Director of Operations

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Job description

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Director of Operations - The Opportunity
Seton Education Partners is launching a new network of PK-8 public charter schools in underserved neighborhoods, Brillante Academy. Building on the transformational achievement of the Brilla Schools Network in New York City, Brillante will open its first schools in Texas, where traditional Catholic schools are no longer a viable option for the state's most at-risk children.
To manage the operations of the new Brillante schools in Texas, Brillante seeks a mission-driven, student-focused operator to be the founding Director of Operations. We are looking for a passionate entrepreneur who wants to build a Brillante academy from the ground up-schools that guide underserved children in the development of virtue, knowledge, and skills necessary to earn a college degree and pursue lives of value, faith, and integrity.
Background of Seton
Co-founded in 2009 by KIPP Foundation pioneer Scott W. Hamilton and Teach for America alumna Stephanie Saroki de García, Seton is a response to the dramatic decline of urban Catholic schools in America, which have served the economically disadvantaged so well for decades. Alongside Brilla ("shine" in Spanish) in the South Bronx, Seton launched El Camino , an optional, after-school Catholic faith formation program.
Poised to Launch in Texas
Seton General Partner Aaron Brenner, both a KIPP pioneer and TFA alumni, is responsible for launching and leading the growth as Brillante Academy's founding superintendent. Aaron, in his 27th year as an educator based in Texas, first supported Stephanie and Scott when they were conceiving the idea of Brilla back in 2009, helping with initial school design as well as leadership recruitment and selection. For more information on Brillante Academy, a dual language, blended learning and classical + school , please visit .
Seton leadership is convinced the Brillante network will serve as a national model for how other cities and states facing the shuttering of Catholic schools can continue to serve their most at-risk students. For more information on Seton Education Partners, please visit .
About the Brillante Director of Operations Position
The Brillante Director of Operations Position will collaborate with and report to the superintendent of Brillante to design and implement the systems and procedures for the day-to-day operations of Brillante Academy. As the founding Director of Operations, the candidate must be a self-starter who is capable of managing multiple, complex tasks and prioritize them appropriately. The director of operations will design and implement the
systems and procedures to ensure Brillante runs smoothly. Primary responsibilities will include student transportation, food services, student recruitment, plant and facility management; as well as supporting staff onboarding and managing an operations team. Throughout the year, the director of operations will be coached and supported directly by the Brillante Superintendent, Aaron Brenner. Brillante is committed to investing in training, as needed, to provide individualized development opportunities for this role. The founding director will be on the founding team, building Brillante from the ground up.
The Brillante Director of Operations will receive a competitive salary with excellent benefits.
Qualifications and Desired Characteristics
Candidates for the leadership position must possess the following personal characteristics :

• Absolute Commitment - You are absolutely committed to Seton's mission and values.
• Integrity - You have unquestioned integrity.
• Care for Others - You take personal responsibility for your actions and others.
• Organized and structured - You demonstrate strength in organizational management and structure.
• Belief in All Children - You have a strong belief that all children can achieve both moral and academic excellence
• Relentless Drive - You have a relentless drive for excellence and impact.
• Continuous Learner - You have an unwavering determination to grow as a leader, operator, and person.

The ideal candidate will bring experience and skills in the following areas:
Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years of experience teaching or working in school operations or other fast-paced service-oriented organizations. Previous leadership experience is preferred.
  • Knowledgeable about the inner workings of schools and school-based operations
• Visionary and effective systems builder who designs airtight processes that endure over time and maximize efficiency
• Detail-oriented achiever with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while tracking meeting deadlines
• Team player with strong interpersonal, stakeholder management, and relationship building skills
• Advanced organizational skills, managing assets and processes through the use of digital and paper-based systems
• Proficiency with Google Apps and Microsoft Office (especially spreadsheets, word processing, and presentations) and other digital tools to manage data and logistics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines
• Desire to continuously learn, incorporate feedback, and grow as a professional
• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish; we expect at least half of the study body will be native Spanish speakers

Primary Role Responsibilities

• Report to Superintendent of Brillante Academy
• Setup and oversee:
  • Transportation (via bussing)
  • Food services
  • Plant management (systems & structures)
  • Coordinating operations
• Implement effective and efficient operations systems to preserve focus on instruction and student culture
• Monitor progress of implementation and outcomes and refine plans with the superintendent and operations team as needed
• Create and implement student recruitment plan (beyond year 1)
• Develop and implement plan to acquire facilities needed for additional campuses

Start date

• January 1, 2022 start date; flexible start between 1/1/22 and 4/1/22 is an option.

Competencies

• Achievement Orientation & Drive: Sets ambitious goals, takes initiative, follows through to get results. Demonstrates resilience and has a relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Communication: Listens, writes, and speaks effectively and thoughtfully.
• Continuous Learning: Constantly seeks opportunities to streamline processes by leveraging data and results. Willing to take calculated risks, incorporate feedback, and try new approaches in order to learn and improve.
• Critical Thinking & Problem-solving: Approaches challenges in creative and analytical ways. Integrates and acts upon new information quickly, and is comfortable thinking about both details and the big picture.
• Cultural Competence: Is able to read and adjust to cultural differences, proactively plan to support diverse cultures and effectively works cross-culturally.
• Decision-making: Will make decisions in a timely manner and in the face of ambiguity. Considers consequences of decisions, stands by difficult decisions, communicates decisions effectively, and follows through on the execution of the decision, making adjustments as necessary.
• Flexibility: Comfortable in a fluid start-up environment; able and willing to adapt in the face of unexpected changes.
• Organization: Models organization by prioritizing and managing multiple projects effectively. Is punctual, prepared, and detail-oriented.
• Self-awareness and Self Adjustment: Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses and adjusts accordingly. Is open to feedback, works to improve upon weaknesses, shows balance of confidence versus humility, and behaves professionally.
• Student Focus: Always puts the needs of students first.

Diversity & Inclusivity
We are building an organization in which talented individuals from all walks of life and past work experiences can join our team and make significant contributions. We are particularly committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences or backgrounds of the students we will serve.

To Apply
Initial application materials include: a cover letter, contact information for three references, and a resume. Please apply here .
Seton Education Partners provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees.
Additional Background on Brilla Schools and El Camino

The first Brilla charter school opened its doors in 2013, with 200 kindergarten and first graders, and currently serves 930 children in grades K-7 across three campuses in the South Bronx. The Brilla network plans to expand to eight schools (four elementary and four middle) across the Bronx over the next six years. Roughly three-fourths of Brilla scholars are Latino, and one fourth are African American. Over 90% qualify for the federal meals program. About one in three students are English Language Learners, and one in five has special needs. Brilla implements the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence, Love and Logic, and a unique way to help children (and staff) grow in virtue.

Inspired by the results of some of the nation's best urban schools, Brilla schools are built on six cornerstones-High Expectations, Results Matter, Lead with Character, Choice & Commitment, More Time..... click apply for full job details