Deputy Chief of School Operations

Description

Independence Mission Schools (IMS) is a non-profit network of schools re-envisioning Catholic education in and around the City of Philadelphia. Located in neighborhoods that have historically been underserved by other schooling options, IMS schools offer a faith-centered and academically rigorous alternative for our families. Since our inception in 2012, our enrollment has grown over 20%, and we have received increasing recognition as a network that successfully integrates faith, character, and academics to create warm, energizing schools that are sustainable for students, staff, and community. Ultimately, IMS recognizes that our students are on track to make their own choices in pursuit of college and career opportunities because they are on grade level academically and enrolled in a high-quality high school. Today, IMS serves over 4,000 pre-K to 8th grade students across 14 schools, our students are outperforming 80% of their neighboring public and charter schools in reading, and our schools play an important role in transforming our communities.

The Deputy Chief of School Operations (DCSO) is responsible for ensuring the IMS central office provides exceptional service to schools and that IMS works strategically toward its priorities, in support of the network's mission. The role works closely with IMS' Chief Operating Officer in setting the vision and direction for school operations, and ensuring staff execute on that vision. In addition, the role works closely with the entire executive leadership team, inclusive of the President, Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Chief Development Officer, and Acting Chief Financial Officer, who work collectively to ensure that each functional area is aligned toward the most important priorities, that urgent issues are effectively assigned and handled, and that organization-wide culture and management is consistent.

Key Functions:

School Operations Management

1. Information Technology
• Manage IT Manager to oversee multiple IT vendors and support systems across all 14 schools.
2. Enrollment and Tuition
• Oversee enrollment and tuition functions - managing Director of Enrollment and Director of Tuition, and their teams to achieve respective goals. Specific goals include:
• Improving network enrollment by 2% or more (October 2021 count compared to October 2022 count).
• Making a recommendation for a sustainable path forward for IMS enrollment management to the Executive team by August 2022
3. Facilities
• Manage Director of Facilities to ensure all IMS schools are safe and welcoming learning environments.
• Annually, ensure that budgets accurately reflect facilities maintenance needs as well as strategical plan investments.
• Additionally, support Director of Facilities to ensure that facilities investments/maintenance are being delivered on-time and at a high level of quality.
4. Special projects
• Manage and support cross-functional projects as discussed with Executive Team - e.g., strategic planning process, school leader operations onboarding/handbooks, etc.

Qualifications: IMS seeks candidates who have a demonstrated track record of the following skills and beliefs:

• Passionate belief in the mission of Independence Mission Schools.
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents.
• Ability to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of existing school operations and assess how best to allocate resources.
• An orientation towards outcomes and the flexibility and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve them - which includes the need for patience in times of change
• An individual of strong Catholic faith (highly preferred) who is possessed of a growth mind-set, mission-driven, and committed to serving children of all faiths in an urban environment

Educational and Credential requirements

• A Bachelor's degree (or higher)
• Successful candidates must be able to clear all background check and clearance requirements.

Other Pertinent Information:

• Classification: Exempt
• Employee Type: Full-time
• Class Description: 12-month
• Location: Central Office, St. Malachy
• Reports to: Chief Financial/Operations Officer
• Salary: Commensurate with Experience

EOE: IMS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrates staff diversity. We strive to be and build a diverse team that is representative of our students and the communities in which we serve. If you identify as an individual of color, we highly encourage you to apply!

Want to learn more about IMS and our school locations? Please visit: https://independencemissionschools.org/schools/