Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Director of Non-Instructional Operations, Propel Schools - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 4/29/08

Propel Schools is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as Director of Non-Instructional Operations, overseeing the non-instructional aspects of the start-up and ongoing operations of current and future schools. The Director will be part of a leadership team directing the organization through a period of rapid expansion (from $15 million to $30 million over the next three years). The Director’s responsibilities will include facilities, food services, technology infrastructure, and enrollment. The Director will rely on extensive management experience to develop and implement clear systems that result in schools that operate at the highest levels of efficiency in these and other functional areas as needed. The Director will report to the Executive Director.

About Us
Propel is a not-for-profit school organization whose mission is to catalyze the transformation of public education in Southwestern Pennsylvania so that all children have access to high performing public schools. We pursue this mission by opening and operating high performance schools of choice in educationally underserved communities. Propel currently operates four schools in Allegheny County serving 1,250 students in grades K through 8; the organization has built an outstanding track record of creating opportunities for families and boosting achievement for students. Propel intends to open additional campuses in the coming years—including a high school in August 2008.

Key Responsibilities

Overseeing facilities capital construction. Propel is managing $2 to $4 million of construction a year.
Establish a food service program that provides healthy, tasty meals to students at reasonable cost. Most students are eligible for Federal free and reduced priced meals. This is currently a $600,000 operation.
Establish a technology planning and support function that provides an outstanding technological infrastructure to the schools. Spending in this area is currently $750,000 and is heavily supported through e-rate.
Establishing an effective enrollment process. Propel receives more than 1000 applications a year for a limited number of seats.
Overseeing development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the safe, orderly and efficient operation of non-instructional functions.

Expectations

Proven track record of delivered results
Proven team player—must work effectively across the organization
Commitment to Propel’s mission
Creative and receptive to new ideas, entrepreneurial
Goal oriented and assertive

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (or higher)
At least ten years management experience with clear progression of responsibility
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills
Solid communication, influencing, and negotiating skills
Strong financial analysis and budget management skills
Ability to work well in a team and enhance cooperative working relationships
Ability to create, monitor, and maintain systems that enhance organizational efficiency
Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated capacity to manage people in a work setting
Strong organizational skills and the ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects and responsibilities
Ability to train and supervise employees including organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments
Ability to work with computers, various software programs and other technology
Knowledge of public education and charter schools highly desirable but not required

TO APPLY: Please respond with resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to:
Michelle Hughson
Propel Schools
24 S. 18th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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