher and family confidence.

Operational Planning & Systems Execution

• Design and execute detailed, minute-by-minute plans for complex school events (testing windows, orientation, family nights, etc.), integrating staff, student flow, facilities, and contingencies.
• Lead and monitor systems for enrollment, testing, and state assessments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective communication with staff and families.
• Steward systems for attendance and operational data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and accessibility for decision-making.
• Lead professional development on school operations and systems.
• Establish role clarity and accountability systems across staff, ensuring follow-through.

Candidate Requirements

• Deep alignment with Prospect Schools' mission and values.
• Minimum of 5 years of operational leadership experience in education, nonprofit, or related sectors.
• Proven track record of budget management, enrollment operations, facilities oversight, compliance, team coaching, and large-scale event planning.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to frame recommendations clearly for senior leaders.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $117,000 – $129,146, based on skills and years of direct experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and/or Paid Sick Time (PST), based on date of hire and weekly schedule.
• 401(k) and Roth IRA with a 4% employer match (3-year vesting schedule).
• Flexible spending accounts, including Transit, Health Care, and Dependent Care options.
• Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, AD&D, and Short/Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program for free support services, from family care to mental health.
• The critical features of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

EEO & ADA Statement

Prospect Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Prospect Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: [email protected].

#J-18808-Ljbffr