Director Operational Excellence Jobs in Tennessee

ABOUT KIPP NASHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network of high-performing, free, open-enrollment K-12 schools that has been committed to positively affecting student outcomes in Nashville since 2005. KIPP Nashville is part of the acclaimed KIPP Network, which educates 100,000+ students nationwide and supports students from Pre-Kindergarten through college, career and beyond. Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest aspiration and develop the skills and confidence to chase their dreams. KIPP Nashville currently operates 4 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools and educates over 3,000 students in the Nashville metropolitan area.

The mission of KIPP Nashville is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our core values are GROWTH, TEAM, and SHINE. If you share in these beliefs and values, if you have a proven willingness to do what it takes for students to be their best, if you thrive in an environment that is both collaborative and entrepreneurial, then you are already a KIPPster.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Facilities & Operational Services plays a critical role in realizing our mission by setting the vision for key operational workstreams. The Director of Facilities & Operational Services is a member of the Operations Team, and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities of the Director of Facilities & Operational Services include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Operations Leadership

- Lead operational readiness planning across all KIPP Nashville schools to ensure successful launches and strong Day 1 execution
- Manage and oversee large-scale operational budgets across facilities, food services, technology, contracted services, and regional operational priorities
- Develop and implement region-wide operational systems, procedures, and standards across campuses
- Partner with school leaders and regional teams to drive operational excellence, compliance, and alignment
- Lead cross-functional operational planning tied to organizational growth priorities and regional initiatives
- Support and coach school-based operations leaders in facilities, compliance, vendor management, and operational systems to strengthen operational execution and alignment across campuses

Food Service

- Manage food service operations across all 10 KIPP Nashville schools
- Maintain KIPP Nashville’s status as a state-authorized School Food Authority
- Partner with the Tennessee Department of Education, district teams, and appropriate vendors to ensure high quality, fully compliant school nutrition programs
- Lead food service planning and operational readiness as schools continue expanding to full grade-level enrollment
- Support schools in implementing efficient systems for breakfast, lunch, snack distribution, and meal compliance
- Support schools in managing free/reduced-price meal eligibility applications and determinations
- Create systems to process family and staff payments for meals
- Execute RFPs and vendor selection processes for food service providers

Facilities, Construction & Infrastructure

- Cast vision for KIPP-owned building management and long-term regional growth planning
- Develop and oversee preventative maintenance planning and capital improvement priorities
- Lead and oversee facilities construction projects, renovations, and campus improvements in partnership with Chief Financial Officer, regional leadership, school leaders, and external vendors
- Manage the building maintenance for each campus – including landlord relationships and negotiations and managing workflow between property managers, direct vendors, and school-based Directors of Operations
- Ensure existing facilities meet KIPP Nashville standard for cleanliness and security, and fire marshal compliance
- Lead the region-wide procurement process for the purchasing of required school and regional technology, furniture
- Support operational planning and execution for new school launches and expansion projects

Vendor Management & Procurement

- Lead vendor procurement processes, contract negotiations, and vendor performance management
- Develop and oversee RFP processes for operational services including janitorial, food service, facilities, and technology
- Establish vendor accountability systems, service expectations, and operational performance metrics
- Lead region-wide procurement processes for school and regional operational needs, including furniture, technology, and facilities-related purchases
- Oversee janitorial services across all campuses to ensure cleanliness, compliance, and operational readiness standards are consistently met
- Oversee and support campus safety systems and operational security processes, including key and fob/ID access management, security camera systems, visitor management platforms, and coordination with security vendors

Insurance & Risk Management

- Partner with the Chief Finance Officer and insurance broker to support KIPP Nashville’s non-medical insurance needs, including property, liability, accident, umbrella, auto, and workers compensation coverage
- Facilitate insurance claims and requests as needed
- Train and support school and regional staff members on various aspects of insurance and risk management, including incident reporting, facilities use requests, and best practices around reviewing agreements
- Partner across functional teams to draft and implement policies and procedures that minimize risk in key areas (e.g., vendor management, field trips, volunteers), while ensuring a continuity of service for our schools and region

Technology Oversight

- Oversee regional technology systems, infrastructure, device management, and operational technology planning
- Manage outsourced technology vendors and support the development and execution of annual and long-term IT plans
- Lead procurement and lifecycle planning for student and staff technology assets
- Partner with schools and technology vendors to ensure operational alignment, cybersecurity awareness, and device readiness

School Support Team (SST) Office and Team Operations

- Monitor office supply levels, receive supply requests, and order supplies to support the SST
- Manage the SST’s physical office spaces
- Organize shared spaces like the kitchen and supply cabinets to ensure these areas are clean, well-stocked, and support the work of the team
- Ensure new team members are set up for success on their first day, including key fob and desk setup, in partnership with team leaders
- Manage the regular pickup of SST mail from KIPP Nashville schools and delivery to appropriate SST members

QUALIFICATIONS

- 5-10 years relevant work experience in people and/or project management
- Demonstrated record of success in managing varied stakeholders to outcomes
- Experience in school operations or business operations (project management, vendor management, etc.) with track record of success
- Strong project management experience; strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of KIPP Nashville; comfort and willingness to actively participate in the KIPP Nashville community
- Bachelor’s degree required

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Compensation

Starting Salary is $80,000-$120,000 based on experience. Our comprehensive compensation package includes life insurance and long-term disability coverage provided by KIPP Nashville, voluntary medical and dental plans, in addition to retirement benefits and an annual salary increase. To establish equitable salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the regional KIPP Nashville Public Schools pay scale. This position is exempt and will follow a 12-month schedule.

Please contact recruiting@kippnashville.org with any questions.

KIPP Nashville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.