Senior Director of Operations

7:15am-4:15pm, unless otherwise approved

What is the opportunity?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful, network-wide impact by shaping the operational systems that keep our schools running and our scholars thriving. Foundation Academies is seeking a strategic, solutions-oriented Senior Director of Operations to lead transportation, enrollment and re-enrollment, and food service across our campuses. Reporting to the COO, this leader will have the opportunity to build strong teams, strengthen systems, solve complex operational challenges, and drive measurable improvements that enhance the experience of our scholars, families, and staff. We are looking for an independent leader who sees opportunities where others see obstacles and is motivated to turn strong operational execution into organizational impact.

What is in it for you?

• Merit-based pay increases annually
• Tax-deferred 403b retirement account with 25% matching up to a certain amount
• Free financial wellness advising through our Financial Advisor Service
• Optional short or long-term disability benefits through Aflac
• Regular strategic professional development and coaching
• Smartphone and fully paid wireless plan through T-Mobile
• Windows-based laptop
• Regular team-building activities and outings
• 10 sick days and 3 personal days that roll over annually
• Up to 30 paid holiday observances
• A rewarding career that positively impacts the lives of our amazing students

What will you be doing?

• Lead transportation, enrollment and re-enrollment, and food service operations across multiple campuses, ensuring reliable, consistent, high-quality service.
• Build, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, procedures, and performance measures.
• Lead, coach, and develop functional leaders, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for growth.
• Oversee transportation logistics, fleet readiness, vendor performance, and daily service needs.
• Drive efficient enrollment and re-enrollment processes, maintaining accurate data and a welcoming family experience.
• Manage contracted food service operations, ensuring service quality, food safety, and vendor accountability.
• Oversee departmental budgets, monitor expenses, identify efficiencies, and support responsible resource planning.
• Use operational data and performance trends to identify challenges, measure results, and drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with Principals and network leaders to strengthen cross-campus coordination while maintaining clear roles and accountability.
• Proactively identify operational risks, resolve challenges, and communicate recommendations and emerging needs to the COO.

What do we require from you?

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of progressively responsible operational leadership experience.
• Seven or more years of leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching, and developing teams across multiple functions or complex operations.
• Proven ability to manage operating budgets, oversee vendor relationships and contracts, and drive financial and operational accountability.
• Strong track record of building effective systems, improving processes, and delivering measurable results.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, solve complex problems, prioritize competing demands, and make sound decisions.
• Strong analytical, communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or comparable digital productivity, reporting, and tracking tools.
• Experience in K-12 education, public charter schools, nonprofit organizations, logistics, or multi-site operations preferred.
• Familiarity with student information and enrollment platforms such as Alma or SchoolMint, transportation fleet operations, or school nutrition and food service management preferred.
• Knowledge of New Jersey public school operations, procurement, and regulatory compliance preferred.
• Master's degree or advanced training in education, leadership, operations, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to meet applicable school employment and background-screening requirements.

Want to join our FAmily?

We are Foundation Academies: Trenton, New Jersey’s largest and highest-ranking K-12 free public charter school serving more than 1,000 scholars across three schools on two campuses. Our mission is to ensure that all of our students secure the academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for the nation’s finest colleges, and to instill in them the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We admit students by lottery, irrespective of gender, race, household income, or academic ability.

Our team of experienced and mission-driven urban educators values growth mindsets, lifelong learners, and individuals who believe that every child deserves an excellent education. We hold ourselves, our students, and our city to high standards because that’s what our families deserve.

We are conveniently located a quick car ride to downtown Princeton, a 45-minute SEPTA ride to Philly’s Center City, and a hop on the NJ Transit Express to New York City.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Foundation Academies is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Foundation Academies prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All such discrimination is unlawful and prohibited by Foundation Academies. It is also our policy to comply with all applicable state and federal laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.