Director of Operations at St Michaels Catholic Preparatory School – Austin, Texas

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About St. Michael’s Prep

Located on a lush 85-acre campus in the Barton Creek area of Austin, St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School is a premier co-educational, independent K-12 institution. Formed by the landmark unification of St. Gabriel’s Catholic School and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, the school offers a seamless educational journey rooted in Catholic values and academic excellence. It serves a diverse student body, fostering an environment where students are "known and loved" while being challenged to reach their highest potential.

Position Overview

The Director of Operations serves as a key member of the school’s leadership team, overseeing the non-academic operational functions of the school to ensure a safe, efficient, clean, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This leader is responsible for strategic planning and daily management of facilities, security, food services, front desk operations, information technology, health services, and departmental budgets—ensuring that these areas work cohesively in support of the school’s mission and educational program. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional with strong leadership skills and a strategic mindset, capable of managing multiple complex functions while maintaining a service-oriented culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the school’s mission and long-term goals.
• Identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across campus systems.
• Partner with the Head of School and Director of Finance on annual budgeting, capital planning, and resource allocation for operational departments.
• Attend the Board Facilities Committee Meetings well-prepared to give clear updates and guidance to the Committee each month.

Financial Oversight & Budget Management

• Collaborate with each operational department (IT, Facilities, Security, Food Services, and Front Desk) to develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets, ensuring alignment with school-wide financial goals and priorities.
• Track departmental spending, provide regular financial reports, and proactively address variances or overages.
• Work closely with the Business Office to ensure accurate forecasting, timely procurement, and adherence to purchasing policies.
• Support department heads in making data-informed financial decisions that optimize resources without compromising quality or safety

Facilities Management

• Supervise the Director of Facilities to ensure that all buildings, grounds, and infrastructure are well-maintained, safe, and support the school’s educational mission.
• Oversee long-range facilities planning, renovations, and construction projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Monitor preventative maintenance programs and emergency response protocols.
• Maintain or create excellent relationships with vendors to ensure prompt and outstanding service to the School.

Information Technology Oversight

• Supervise the Director of IT to ensure robust, secure, and forward-looking technology systems that support both academic and administrative needs.
• Collaborate on technology planning, infrastructure improvements, cybersecurity measures, and integration of new tools to enhance teaching, learning, and operations.
• Remain abreast of current best practices in IT for PK-12 Independent Schools to ensure that our three divisions - Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools - have the correct equipment at hand as well as accurate cybersecurity pro

Safety & Security

• Lead and coordinate the school’s security program, ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff.
• Oversee security personnel and emergency management procedures, including drills, threat assessment protocols, and coordination with local agencies.
• Regularly evaluate campus safety policies and infrastructure, recommending updates as needed.

Nursing Oversight

• Supervise and support the school’s nursing staff (PK–12) to ensure high standards of student health services, professional practice, and compassionate care aligned with the school’s mission.
• Oversee compliance and policy management related to student health, including state regulations, immunization requirements, medication administration, and emergency medical procedures.
• Coordinate and maintain health and safety protocols in collaboration with leadership, ensuring effective communication, preparedness, and response to health-related incidents or crises.
• Manage operational aspects of the health services program, including staffing, budgeting, record-keeping, training, and partnerships with local health agencies.

Food Services & Front Desk Operations

• Supervise Food Services to ensure kitchens are clean, well-maintained, code-compliant, and that the food service provided is in alignment with divisional needs.
• Oversee front desk and receptionist staff, ensuring they provide excellent service and uphold the School’s welcoming culture.
• Establish clear procedures for communication, visitor management, and crisis response at reception points.

Compliance, Policies, and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations in all operational areas.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies and procedures that support consistency, safety, and efficiency.
• Partner with legal and insurance advisors on risk management, including incident reporting, insurance claims, and liability issues.

Qualifications and Requirements Required Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, facilities, or a related field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple departments and teams simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in budget creation, oversight, and financial management.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and resource planning.
• Commitment to the mission and values of independent/private education.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a PK–12 educational institution.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, including building codes, OSHA, and food safety.
• Familiarity with school technology infrastructure and security best practices

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Effective communicator who builds strong relationships across all levels of the school community.
• Calm and decisive under pressure, with excellent judgment.
• Collaborative leader who values teamwork and service.
• Detail-oriented with an eye to excellence and timely follow-through.

Application Process & Timeline

• Application Timeline: Ongoing
• Opportunity Statement: https://doc.storydoc.com/mrgEMY
• Apply Here
• Materials Requested: Cover letter, resume or CV, and references

ISC Consultants: Davina Spillmann @davina@indyschoolconsultancy.com

Candidates are asked not to contact the school directly.