ABOUT THE KAUFFMAN SCHOOL

The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving more than 1,200 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. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, 100% of students in each graduating class earned at least one acceptance to a college or university – we believe this provides true choice and opportunity as students pursue post-secondary goals. More than 70% of our students identify as first in their families to attend college.

The Kauffman School seeks results-driven and culturally responsive educators to join its team – we anchor ourselves around four guiding principles about what it means to be culturally responsive educators and create a school with strong student and staff culture:

• Belief and Connection: We show belief in every student through setting and holding them to high expectations while building relationships. We build connections and relationships with each student side by side by providing excellent rigorous content in order to value the individual child. We do not allow differences in identity or our personal biases to cause us to lower expectations because we know that when supported, our students can achieve.
• Clear is Kind:  We show care through direct and clear communication of our high expectations rather than allowing them to ‘slip through the cracks’ by assuming they will know how to meet our standards without telling them. We also know that one of our roles is preparing our children for a world as college students/graduates that might play by different “rules” than they have previously experienced and it is our job to help them understand how to navigate, challenge the norms of, and dismantle that world.
• Intent and Impact: All of our actions are executed with the purpose and intent to empower every student to reach their full potential. We also believe that as educators, we are called to assess the impact of our actions and adjust course if they are not meeting the intent. Positive intent cannot mean we ignore the impact of actions and we believe continually assessing and reassessing practices to ensure they are effective is a critical reflection process to ensure we are being culturally responsive.
• Cultural Context + Critical Thinking: We approach rigorous learning as an activity that is responsive to students’ cultural contexts and pushes them to think critically. We seek opportunities for them to engage with and respond to the world around them - both in their immediate lives and in their broader society - while being pushed intellectually at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Embody and advocate the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Kauffman School
• Manage other members of the operations team
• Manage relationships with vendors and upholding vendor performance
• Coordinate and assist with student transitions such as lunch and restroom breaks, bus loading and unloading, etc., as needed
• Coordinate and assist with daily reporting such as attendance and daily dismissal rosters, as needed
• Assist in development, implementation, and enhancement of operational processes, procedures and priorities to provide more effective and efficient systems including:
  • Student recruitment and enrollment
  • Family orientation
  • School-wide events
  • Operations cost collection and analysis
  • Operations reporting
  • After school clubs
• Provide logistical support and coordination for field trips, civic & college expeditions, and field lessons
• Work with volunteers and assist in coordination of afterschool clubs and enrichment activities
• Manage maintenance of facilities including working with custodial personnel and third-party contracts for trash removal, recycling, and security, and cleaning
• Manage school maintenance and supply systems
• Manage the student enrollment process including recruitment, lottery and registration schedule
• Support student health services when needed; coordinate with staff to ensure that students receive appropriate care
• All other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations

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/. 

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.