Operations Manager/Specialist for Operations and Compliance

About Meridian Founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Meridian Public Charter School is one of Washington, DC’s oldest continuously operating public charter schools. Serving students in grades K–8, Meridian has a long‑standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child through its ALL approach—Arts, Language, and Literacy. Meridian operates across two campuses (Elementary and Middle) housed in historic buildings that reflect the school’s deep roots in the city. The elementary campus is located in the historic U Street Corridor of downtown Washington, DC, and the middle school campus is located between the Petworth and Columbia Heights neighborhoods. Both campuses are in vibrant neighborhoods known for their rich cultural history, diverse dining options, and bustling small business community. What New Staff Can Expect Meridian is deeply committed to attracting and retaining talented educators and professionals who believe in equity, growth, and impact. New staff join a collaborative, mission‑driven environment where expectations are clear, support is intentional, and leadership is encouraged at every level. Staff Can Expect Competitive pay and benefits within the DC public charter landscape Ongoing professional development and instructional coaching A culture rooted in curiosity, resilience, and leadership Thoughtful onboarding and systems designed to support effectiveness A SCHOOL THAT STANDS OUT What truly distinguishes Meridian among DC public charter schools is its ability to blend academic rigor, artistic expression, community connection, and educator investment within a historic and dynamic urban setting. Meridian is a place where students are known, staff are supported, families are valued, and learning is driven by purpose. Together, Meridian’s students, families, and staff form a vibrant learning community; committed to excellence, grounded in equity, and united by a shared belief in what’s possible when Arts, Language, and Literacy lead the way. Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian find us at mpcs-dc.org . About The Position The Operations & Compliance Specialist is the school’s central hub for data integrity, financial accuracy, and student health services. This role balances high‑level administrative tasks—such as HRIS management, credit‑card reconciliation, systems/logistical support, and audit preparation—with essential on‑ground support like front desk coverage and medication administration. The primary goal of this role is to ensure the school remains "audit‑ready" 365 days a year, minimizing fiscal risk and maximizing operational efficiency. This position reports directly to the Director of Finance and Compliance (DFC). Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary support for all internal and external audits (Financial, OSSE/NSLP, Health & Safety, and Charter Board reviews). Maintain a digital and physical audit trail for all school operations; proactively collect, organize, and verify backup documentation (invoices, receipts, meal logs, and personnel files). Assist the Director in performing periodic mock audits to identify and correct data gaps before official reviews. Act as the lead data entry specialist for the HRIS (e.g., ADP, Paylocity) and accounting software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, or Bill.com). Manage the school’s credit card platforms; reconcile all monthly statements, ensuring 100% receipt attachment and accurate budget coding. Assist with the administration of employee benefits and lead the data side of the annual open enrollment process. Process vendor payments and maintain an organized searchable AP history. Consolidate daily meal counts and submit monthly reimbursement claims via the state portal (e.g., OSSE). Maintain the master inventory for IT hardware and school property; ensure all high‑value items are tagged and tracked. Facilitate the purchasing lifecycle from PO creation to delivery verification. Maintain Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification to safely dispense and log student medications. Provide back‑up support to the front office, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for families and visitors. Qualifications Associate’s degree in Business or Finance preferred but not required. 4+ years in a non‑profit or charter school environment; LEA experience highly valued. Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks), ADP HRIS system, asset management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Proven track record of managing diverse and complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required. Other Preferred Skills And Qualifications Flexibility to accommodate scheduling and collaboration needs. Knowledge of the DC Charter Schools landscape. Ability to read graphs, charts, and dashboards that report operational data. Core Competencies Collaboration and Influence—builds strong relationships across levels; effectively communicates and influences outcomes. Equity Lens in Education—demonstrates cultural competence and a commitment to equity‑centered practices. Continuous Improvement—actively seeks feedback, identifies opportunities for innovation, and adapts practices based on evolving needs. Salary & Benefits This is a 12‑month salaried position with a range from $60,000.00–$65,000.00. Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, extracurricular clubs and sports, and tutoring programs. How To Apply Do you embody a love of learning? Do you believe in the importance of educating the whole child? Do you want to help Meridian continue to grow from good to great? Apply today! NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr