Director of School Operations (Potential Start Date: Late June/July 1, 2026) in San Francisco, California at The New School of San Francisco

Who We Are

New School San Francisco is a public school currently serving over 400 TK through 8th grade students from all corners of the city and from all backgrounds. We believe in a “hands on minds on” approach to learning that harnesses each student’s curiosity and encourages learners to construct their own meaning and knowledge through inquiry-based learning. We practice equity in all that we do – ensuring every child is able to access and receive an individualized education that builds off their unique strengths, skills, and passions. Social justice is also a through line in all we do; we help learners develop an understanding of how to make our community better. Taken all together, this approach fosters a deep love of learning in students and prepares them with the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

We are committed to breaking down systemic structures which contribute to deep inequities in education. Our goal is to prioritize the success and wellbeing of our Black and brown students, English Language Learners (ELLs), and students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) by dismantling white supremacy. We continuously question our culture, climate, and curriculum to ensure all members of our community are committed to being racially literate and ultimately anti-racist change makers. We value hard work, and we also value self care. The two are not mutually exclusive.

The DoSO plays a key role in advancing this mission, ensuring that operational systems, staff, and programs are aligned with New School San Francisco’s Pro-Black, anti-racist vision, and that all school operations reflect the school’s commitment to equity, justice, and excellence.

OVERVIEW

The Director of School Operations (DoSO) is a strategic and execution-focused leader required to be on-site

daily and punctual to ensure that all school operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in full alignment with

the school’s mission and standards. The DoSO owns the systems, people, and processes that ensure a safe,

compliant, and high-functioning school environment where students can learn and staff can excel.

This role requires a leader who can think beyond day-to-day operations to anticipate needs, solve problems

proactively, and make decisions that consider the full impact across the school community..The DoSO sets a

high bar for operational excellence, professionalism, and accountability, and serves as a key member of the

School Leadership Team. This role reports directly to the COO.

We recognize that candidates from historically underrepresented groups do not always apply for

leadership positions. We strongly encourage all such candidates to apply, and we are committed to

reviewing all perspectives and experiences as part of an inclusive and equitable hiring process.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, education, public administration, or a related field strongly preferred
• Deep belief in the mission, vision, and values of the organization, including a demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining a Pro-Black, anti-racist organizational culture
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across lines of difference, including race, culture, language, and identity, and to build strong, trust-based relationships with diverse staff, students, and families
• 5–7+ years of relevant experience; 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing operations, systems, or teams
• Prior experience serving on a leadership team and partnering cross-functionally across departments
• Demonstrated ability to operate at both a strategic and executional level
• Proven ability to lead teams to strong, measurable outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage systems that drive efficiency, accountability, and consistency
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to assess risk, ensure compliance, and consider cross-functional impact
• Demonstrated experience ensuring organizational compliance and maintaining accurate, audit-ready systems and records
• High level of professionalism, reliability, and personal accountability, including strong time management, consistent daily on-site presence, and punctuality required
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated high emotional intelligence, including the ability to build strong relationships, navigate conflict, strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple groups, including staff, families, and school leadership
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across diverse stakeholders
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining clarity and focus
• Experience managing complex projects from start to finish
• Experience in a school setting strongly preferred
• Spanish bilingual strongly preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Ownership

• Own the vision, strategy, and execution of all school-based operations functions
• Define, implement, and continuously improve systems that drive efficiency, clarity, and consistency across the school
• Anticipate operational needs, identify risks, and proactively implement solutions
• Ensure all operational decisions align with school-wide priorities, compliance requirements, and organizational values
• Perform other duties as assigned by the COO to support the mission, vision, and operational success of the school

• Plan, coordinate/support, and execute complex operational projects across the school, including:
  • Facilities upgrades and maintenance initiatives
  • Food service improvements and vendor management
  • Technology implementations and student systems initiatives
  • Space planning, preparation for the opening of the school year, and end-of-year closeout processes
  • Testing coordination, school-wide events, orientations, and community events

• Lead projects from concept through completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects that improve efficiency, compliance, and student and staff experience
• Anticipate risks, manage dependencies, and implement solutions proactively to prevent operational or compliance issues
• Management of the school operations budget, including oversight of spending, vendor contracts, and participation in annual budget planning
• Establish systems for tracking progress, measuring impact, and reporting outcomes to leadership

Stakeholder Experience & Communication

• Own systems that ensure clear, timely, and accessible communication with families, staff, and visitors
• Foster strong relationships with families through responsive, solutions-oriented service
• Partner with school leadership to execute high-quality, consistent school-wide communications

• Ensure full compliance with all school, district, state, and regulatory requirements, including health, safety, and nutrition standards
• Ensure student registration, enrollment, and attendance systems are accurate, efficient, and aligned with regulatory and school standards
• Drive strategies to improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready records for all operational areas, including facilities, food services, and student systems
• Anticipate risks and proactively implement solutions that prevent compliance issues or operational breakdowns

Staff & Team Leadership

• Lead, manage, and develop the some members of the school operations team
• Set clear expectations, hold team members accountable, and build a strong performance culture
• Hire, coach, and retain high-performing team members
• Lead team planning, goal setting, and professional development

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the School Wide Leadership Team
• Partner closely with instructional and program leaders to ensure operational systems support academic and culture and climate success
• Make decisions with a full understanding of cross-functional impact, avoiding siloed approaches
• Collaborate on annual budget planning and financial decision making for operational areas
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the COO and school leadership

School Culture & Environment

• Ensure the physical environment reflects the school’s values, culture, and commitment to students
• Support the planning and execution of school events and community experiences
• Contribute to a welcoming, organized, and joyful school environment
• Oversee school-wide duties management and expectation setting

• Successfully plan, organize, and execute the operational launch of the new school year, ensuring all systems, staff, and processes are fully prepared
• Build strong relationships with staff, families, and leadership to create trust and alignment for the year ahead
• Stabilize operational systems, including attendance, student registration, facilities, technology, food service, and vendor management to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
• Ensure all compliance, safety, and health protocols are fully implemented and operational
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability structures for the operations team
• Demonstrate consistent on-site leadership, reliability, and professionalism, including presence at key events, orientation sessions, and start-of-year activities

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE BY 6 MONTHS

• Operational systems; including facilities, technology, attendance, and vendor management are reliable, efficient, and fully functional
• Compliance, health, and safety systems are fully implemented and monitored
• Attendance goals show measurable improvement
• School operations team is performing at a high level and held accountable for outcomes
• Leadership can rely on the DoSO to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and manage complex projects

• Salary: $115,000 – $125,000 annually (California pay transparency compliant)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement plan participation
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off and school holidays

CONTACT

Contact hiring@newschoolsf.org with any questions and/or to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.