Director of Operations and Compliance

Director of Operations and Compliance

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Who are we

We are a TK-12 Charter organization of 4 small public schools.  We aim to provide scholars in the Los Angeles community with the highest quality instructional standards based program centered on values that are deeply rooted in serving them on a daily basis.  Our schools are as follows: 

Downtown Value School, serving TK-8th Grade; Everest Value School, serving TK-8th Grade; Central City Value High School, serving 9th-12th Grade; and University Prep Value High School, serving 9th-12 Grade.  

Who are you

We are looking for educators who are passionate about urban education and serving students throughout the Los Angeles area.  We want to ensure all educators are highly trained, skilled and qualified to serve students who are traditionally underserved.   We seek educators who are values aligned and mission driven to support diverse learners.  We want to ensure all educators are collaborative, open to feedback, reflective and open to growing within their own profession.    

Our Mission

The Value Schools mission is to establish and support high quality, values based elementary and secondary charter schools for populations of students who have been historically underserved by the public school system.  

How we do our work

• Small school settings: Value Schools knows that strong, positive relationships are key to student success. That happens best in places "where everybody knows your name" and nobody slips through the cracks.

• Vibrant campus life: Value Schools students are encouraged to develop their interests in a wide variety of areas. Opportunities for enrichment, physical activity, leadership and service are provided on every Value Schools campus.

• Student-centered curriculum using research-based materials: A standards-based curriculum focuses on what students know, not what teachers teach. Student-focused learning ensures teachers provide learning activities and tasks suited to individual needs.

• Dedicated and enthusiastic parents: Our parents are an integral part of our campus life. Through their involvement, parents develop an extended community that enriches not only the life of the school, but the lives of families as well.

• Highly trained and committed educators: Professional collaboration is the key to improving teaching skills. Our teachers are dedicated to working together to become exceptional educators.

Our Values

• Academic excellence is the means to a full life: Academic success helps every person live a richer and fuller life.  As an educator  we will continue to grow professionally to better support our students and their academic success. 

• Each student can develop to his or her fullest potential: Everyone can learn, and even though not everyone's the same type of learner, as educators we will support them in growing to their fullest potential. 

• Each individual is unique and deserves respect:  Each individual is unique and deserves respect.  By respecting our differences we afford each other with the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights accord each with dignity that is to be respected by all. As educators we will respect and honor the diversity of all persons. Honoring each person’s culture, backgrounds and gender identities by providing an equitable and inclusive education.

• A safe, nurturing community: In a community, everyone belongs and feels valued by the others. In community, each feels secure and is supported in efforts to grow and thrive. in every way.  A safe community is created by respecting each other's diversity.  We strive as educators to ensure that all students feel valued, this will allow them to succeed in all classroom spaces. 

• Service to others and the community: Talents and abilities perfected through an education need to be used to make a better world for all. As educators we strive to do more than working as individuals, as the community is greater than the individuals working in them. 

General Job Description

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the operational functions of 4 Value Schools, ensuring that all facilities, transportation, food services, technology, and other support services align with the district's mission and goals. This role ensures efficiency, compliance with regulations, and optimal resource allocation to support student learning.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

• Provide leadership for key operational functions, including facilities, maintenance, safety, food services, and school site operations. 

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture among managers and office staff while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• Co-Develop, implement and collaborate on strategic operational plans aligned with the network goals and objectives.

• Staff Training: Provide training and resources to program staff and school principals on compliance requirements and best practices related to the programs under review.

• Technical Assistance: Serve as a resource for program staff, offering guidance on interpreting and implementing program instrument requirements.

• Coaching & Leadership Support: Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to school site Operations Managers, ensuring consistency in operational procedures, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making.

Program Oversight and Monitoring:

• Federal and State Program Compliance: In collaboration with COO and CAO monitor and ensure adherence to federal and state requirements for programs such as Compensatory Education, English Learner programs, and other programs added in the CDE Annual Program Instruments.  Program Instrument Familiarity: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the specific legal requirements and compliance indicators for each program, utilizing the CDE's program instruments as a reference.

• Monitor transportation services to ensure safety and efficiency in student transportation.

• Oversee, support and monitor food service operations to ensure compliance with nutritional standards and regulations (such as bidding, contracts, eligibility), including proper reporting to state and federal agencies.

• Ensure network operations are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including those related to education funding and reporting.

• Monitor adherence to network policies and procedures.

Audits:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute internal and required network level audits of the schools, including independent study, vendor certifications, instructional minutes, compliance with the CDE's program instruments,  and additional operational items. 

• Evaluate internal controls to ensure the accuracy and reliability of state funded programs, including but not limited to program eligibility, attendance, and participation, and identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to legal standards.

• Prepare clear and comprehensive internal audit reports detailing findings and recommendations.  In collaboration with executive leaders, develop and implement corrective action plans in response to audit findings, ensuring timely resolution of compliance issues.

Comprehensive Safety and Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to safety policies and regulations across all sites (as outlined in the Comprehensive School Safety Plan) and provide and/or schedule training on emergency protocols as necessary. 

• Conduct routine risk assessments, implement corrective actions, manage visitor access, and maintain thorough incident reporting, investigation, and follow-up systems to promote a secure and compliant school environment.

• Calendar and oversee that facility inspections are scheduled, including electrical systems, fire sprinklers, elevators, and other critical infrastructure, to ensure ongoing safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Reporting, Documentation, and Communication:

• Compliance and Record Management: Prepare and submit accurate compliance reports to the Chief Operating Officer and relevant internal authorities, ensuring thorough maintenance of records to support audits and external reviews.

• Liaison and Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison with the California Department of Education, facilitating effective communication with principals, school operation managers and program leaders regarding compliance expectations and audit findings.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the organization's goals and ensure smooth operations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE:

• A belief in and alignment with the Values of Value School

• Expertise in building a positive and collaborative adult culture;

• Field expertise

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and cultivate relationships with students and adults;

• Is committed to self reflection and a growth mindset while demonstrating humility and kindness in all interactions 

• Ability to develop and implement organizational systems and strategies 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;

• Bilingual: Spanish and English 

   

   

Minimum Qualifications  

1. Evidence of agreement with the five core values of Value Schools. 

2. Bachelor or Masters Degree

3. Operations support and manager for 5 years 

Experience & Skills

• Experience in K-12 school settings preferred in an operations leadership role for a minimum of 5 years.

• Foster collaboration, coach staff, and drive operational excellence.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local education regulations.

• Manage facilities, transportation, food services, and safety protocols.

• Analyze processes, optimize resources, and ensure efficiency.

• Engage with stakeholders, provide training, and maintain clear documentation.

• Building effective school systems to support operational improvements

Working Conditions

• School-based and Network Office Setting with weekly district-level meetings and professional development.

• Interaction with students, families, and school staff in both individual and group settings.

• Will require travel between schools within Value Schools

RETIREMENT

CalSTRS/CalPERS

Value Schools employees who meet the qualifications will be enrolled in either CalSTRS (for certificated employees) or CalPERS (for classified employees).

These are considered a defined benefit retirement plan as pension payments are determined by a set formula and are payable for life. This contrasts with a defined contribution plan (like a 403(b)), in which benefits are determined not by a formula, but solely by the amount of contributions in an account, plus earnings.

403(b) and Roth 403(b) – This is a voluntary plan administered through the Third -Administrator (TPA) SchoolsFirst.

Summary of Benefits

Compensation - Value Schools provide competitive salaries, which are reviewed every three years. Based on relevant prior work experience and education, our salary range for this role is $91,000-$110,00.  

MEDICAL - Value Schools pays 100% of the premiums for EMPLOYEES, and a portion of the premium for dependents. Employees have the option of choosing between HMO plans offered by Kaiser and Anthem, a PPO plan offered by Anthem or an H.S.A plan offered by Anthem.

DENTAL – Value Schools pays 100% of the premiums for EMPLOYEES electing DHMO insurance through CalDental, and a portion of the premiums for EMPLOYEES who elect coverage through the Dental PPO or the Dental PPO Buy-Up plans offered (administered through Principal).

VISION – Value Schools pays 100% of the Anthem Vision premiums for EMPLOYEES, and a portion of the premiums for dependents.

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) – Value Schools provides $25,000 life insurance to all full-time employees as well as AD&D insurance, both at no cost to the employee.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Provided through Anthem at no cost to all employees (and their family members). An EAP provides a confidential source that employees can use to find support and resources for certain challenges they face. This includes, but is not limited to, issues such as alcohol or substance misuse; child/elder care; relationship challenges; financial/legal issues; wellness matters and traumatic events. Services are offered via phone, video-based, online- chatting, email or face-to-face.

On average, Value Schools contributes $10,000 annually per employee for Health Benefits  

Learn more about us  

How our Schools do their Work

• Small school settings: Value Schools knows that strong, positive relationships are key to student success. That happens best in places "where everybody knows your name" and nobody slips through the cracks.

• Vibrant campus life: Value Schools students are encouraged to develop their interests in a wide variety of areas. Opportunities for enrichment, physical activity, leadership and service are provided on every Value Schools campus.

• Student-centered curriculum using research-based materials: A standards-based curriculum focuses on what students know, not what teachers teach. Student-focused learning ensures teachers provide learning activities and tasks suited to individual needs.

• Dedicated and enthusiastic parents: Our parents are an integral part of our campus life. Through their involvement, parents develop an extended community that enriches not only the life of the school, but the lives of families as well.

• Highly trained and committed educators: Professional collaboration is the key to improving our skills. Our educators are dedicated to working together to become exceptional at what they do everyday.

Our Values

• Academic excellence is the means to a full life: Academic success helps every person live a richer and fuller life.  As an educator  we will continue to grow professionally to better support our students and their academic success. 

• Each student can develop to his or her fullest potential: Everyone can learn, and even though not everyone's the same type of learner, as educators we will support them in growing to their fullest potential. 

• Each individual is unique and deserves respect:  Each individual is unique and deserves respect.  By respecting our differences we afford each other with the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights accord each with dignity that is to be respected by all. As educators we will respect and honor the diversity of all persons. Honoring each person’s culture, backgrounds and gender identities by providing an equitable and inclusive education.

• A safe, nurturing community: In a community, everyone belongs and feels valued by the others. In community, each feels secure and is supported in efforts to grow and thrive. in every way.  A safe community is created by respecting each other's diversity.  We strive as educators to ensure that all students feel valued, this will allow them to succeed in all classroom spaces. 

• Service to others and the community: Talents and abilities perfected through an education need to be used to make a better world for all. As educators we strive to do more than working as individuals, as the community is greater than the individuals working in them. 

What is a Charter School?

The specific goals and operating procedures for a charter school are detailed in the agreement (also referred to as the charter, petition, or charter petition) between the authorizing entity and the school’s organizers.  It is the intent of the California Legislature under state law that charter schools operate independently from the existing school district structure as a method to accomplish all of the following:

• Improve pupil learning.

• Increase learning opportunities for all pupils, with special emphasis on expanded learning experiences for pupils who are identified as academically low achieving.

• Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods.

• Create new professional opportunities for teachers, including the opportunity to be responsible for the learning program at the school site.

• Provide parents and pupils with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system.

• Hold the schools established under this part accountable for meeting measurable pupil outcomes, and provide the schools with a method to change from rule-based to performance-based accountability systems.

• Provide vigorous competition within the public school system to stimulate continual improvements in all public schools. 

Salary : $-110,000 - $91,000