IMMEDIATE HIRE: Operations Specialist | Des Moines Prep

Operations Specialist | Des Moines Prep

About Des Moines Prep

Des Moines Prep is a new growing public charter school in downtown Des Moines committed to achieving exceptional outcomes for students: where they own and drive their learning and love their school experience. Our model combines rigorous college preparatory academics and a robust student-centered approach to instruction. We believe students learn best when they are known well, challenged deeply, and supported fully.

Des Moines Prep opened in 2025 and serves grades 8–9, expanding to serve grades 7–12 in the coming years. Our school emphasizes agency, purpose, and preparation for the future, giving students opportunities to explore college and career pathways and pursue their ambitions in a supportive, close-knit environment.

About the Role: Operations Specialist

The Operations Specialist works under the direction and supervision of the Dean of Operations to ensure the day-to-day operations of the school run safely, smoothly, and in alignment with the school's culture and values. The Operations Specialist manages the school's daily food service program — organizing and distributing student meals, processing payments, and ensuring a clean and compliant kitchen — while also serving as a resource for families with food-related questions. This role additionally keeps the office and teacher workroom running smoothly by maintaining supplies, responding to staff requests, and supporting organized record-keeping.

Responsibilities

Food Services Support

• Organizes daily lunch orders from students and submits to food vendor
• Hands out daily meals and collects payment for food items for students and staff (e.g. cash)
• Cleans up service kitchen daily maintaining exemplar cleanliness of space
• Maintains cafeteria records and reports as required for the purpose of meeting local, state, and federal guidelines
• Answers pertinent family questions regarding food/meal service
• Orders a la carte items and maintains a system for regular food orders from vendors
  
  

Office and Teacher Workroom Support

• Monitors and restock frequently used office supplies, such as paper, pens, and forms to maintain a functional work environment
• Coordinates with teachers and staff to deliver requested supplies from the main office to classrooms or workrooms as needed; responds promptly to teacher requests for specific supplies
• Assists with digital filing and organizing important documents, ensuring that records are easily accessible and kept in the proper locations
  
  

Daily Arrival/Dismissal Operations

• Supports with student arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess/passing periods to ensure safety and efficiency
• Directs students, families, and staff to designated areas, helping manage foot traffic to keep arrival and dismissal processes efficient.
  
  

Facilities & Safety

• Reports facilities issues, safety concerns, or maintenance needs promptly to the appropriate staff
• Ensures compliance with school safety policies and procedures throughout the school day
• Arranges set-up and clean-up for all food items, supplies, equipment, food preparation and serving areas for school events and activities
• Walks through hallways, classrooms, restrooms, and common areas, ensuring they are clean, safe, and free of hazards
  
  

Student Culture & Behavior

• Actively reinforces school-wide behavioral expectations and cultural norms with students during all operational activities
• Builds positive, respectful relationships with students that support their personal growth and sense of belonging
• Responds to student behavioral concerns in a calm, consistent, and restorative manner
  
  

Required

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred
• Prior experience working with youth in a school, youth development, or community setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills — able to build trust with students and collaborate effectively with staff
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in fast-paced or high-pressure situations
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and the success of all students
• Ability to stand, walk, and be physically active for extended periods throughout the school day
• Must pass a background check in accordance with state and school requirements
  
  

Preferred

• Experience working in an urban school environment
• Familiarity with restorative practices or positive behavioral intervention strategies
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Retirement Plan: Enrollment in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
• Competitive Salary: Salary is budgeted within a range that aligns with local district expectations
• Professional Development: Access to exceptional weekly coaching with our dedicated Dean of Academics
• Wellness & Workspace Amenities: Suite of sustainability and wellness supports, including a teacher’s lounge with a massage chair, cold brew on tap for all staff, and ample private workspaces for focused planning
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Work in a newly renovated and meticulously maintained school building designed to foster a calm, inspiring, and innovative environment
• Salary: Budgeted at $19-21/hour
  
  

Start Date

This role is an immediate hire - and the candidate will discuss the start date in the interview process with the DSMP team. This is a 12-month (year-round) position.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.