The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving more than 1,000 students in 5^th through 12^th grades. Focused on student achievement and strong character, the school’s mission is summarized in three words: create college graduates. The school serves a student population of which 87% qualify for free and reduced lunch and 90% identify as students of color. Students are accepted by a lottery that prioritizes the six highest-need zip codes within the district.

Students entering Kauffman School in fifth grade typically scored in the bottom third of the state on their fourth grade exams. After four years at Kauffman School, 8^th grade students score at the very top in state exams; in 2015-2016 Kauffman School 8^th graders ranked #1 in math, #3 in science, and #12 in ELA in the state of Missouri. Our founding freshman class was the #1 ranked district in Biology and the #2 ranked district in Algebra on Missouri’s end of course exams. These results have allowed us to create a high school that offers AP courses for all students, meaning 100% of students participate in AP courses by the time they graduate from our high school.  

In 2015, the Kauffman School was recognized as Missouri Charter School of the Year. In 2016 and 2017, the Kauffman School earned a perfect score on its statewide Annual Performance Rating, one of only 7% of districts statewide to do so. In 2017, Teach For America named the Kauffman School a School To Learn From. Additionally, the Kauffman School became the first charter network outside of New York City to earn the top tier “Platinum” rating from the Leverage Leadership Institute, an extension of the Relay Graduate School of Education. Our school and student results demonstrate our students’ incredible brilliance, passion, creativity, and work ethic. Kauffman School students are empowered by their identities and place in the community and develop a critical consciousness of the world around them. Kauffman School staff actively partner with families to be a school, not just in the community, but of the community.

The Operations Team is a cornerstone of the Kauffman School’s model, which seeks to relieve the Chief Executive Officer and instructional staff of non-instructional obligations so that they can focus almost exclusively on student achievement and instructional staff development.

• Chief Operating Officer (COO) – The COO provides executive leadership and management for the school’s various operations functions which include: finance, facilities, human resources, technology, legal, security, communications, compliance, transportation and food services.
• Operations Manager (OM) – The OM manages relationships with vendors that support in daily school operations, models and manages logistical coordination for all on-campus and off-campus events, and manages the student recruitment and enrollment process.
• Senior Operations Specialist (SOS) – The SOS manages the development, implementation and enhancement of processes and procedures to provide more efficient systems including within parent/family communication, school-wide events, operation cost collection and analysis, and operations reporting.
• Operations Coordinator (OC) – The OC executes the daily tasks that allow the school to function – from organizing supply systems, to supporting with facilities requests, to managing the upkeep of common spaces, to providing logistical support for field trips, school-wide events and family nights.
• Office Coordinator – Serving as the primary point of contact for students, families and community members, the Office Coordinator manages all daily phone communication, manages student records, and leads all daily administrative duties for the school.

Submitting an application to the Operations team expressing general interest in the team/roles will allow us to keep your resume and information on file and reach out should an opportunity arise on our team that we think aligns with your experience.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An undergraduate degree is preferred
• A minimum of 3+ years of relevant operational experience is required
• Prior experience working in schools, urban communities, non-profit, military, private sector, and/or a fast paced entrepreneurial environment is preferred
• High comfort level with children and youth is required
• Demonstrated project/program management experience is necessary. Must possess experience successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with external vendors to develop and implement systems and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a growing organization is essential
• Effectively prioritize work and meet deadlines; organized; manage multiple assignments; follow assignments through to completion; respond quickly to requests for information and assistance
• High organizational and analytical ability
• Results-driven with experience driving operational excellence
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office; Power School, Outlook, Word, and Excel are necessary
• Given the longer school day at Kauffman School, this position requires extended work days and hours

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Commitment to and complete belief in the Kauffman School’s mission to create college graduates as well as in the School’s organizational success
• Entrepreneurial energy, hands-on approach and ambition necessary for a start-up school
• Personality should project enthusiasm, professionalism, and a high level of credibility
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands and external pressures
• Should be highly adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment
• Ambition and desire to grow and to work both autonomously and collaboratively
• Commitment to getting the job done right and willingness to do whatever it takes to create and maintain an orderly, effective school organization
• Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members
• Must have a strong personal value system that encompasses high integrity, honesty, a solid work ethic, high professional standards and strong moral character

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Kauffman School offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with relevant experience and anticipated duties and responsibilities, including comprehensive health benefits.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should complete a formal application through the Kauffman School Careers page at http://www.kauffmanschool.org/.  In your cover letter please address the following topics:

• Describe a time when you identified a process or system inefficiency. Explain how the issue came to your attention, how you solved it, and how that experience will be useful as the Operations Manager
• Highlight your experience working with low-income, minority, or historically underachieving students
• Provide specific evidence of your alignment with the Kauffman School’s mission of “creating college graduates” and/or the Kauffman School’s PREP Values (Perseverance, Results, Empathy, Passion)

The Kauffman School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.