Director of Operations and Special Education Liaison

Director of Operations and Special Ed Liaison - Lawrence

The Opportunity

The Director of Operations and Special Education liaison will work closely with the Statewide Director of Strategic Initiatives but report directly to the Head of School and take ownership of all non-academic areas of school-based administration. We are looking for an exceptional problem solver who is highly organized with excellent communication skills, collaboration skills and attention to detail. Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your Contribution

In addition to demonstrating the qualities of a Phoenix staff member, the Director of Operations will be responsible for the following:

Leadership

• Oversee all operational functions of the school

• Oversee Special Education programing for compliance and implementation

• Serve as a key member of Leadership Team

Systems Design

• Create and improve systems for all operational aspects of the school (technology, keys, school calendar, staff out calendar, procurement, front office, hiring paperwork, scholar files, communication, building use and maintenance, emergencies, etc.).

• Think strategically, anticipate problems and implement solutions around systems for all aspects of operations.

Relationship Management

• Supervise Front Office Manager and Operations Manager

• Manage all front office personnel and day to day operations of the front office

• Manage relationships with custodial services and facility support staff

• Manage all neighbor relations

• Maintain strong relationship with landlord

Operations

• Ensure the creation and maintenance of accurate and current files for all invoices, receipts, deposits, HR paperwork, timesheets and other files as necessary.

• Oversee the maintenance of cumulative scholar files.

• Design and oversee quarterly scheduling process

• Create and enforce school duties and building coverage schedules with the Director of School Culture.

• Ensure that staff coverage is adequate daily, coordinating with all instructional and operational personnel as necessary.

• Coordinate set-up for all state-mandated testing, with Head of School support, including MCAS, ACCESS, and NWEA, including ordering and processing materials, writing coverage schedules, etc.

• Manage the distribution of breakfast, lunch, and snack each day.

Finance/Procurement

• Monitor school budget and update departments as necessary

• Meet quarterly with Network Director of Finance and Operations to review budget

• Oversee all supply ordering including instructional supplies, office supplies, food supplies and cleaning supplies. Maintain and update the supply request system daily. Anticipate materials needed for all terms in the school year and for all upcoming events and complete ordering in a timely manner.

Special Education

• Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities

• Assess students' skills and needs through formal and informal assessments

• Adapt instructional materials and strategies to meet the unique needs of students

• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure inclusive instructional practices in the classroom

• Provide direct instruction and support to students, both individually and in small groups

• Monitor and evaluate student progress, adjusting instructional strategies as necessary

• Communicate regularly with parents and other stakeholders to discuss student performance and progress

• Attend IEP meetings and provide input on student goals, accommodations, and modifications

• Collaborate with support staff, therapists, and other professionals to coordinate services for students with special needs

• Stay current with best practices and research in special education

Facilities

• Manage the facility (classrooms, offices, public spaces, etc.) so that it is clean, presentable, and in working order at all times.

• Immediately troubleshoot problems that may arise.

• Ensure proper functioning and maintenance of the heating, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and other building systems in collaboration with Network Staff

• Oversee and assume responsibility for security of the facility, including managing the alarm system, camera system, key distribution and tracking, and any other security issues.

• Maintain and uphold building safety systems in case of fire, lockdown, or other emergencies.

• Design and oversee tracking systems of all school property including copiers, computers, fax machines, furniture, etc.

Head of School Support

• Assist the Head of School with troubleshooting, planning visits to the school, etc.

• Complete projects as directed by the Head of School.

School and Staff Culture

• Internalize the mission and make it central to all decisions and actions.

• Create a positive, safe, and professional learning environment for all scholars.

• Build meaningful and supportive relationships with students to facilitate academic growth and achievement

• Acknowledge positive behavior or achievement and reward scholars.

• Communicate with parents and other adult supporters through phone calls, email correspondence, and/or in-person meetings

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• DESE license and MTEL required

• At least 5 years of direct scholar-serving (teaching, tutoring, academic support, etc.) experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of special education laws, policies, and procedures

• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders

• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with students with special needs

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

• Proficiency with school data systems such as but not limited to Powerschool and Kickboard.

• Bilingual/Spanish-speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

• Communication - Conveys information effectively and efficiently using verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills; has knowledge and flexibility to communicate across lines of difference.

• Scholar Orientation - Works to deepen understanding of scholars and centers the needs of scholars in all aspects of how the work is done.

• Adaptability - Adjusts and strategically aligns work to the school's mission while navigating complex and changing environments internally and externally.

• Employment is based on qualifications for the role as well as a successful background check.

Our Commitment to Staff

• We commit to providing a supportive environment and giving the professional development, coaching, and resources needed to be successful

• We commit to creating an open and tolerant culture that embraces diversity and fosters equity and inclusion through affinity groups and continuous capacity building supported by our Racial, Justice and Equity working group

**The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion**