Operations Manager

Description

About Rooted School Indy:
Rooted School Indy is expanding, and we are seeking dynamic new team members to join our community. As the Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless daily operations that support an exemplary education for every student. We are looking for a passionate, organized, and results-driven operational leader who is committed to our mission and ready to help shape the future of our school.

Position Overview:
As the Operations Manager  you will work closely with the Principal to lead all operational, facilities, and support services within the school. You will oversee key operational areas — transportation, procurement, nutrition, and facilities — while providing light HR support via Paylocity. In this role, you will also manage the Front Office Manager and lead daily operational logistics, ensuring that staff and students have the resources and infrastructure needed to thrive.

Key Attributes We Seek:

• A deep commitment to the Rooted School Indy mission and a belief in equity and opportunity for all students.
• An unwavering commitment to accountability, integrity, and open communication.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a startup environment, with strong initiative and a bias for action.
• A passion for creating safe, welcoming, and organized spaces where staff and students can flourish.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To succeed in this role, an individual must be able to effectively carry out the following duties:

Operations Leadership:

• Lead all aspects of school operations, including facilities, nutrition, transportation, procurement, and staff scheduling.
• Maintain and oversee school schedules, rosters, the student information database, payroll, benefits, and light HR support (using Paylocity).
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, state and federal education mandates, and teacher certification requirements.
• Lead student recruitment efforts and ensure fiscal solvency.
• Maintain and optimize a fully functioning technology infrastructure.
• Develop and oversee the school’s budget and external vendor relationships.
• Use data and metrics to drive improvements in operational efficiency and effectiveness.

School Culture:

• Build a joyful, rigorous, and safe school culture.
• Support the Principal in fostering academic and behavioral consistency across the school.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Maintain regular communication with families about student performance, policies, trips, and events.
• Build and foster relationships with community leaders and organizations, including maintaining a robust database of external connections.

Time Allocation:

• Operations Leadership & Oversight – 30%
• Facility, Nutrition, Transportation & Procurement – 30%
• Light HR, Payroll, and Compliance – 20%
• Family & Community Engagement – 20%

Core Skills/Competencies

• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office & computer literacy
  • Internal data systems, ability to analyze and use data to inform decisions and planning
  • Proficiency in project management
• Building Relationships
  • Responds appropriately to others within 24-48 hours
  • Adjusts message/tone and style for each audience
  • Assumes the best in others’ intentions and abilities
  • Makes others feel appreciated, supported, and valued
  • Builds trusting relationships with peers, managers, direct reports, SST, students, families, and community members
  • Takes ownership of impact on self and others and adjusts accordingly (self-awareness and self-adjustment)
  • Proactively engages with stakeholders on difficult decisions

• Driving Results
  • Recognizes strengths and areas of growth, looking for opportunities to gain experiences that support development in both
  • Seeks clarification where lacking clear direction or unsure of next steps
  • Focuses on completing tasks and projects in timely manner and within given guidelines
  • Follows-through on tasks in timely fashion
  • Demonstrates resilience, flexibility and innovation when necessary
  • Creates monthly/quarterly work plans
  • Organizes and ensures productive meetings or one-on-ones with clear agendas and follow-up action steps
  • Uses feedback and data (both qualitative and quantitative) to continuously learn and adjust course
  • Maintains flexibility with shifting priorities and new projects

• Manages People
  • Delegates tasks to appropriate individual(s) to match interests, talents and stretch opportunities
  • Sequences work into small, actionable steps
  • Holds others accountable to set and achieve goals by monitoring progress towards successful completion of work (check-ins, timelines, follow-up action items) Models and develops expected character strengths, attitudes, behaviors and skills

• Cultural Competence
  • Is open to feedback regarding how his/her behavior aligns with cultural norms.
  • Understands that individuals with diverse backgrounds have varying expectations, norms, and communication styles.
  • Communicates and works effectively with those from diverse backgrounds.
  • Consistently considers cultural issues and concerns that may impact operational systems
  • Considers cultural issues when responding to volatile situations.

• Student Focus
  • Seeks to understand the needs and motivations of students, so decisions are made with students’ best interests and needs in mind.
  • Communicates expectations that all students should be treated with respect.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to Rooted School Indy’s mission and values.
• Ability to think strategically and innovate in operational processes.
• Skilled project planner with proven ability to carry large projects from initiation to successful completion.
• Strong prioritization, problem-solving, and communication abilities across staff, families, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Proactive and resilient with a strong sense of personal responsibility and professionalism.
• Experience managing staff and working in an educational setting preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree required.