Operations Director

Overview:

The Director of Operations at Seagull Schools is responsible for overseeing all operational functions and setting strategic goals for the organization. This role ensures the effective planning and monitoring of daily operations to meet established objectives. Key responsibilities include supervising staff across multiple departments, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Operations works to strengthen operational efficiency across all areas of the organization. This includes collaborating with the leadership team to develop and manage plans and budgets for facility repairs and maintenance, food service operations, and other essential functions.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, and is committed to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with third-party contractors and negotiate contracts (i.e., facilities repair and maintenance, food service, IT contracts, and others as needed)
• Liaise with leadership to make decisions for operational activities and set strategic goals and budgets in coordination with the CEO and other members of the leadership team, as appropriate.
• Develop a facilities plan and budget with a 5-year forecast in collaboration with the CEO and members of the senior management team
• Manage inventory levels at all six sites
• Ensure that food service and facilities are all in compliance with all City, State, and Federal licensing and regulatory policies
• Oversees Food Services operation and the USDA food program, as led by the Food Services Manager, and works to maintain spending within budget
• Ensure that all operational handbooks are current and updated regularly
• Works with the IT contractor on issues impacting Seagull’s online systems, including Blackbaud; keeps inventory of Seagull technology and orders new laptops, iPads, phones when necessary or upon recommendation from the Seagull executive team
• Oversees Seagull phone system with assistance from IT contractor; resolves issues
• Manage safety and communication systems
• Plan and monitor the day-to-day operation of the business to ensure smooth progress, safe, well-maintained facilities, and sufficient enrollments at each site
• Supervise staff from different departments and provide constructive feedback while setting a positive and confident leadership example
• Regularly evaluate the efficiency of business procedures according to organizational objectives and implement improvements
• Manage procurement processes and coordinate material and resource allocation
• Review financial information and adjust operational budgets to promote profitability in collaboration with the CEO and CFO
• Revise and/or formulate policies and promote their implementation
• Evaluate overall department performance by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and metrics
• Ensure that the company complies with legal and established industry regulations
• Champion proficiency for current industry practices, including productivity, quality, planning, culture, employee safety, food safety, and USDA regulatory requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff
• Oversees the daily workflow of various departments (maintenance and food service)
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations
• Conducts staff training as often as necessary, regarding information systems (i.e., Blackbaud, BrightArrow, etc.)

Work Environment

This job operates in a child/adult center environment and is based in an office. The position interacts with staff, visitors, agencies, vendors, volunteers, parents, and children in classrooms and outdoor facilities on a daily basis. The employee must have the ability to demonstrate patience and politely deal with numerous interruptions, prioritize multiple tasks, offer assistance, and work with minimal supervision. There are deadlines and report requirements that require organization, planning, focus, and detailed work at a desk and computer.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.

Travel Required

Travel to all preschool sites on O’ahu is required occasionally. All trips must be pre-approved by the Chief Operations Officer.

Education and Experience

• BSc/BA in business administration or relevant field; MSc/MA will be a plus
• Minimum of 5 years of experience at an operations level
• Experience in facilities and food service industry (Strongly Preferred)
• Knowledge of the industry’s legal rules and guidelines
• Proficiency in IT systems (such as ADP, Blackbaud, BrightArrow is a plus)
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
• Previous experience in education or non-profit management (Preferred)
• Operations: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Authorization, Health and Security Clearance

• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Medical clearance from infectious diseases and other health issues in order to work in a child and applicable adult center environment.
• Security clearance in order to work in a child and applicable adult center environment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Access to an insured vehicle with valid registration and safety check.

AAP/EEO Statement

Seagull Schools provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Other Responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.