Managing Director of Operations

Organization Overview Vertex Partnership Academies is a public charter International Baccalaureate World High School with a classical core in the heart of the Bronx. Our mission is to provide students with pathways for upward mobility while preparing them for the responsibilities of self-governance in a democratic republic. Everything we do is rooted in the four cardinal virtues: courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. Our Lower Academy curriculum is designed to teach timeless truths in pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful. All students train in the seven classical liberal arts of the Trivium and Quadrivium, with explicit instruction and practice of logic, grammar, and rhetoric, choose between Spanish and Latin, and trace the development of the Western Tradition. Our Upper Academy provides students with rich options equal in rigor and stature: a Humanities-focused pathway with AP courses, or three different International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme pathways: Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and Elementary Education, all of which have real-world partners and result in an industry credential. At Vertex, our students have agency. Each day, they make choices about the kind of people they want to become, the lives they want to lead, and the society they want to build. It’s our sacred duty to equip them with the knowledge most worth having, to sharpen their critical thinking, and to create a space where they grapple with diverse viewpoints, express cogent arguments, and engage in democratic discourse. Position Overview The Managing Director of Operations (MDO) is a founding senior leadership role responsible for ensuring Vertex operates with excellence every day while building the systems, structures, and team capacity that will enable long-term growth. This individual will oversee and develop the Vertex operations function, driving accountability through clear expectations, coaching, and data-driven performance management. At the same time, they will design and codify best-in-class operational practices in areas such as compliance, finance operations, facilities, and student data that will serve as the blueprint for future expansion. The MDO will serve as the Executive Director’s primary partner in strategic execution, ensuring that Vertex’s mission and virtues are reflected in every operational decision and system. Core Responsibilities School Operations Leadership and Team Development Cultivate a collaborative, mission-aligned operations team culture grounded in service, excellence, and continuous improvement. Lead, coach, and manage the school operations team to ensure daily excellence across all functional areas. Build team capacity through effective training, performance management, and ongoing professional development. Systems Design, Strategic Planning, and Cross-functional Execution Design and implement tools, dashboards, and metrics to track performance and inform data-informed decision-making. Lead the development, integration, and maintenance of technology systems that strengthen operational accuracy and cross-departmental coordination. Provide operational support for key academic and organizational functions, including assessments, report cards, and instructional logistics. Finance Operations, Compliance, and Organizational Accountability Develop and manage the operations budget in coordination with the Executive Director, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities. Oversee procurement systems to maintain transparent, cost-effective, and compliant purchasing practices. Lead and coordinate core compliance functions including per-pupil billing, charter renewal, and related reporting. Manage relationships with oversight agencies and school partners. Student Recruitment and Enrollment Oversee the strategy, systems, and teammate responsible for student recruitment and enrollment to ensure Vertex meets annual enrollment goals. Ensure accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of enrollment data, including management of the lottery process and full compliance with state and authorizer policies. Design and implement a comprehensive, data-informed recruitment plan that leverages community partnerships and includes open houses, referral campaigns, and outreach events. Safety, Facilities, and Risk Management Oversee student safety and emergency preparedness protocols, maintaining clear policies and procedures for building operations and incident management. Manage vendor and contractor relationships to ensure high-quality, reliable services aligned with Vertex’s standards of excellence. Senior Leadership and Future Growth Consult with the Executive Director and senior leadership on long-term planning, organizational design, and growth strategy. Contribute to leadership-level decision-making that positions Vertex for future expansion and network development. Who You Are A strong team manager who sets clear expectations and empowers teams to achieve them. A systems thinker who thrives in both strategic planning and day-to-day execution. A strong communicator who builds trust and alignment across academic and operational teams. A builder excited by the opportunity to create scalable systems and lead a high-performing team in a growing organization. Qualifications The ideal candidate moves with urgency and purpose, anticipating needs and managing systems. Bachelor's degree required; MBA or master's degree in a related field preferred. 15+ years of professional experience, with 5+ years of successful team management. Demonstrated success managing and developing teams toward measurable outcomes. Proven ability to design and implement scalable operational systems in dynamic or early-stage environments. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $175,000; offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s years of experience and credentials. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Generous paid time off and holidays Professional development support A mission-driven, supportive working environment Physical Requirements This role may require lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted, including assisting coworkers when needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, sitting, and looking at a computer screen for long periods at a time. EEO Statement Vertex Partnership Academies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment; including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr