School Operations Manager

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is hiring a full time Operations Manager. Great benefits offered!

As an educator with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, you are considered a guardian to our students (whom we refer to as scholars). You will also build trust and community in your classroom via clear and timely communication with your scholars and families. At JRLA, we have created a model specifically designed to raise achievement for historically underserved scholars. We support your creativity and wholeheartedly encourage a rigorous, personalized, and well-rounded educational experience to meet the unique needs of each scholar in your classroom.

Established in 2011 by NBA Star Jalen Rose and Co-Founder Michael Carter, JRLA is located on the Northwest side of Detroit in the zip code where Jalen grew up. An open enrollment, tuition-free, public charter high school, JRLA provides a leadership-focused education to 420 scholars and nearly 1,000 alumni. The mission is to empower all scholars to develop the strength of character, skills, and knowledge needed to matriculate, be great in, and graduate from college or a postsecondary program so that they have the opportunities to be successful in the competitive world and take care of themselves and the people they love. 

Built around a 9-16 model, JRLA has never wavered in its pursuit to improve the educational landscape for Detroit area youth. After 13 years of operations, JRLA remains steadfast in its commitment to not only get scholars to graduate from high school but for them to graduate from college or a postsecondary program as well – outcomes that are real game changers in urban education. With a 95% high school graduation rate, 100% college and postsecondary acceptance, 90%+ average daily attendance rate, 20+ enrichment offerings, and a leader among open enrollment high schools in Detroit for college matriculation (69% compared to a state average of 64%), JRLA knows the path to college and a successful future. 

The School Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the smooth and efficient operation of all non-academic aspects of the school, including transportation, food services, safety, and administrative support. This role ensures that all logistical functions are aligned with the school’s goals and compliance regulations. The Operations Manager works closely with the school leadership team, staff, and external vendors to ensure that the facilities, transportation systems, and auxiliary services are effectively managed. They also supervise day-to-day operations, streamline processes, and contribute to improving the school’s overall operational efficiency.

Essential Job Tasks: 

• Oversee and manage the school’s multifunction school activity bus use of, state of Michigan compliance requirements, and safety protocols.

• Manage food services, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, quality standards, and meeting the needs of students and staff.

• Supervise safety operations within the school, including ensuring safety drills are conducted, and maintaining emergency response plans in compliance with the state of Michigan and JRLA requirements.

• Coordinate and oversee auxiliary services, such as student health services, and the maintenance of non-facility-related school equipment and resources. (Copiers, Other Technology. etc.)

• Support the school leadership team in managing logistics for school events, ensuring all operational needs (ex. transportation, catering, security) are arranged.

• Develop and monitor budgets related to operations.

• Liaise with external vendors, service providers, and contractors to manage contracts and ensure services are provided in accordance with agreements.

• Ensure compliance with JRLA, the state of Michigan, and federal regulations in all operational areas, including but not limited to food service, safety, transportation policies, and safety standards.

• Track and report operational data, for all functional areas, to provide insights to the leadership team.

• Implement systems to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs while maintaining quality services.

• Assist in the development of staff schedules, including coordinating staff assignments and extracurricular activities.

• Serve as a key point of contact for staff and families on operational matters, addressing concerns or issues promptly.

• Uphold professional ethics and standards as an operations employee and a member of the Jaguar family.

Minimum Job Qualifications: 

• You believe ALL children can and will succeed regardless of their zip code.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, school administration, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

• Previous experience in school operations or facilities management, with a focus on logistics, transportation, or support services.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in supervising staff and contractors.

• Knowledge of safety regulations, food service compliance, and transportation systems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail).

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with school leadership, staff, vendors, and families.

• Ability to analyze data and implement operational improvements based on findings.

• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management related to school operations.

• Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and solve problems quickly.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel locally for operations-related tasks or vendor meetings.

• Strong commitment to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment for students and staff.

• Ability to lift and move boxes

  Core Competencies: 

• A passion for working with scholars and families in under-served communities 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Team player with strong interpersonal/influence skills

• Possess organizational and technology skills

Why should you apply?

• Competitive Salaries

• Paid Development Opportunities

• Retention Bonuses

• Monthly Mental & Physical Wellness Events & Initiatives

• JRLA fringe benefits (birthday gifts, team building events, SWAG, unique experiences)

• School Expansion Efforts Underway

Our Core Values: 

• The power of RESPECT : I find success through empathy and integrity

• The power of DETERMINATION : I have the will to succeed

• The power of EXCELLENCE : I must take ownership in my learning to succeed

• The power of FAMILY : I succeed when we all succeed