Dean of Operations and Strategic Initiatives

Spark Academy Dean of Operations and Strategic Initiatives Job Description The Dean of Operations and Strategic Initiatives is a vital leadership position at Spark Academy. The Dean of Operations and Strategic Initiatives (DOSI) leads a team of people in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our school-wide systems that serve to create a positive and highly productive environment for the academic and social-emotional benefit of our students. Our teachers and students rely on our Dean of Operations and Strategic Initiatives to create a work environment that is highly efficient, planned and organized, and has clear communication between staff and administration. The DOSI also spearheads crucial initiatives in the school that move student learning forward and enhance the impact our school is able to make on student success. Some of the specific responsibilities of the Dean of Operations and Strategic Initiatives include: Take responsibility to be a strong, positive force daily throughout the school to build strong working relationships with students, staff and administration; Design and manage systems to effectively, responsibly, and precisely utilize the school’s $4.6 million budget in a manner that best serves our students’ academic and social/emotional development; Directly supervise and optimize the efficacy of the following positions: a) Office Manager, b) Operations Associate, c) Custodial Staff, d) Cafeteria Staff, and e) School Safety Officer; Lead the implementation and improvement of parent engagement plan and activities to support teachers and staff in building productive, trusting relationships with families and students, including: Family Nights, Report Card Nights, Awards Ceremonies, and Parent Workshops; Design and manage all school operational systems to create a highly efficient learning environment for both teachers and staff, including but not limited to arrival and dismissal procedures; scheduling, transitions between classes; school-wide food systems; uniform dispersal; student enrollment; coverage for absent staff members, and more; Create and manage systems to ensure students come to school every day, including finding ways to partner with families, inspire students, and create a strong culture of attendance; Build strong, productive relationships with all partners to support our curriculum and instruction of the whole child including: community organizations, social/emotional and health care organizations, athletic programs (e.g. step team coach, karate instructor, etc.), and more; Connect with outside organizations to create more opportunities for student engagement, such as robotics, art, music, and/or athletics; Design, manage and oversee systems to create, maintain and improve school facilities and technology to ensure that students and staff have a comfortable, joyful, and organized environment in which to learn. Design, manage, and lead implementation of our student assessment systems in a manner that provides teachers with relevant and timely information that supports student learning and motivates students and teachers to strive for excellence; Own meaningful student social-emotional learning, student enrichment opportunities, and Counselor development (including: effective advisory sessions including restorative justice circles and training for advisors, Tier 1 interventions, e.g.: de-escalation skills, solving conflict, problem solving, self-regulation, mindfulness, communication, college/ career readiness, extended learning enrichment, advanced student opportunities) Other responsibilities as assigned by the Principal. Qualifications: •A passionate belief in improving the minds and lives of young people; •Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player; •An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them; •An obsessive attention to detail; •An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain positive, calm, and focused when faced with unexpected challenges; •Strong leadership presence and ability to lead staff to high levels of achievement; •Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills; •Fluency in Spanish is preferred; •Proven track-record of high achievement; •Bachelor’s degree is required; •Two years teaching experience in an urban school setting preferred; and School Leadership Certification required (or in process)