Director of Operations

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Director of Operations (IT, Facilities, Health Services, School Safety and Discipline, Food Services, and Transportation)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Superintendent

Pay Range: Director 2

Prepared/Revised Date: 12/30/2024

Work Year: 2025-2026

SUMMARY:

The Director of Operations provides high-level leadership, direction, and oversight of multiple support functions within the school district—specifically Information Technology, Facilities, Transportation, Food Services, and School Safety & Discipline. This individual collaborates with the Superintendent and cabinet level administrators and building principals to develop strategic plans, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. By supervising department managers, the Director coordinates large-scale initiatives, promotes operational efficiency, and maintains high-quality services for students, staff, and the community. Ultimately, the Director of Operations helps foster a safe, well-resourced learning environment that supports the district’s educational mission, vision, and values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Listed below are the essential tasks performed to achieve the purpose of this job. The frequency of each task is listed as follows: (D) daily, (W) weekly, (M) monthly, (Q) quarterly, or (A) annually. Also listed is the percentage of time each task requires on an annual basis. The total, including the percentage allocated to “other duties as assigned, “equals 100%.

Job Tasks Descriptions

Frequency

% of time

Oversight of Department Managers

• Direct and guide the Managers/Leads of Food Services, Transportation, and Facilities to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Provide coaching, set departmental priorities, and hold managers accountable for meeting quality and service standards.

W

10%

Strategic Planning & Goal Setting

• Establish overarching operational goals and performance targets aligned with the district’s educational mission, vision, and values.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent and cabinet leadership to integrate operations into district-wide strategic initiatives.

M

5%

Financial Management & Budgeting

• Develop and monitor budgets for IT, Facilities, Transportation, and Food Services in collaboration with finance personnel.
• Review expenditures, approve large purchases, and identify cost-saving measures without compromising service quality.

W

5%

IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity Oversight

• Ensure robust, secure, and up-to-date technology (hardware, cloud systems, software, networks) systems district-wide.
• Authorize IT initiatives that enhance instructional technology and administrative efficiency and align with one to web learning environments.

W

10%

Facilities Planning & Capital Projects

• Work with the Facilities Lead to prioritize maintenance, repairs, and major construction or renovation projects.
• Review long-term capital improvement plans and ensure projects adhere to budget, safety, and timeline requirements.

W

10%

Transportation & Fleet Oversight

• Collaborate with the Transportation Manager to optimize bus routes, schedules, and fleet maintenance.
• Uphold safety standards by reviewing driver training programs, incident reports, and compliance audits.

W

10%

Food Services & Nutrition Programs

• Provide high-level guidance to the Food Services Manager on meal planning, procurement, and staff training.
• Oversee regulatory compliance with USDA guidelines and ensure the quality, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness of meals.

W

10%

School Safety & Discipline

• Coordinate with principals and security teams to develop safety protocols (e.g., emergency response, lockdown procedures).
• Monitor district-wide discipline data, uphold equitable disciplinary practices, and collaborate on behavior support programs.

W

10%

Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and implement district-level risk management strategies, including disaster recovery (for IT) and facility emergency plans.
• Collaborate with local agencies to ensure coordinated responses to crises or natural disasters.

M

5%

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison among district departments, school administrators, and community stakeholders, ensuring cohesive and efficient operations.
• Initiate cross-functional teams or projects to solve complex operational challenges and optimize resource sharing.

M

2%

Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to the School Board, Superintendent, and district leadership regarding operational performance and priorities.
• Communicate policy changes, safety alerts, and critical operational information to staff, parents, and the community.

M

10%

Vendor & Contract Management

• Negotiate and maintain contracts with external service providers and suppliers (e.g., maintenance, IT vendors, food suppliers).
• Evaluate vendor performance to ensure contractual and compliance requirements are met.

M

5%

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) across operational departments (e.g., facility maintenance turnaround, bus on-time rates).
• Analyze data to inform resource allocation, workflow improvements, and overall strategic adjustments.

M

5%

Continuous Improvement & Professional Development

• Identify training needs for managerial staff and support their professional growth through targeted development opportunities.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to keep the district at the forefront of operational excellence.

M

1%

Policy Development & Compliance

• Formulate district-wide operational policies for safety, technology, discipline, and facility use.
• Ensure all departments adhere to relevant federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., safety, environmental, nutrition standards).

A

1%

Perform other duties as assigned.

M

1%

TOTAL=

100%

EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, preferably within an educational or public sector environment.
• Demonstrated track record overseeing multiple functional areas (e.g., IT, Facilities, Transportation, Food Services), including team leadership and budget management.
• Proven experience in policy development, strategic planning, and implementing process improvements.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

Operational Management

• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
• Familiarity with school-specific compliance regulations (e.g., USDA meal requirements, student transportation standards, ADA compliance).

Leadership & Communication

• Ability to recruit, develop, and lead diverse managerial teams (Facilities, Transportation, Food Services).
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with stakeholders (school boards, local agencies, parents, and staff).

Budgeting & Financial

• Expertise in budget planning and resource allocation across multiple departments.
• Proven ability to analyze financial reports, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Strategic Planning & Data Analysis

• Capacity to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and use data to drive operational decisions.
• Ability to design and implement multi-year strategic plans in alignment with educational objectives.

School Safety & Risk Management

• Working knowledge of safety protocols, discipline frameworks, and crisis management in a K–12 environment.
• Experience developing risk mitigation strategies for facilities, technology, and transportation.

IT Governance & Cybersecurity

• Understanding of enterprise-level technology infrastructure, cybersecurity best practices, and disaster recovery.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and integrate them into instructional and administrative processes.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Principal or Administrative Licensure (Not Required, but Preferred)
• Valid Driver’s License and a driving record that meets district standards (required for occasional travel among schools and external sites).
• Applicable Administrator or Facilities Certifications (depending on state or district requirement, e.g., Certified Facility Manager, School Business Administrator certification) is a plus.
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP) or specialized training in technology leadership (e.g., Google, CLEVER, Network Administration, Micrcosoft)

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:

• Proficiency in standard office equipment (computers, printers, copiers) and collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, project management software).
• Working knowledge of facilities-related equipment and maintenance management systems (for high-level oversight and coordination).
• Ability to interpret and analyze software platforms related to transportation routing, food service inventory, facility maintenance tracking, and student information systems.
• Familiarity with audio/visual technology used in modern classrooms and administrative offices.

IT Specific

Infrastructure & Systems

• Understanding of network architecture, server environments, and cloud-based solutions in PK–12 settings.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST) and data privacy laws (e.g., FERPA, COPPA, Accessibility Laws, CORA).

Software & Application Oversight

• Experience selecting and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), and productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).
• Ability to evaluate software licensing needs and negotiate vendor agreements.

Disaster Recovery & Continuity

• Familiarity with backup solutions, business continuity planning, and incident response protocols for technology disruptions.
• Ability to conduct periodic testing of disaster recovery plans and coordinate with relevant departments.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP AND DIRECTION/GUIDANCE:

• Reports to: Superintendent
• Direct Reports: Yes (Food Services Manager, Transportation Manager, Facilities Manager, Information Technology staff, Health Service Staff).

BUDGET AND/OR RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:

Budget Function

Responsibility

Sole

Participate

Recommend

Not Applicable

Develop a Budget

X

Administer a Budget

X

Monitor a Budget

x

Coordinate a Budget

X

Initiate a Requisition

x

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Stand-

X

Walk-

X

Sit

x

Use hands to finger, handle or feel

X

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Reach with hands and arms

X

Climb or balance

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Talk

x

Hear

x

Taste

x

Smell

x

WEIGHT AND FORCE DEMANDS

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

x

Up to 25 pounds

x

Up to 50 pounds

x

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Compare

x

Analyze

x

Communicate

x

Copy

x

Coordinate

x

Instruct

x

Compute

x

Synthesize

x

Evaluate

x

Use Interpersonal Skills

x

Compile

x

Negotiate

x

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

x

Work in high, precarious places

x

Fumes or airborne particles

X

Toxic or caustic chemicals

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)- Fridges/Freezers

X

Extreme heat (non-weather)- ovens and stoves

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Vibration

X

VISION DEMANDS

REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

No special vision requirements

Need to be able to read from paper or computer screens

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Yes

Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

Yes

Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Yes

Peripheral vision

Yes

Depth perception

Yes

Ability to adjust focus

Yes

NOISE LEVEL

Level of noise typical in the work environment for this job

Very quiet

Quiet

X - in office

Moderate

X - in schools

Loud

Very loud

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Gilcrest, CO 80623 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Gilcrest, CO 80623: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000