Director of Operations

$105,000 - $120,000/Yr

Alexander Dawson School - Lafayette, CO

Full-time - Mid Level

Lafayette, CO

501-1,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

Dawson School, a K-12 independent school located on a beautiful 112-acre campus east of Boulder, Colorado, is seeking a Director of Operations. This full-time position is crucial for overseeing the operational functions of the school, ensuring that all processes are efficient, effective, and aligned with the strategic objectives of the institution. The Director of Operations will manage various departments including facilities, safety and security, IT, food service, human resources, payroll, and auxiliary services. This role is integral to the healthy development and education of all students, as it supports the school's mission of preparing students to become creative, resilient problem-solvers. The Director of Operations will report directly to the Head of School and will work closely with the Chief Financial Officer, the Chair of the Facilities Committee, and the Board of Trustees. The successful candidate will have a strong background in operations management, with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, and will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and managing major capital and operations projects. This includes supporting the Facilities Manager in establishing procedures for maintenance and repair of school facilities, ensuring a safe and secure environment in collaboration with the Director of Security and Safety, and overseeing the Technology Department to manage the school's technology infrastructure effectively. In addition to operational oversight, the Director of Operations will also play a key role in compliance with local, state, and federal laws related to employment, payroll, and benefits regulations. The position requires strong leadership skills, the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, and a commitment to fostering a positive educational environment. The Director will also participate in community events and support the professional growth of faculty and staff, contributing to the overall mission of Dawson School.

Responsibilities

• Oversee facilities, safety and security, IT, food service, human resources, payroll, and auxiliary services.
• Partner with the CFO to identify, prioritize, and manage major capital and operations projects.
• Support the Facilities Manager in establishing procedures for maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of Dawson facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Support the Director of Security and Safety in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
• Oversee the Technology Department to ensure efficient management of technology infrastructure.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws related to employment, payroll, and benefits regulations.
• Consult with administrators, employees, and legal counsel to resolve personnel issues.
• Serve as a third-party mediator to support employee interpersonal problem resolution.
• Manage and support food service staff and foster relationships with SAGE dining.
• Work with the CFO and the Director of Auxiliary programs to explore alternative revenue sources.
• Identify problems and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Participate in department, division, or school task forces and committees as needed.
• Engage in Dawson community events and support faculty, staff, students, and families.
• Seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities in independent school development.

Requirements

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in business administration, Human Resources, or related field.
• An MBA or related advanced degree is preferred.
• At least five years of operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of HR principles, procedures, and practices, and understanding of employment law.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or the necessary educational and/or work experience required to obtain a certification within one year of employment.
• Experience working with physical plant operations, maintenance, and repair; planning, scheduling, management and administration of the plant; and related federal, state, and local regulations.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with non-profits or schools is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in educational environments or independent schools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Generous time off