Director of Operations

 

Director of Operations

Ransom Everglades School seeks a thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative Director of Operations to provide leadership for the School’s core operational functions in service of its mission and community. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Operations ensures that campus operations, facilities, and auxiliary programs are managed with care, foresight, and excellence, supporting the daily academic life of students and the long-term priorities of the School.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Serve as a senior operational leader and trusted partner to the Chief Operating Officer. Translate institutional priorities and strategic goals into effective operational plans, systems, and practices that reflect Ransom Everglades’ commitment to excellence, stewardship, and community well-being.

Develop, implement, and maintain clear operational policies and procedures that promote consistency, safety, and continuous improvement. Ensure that day-to-day campus operations are managed proactively and thoughtfully, with careful attention to the experience of students, faculty, staff, and families.

Provide regular, clear, and well-considered communication to the Chief Operating Officer regarding campus conditions, facilities needs, maintenance activity, emerging issues, and project progress. Foster collaboration across academic and administrative departments to support a cohesive and well-functioning campus environment. Contribute to long-range planning and institutional improvement through research, reflection, and informed recommendations.

Facilities and Campus Operations

Provide strategic oversight of campus facilities through direct supervision of the Director of Facilities. Ensure effective daily management of maintenance, custodial services, grounds, and general campus operations, maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for physical environment.

Oversee preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, renovations, and long-term facilities planning in close coordination with the Chief Operating Officer. Conduct research related to facilities best practices, sustainability, regulatory developments, and peer school benchmarks to inform responsible planning and investment.

Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, regulatory, and risk management requirements. Support emergency preparedness, campus security coordination, and crisis response planning through careful preparation, scenario planning, and collaboration with internal and external partners.

Manage facilities-related vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements, ensuring accountability, quality, and alignment with School values and financial stewardship.

Summer and Auxiliary Programs

Provide strategic, operational, and financial oversight of all Summer and Auxiliary Programs through direct supervision of the Director of Summer and Auxiliary Programs. Ensure that programs are mission-aligned, well-managed, and reflective of the School’s standards of excellence and care.

Auxiliary programs include campus rentals and external facility use, after-school and extended day programs, transportation services, and summer camps and seasonal enrichment offerings.

Collaborate closely on program development, staffing models, scheduling, pricing, and customer experience. Conduct market and comparative research to understand community needs, regional offerings, and demand trends, using this insight to guide thoughtful growth and program refinement.

Oversee budgeting, revenue projections, and financial performance in partnership with the Business Office. Ensure compliance with licensing, insurance, and risk management requirements across all auxiliary programs.

Financial and Administrative Management

Partner with the Chief Operating Officer and Business Office to develop and manage operational and auxiliary budgets. Monitor financial performance and use data-informed analysis to identify opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and improvement.

Support procurement processes and contract negotiations related to facilities and auxiliary services. Use operational data and reporting to inform decision-making and to communicate clearly and effectively with senior leadership.

Research and Strategic Support

Serve as a source of operational insight and institutional intelligence for the Chief Operating Officer. Conduct ongoing research related to facilities management, safety and security, insurance and risk, auxiliary programming, and best practices in independent schools and comparable organizations.

Anticipate emerging trends, risks, and opportunities by monitoring regulatory changes, industry developments, and peer benchmarks. Translate research and data into clear, thoughtful recommendations that support proactive planning and institutional resilience.

Collaboration, Communication, and Leadership

Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and, in partnership with academic and administrative leaders, to support campus initiatives and daily needs. Serve as a primary point of contact for operational matters related to facilities, grounds, maintenance, and auxiliary programs.

Communicate with clarity, professionalism, and empathy, particularly during periods of change or challenge. Lead with emotional intelligence by building trust, listening carefully, and considering the human impact of operational decisions.

Support, mentor, and develop direct reports and teams, fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous improvement. Lead with composure and sound judgment, particularly in moments that require calm, steady leadership.

Reporting Structure

Reports to:
Chief Operating Officer

Direct reports include:
Director of Facilities
Director of Summer and Auxiliary Programs
Operations and auxiliary support staff as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in business administration, operations, facilities management, construction management, or a related field is preferred.

Seven to ten years of progressive leadership experience in operations, facilities, or auxiliary programs, preferably within an independent school, higher education institution, or similarly complex organization.

Demonstrated experience managing senior leaders and multi-department teams. Strong financial acumen with experience overseeing budgets, capital projects, and revenue-generating programs.

Knowledge of regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational best practices. Excellent organizational, analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

Personal Attributes

A deep appreciation for and commitment to Ransom Everglades School’s mission, values, and tradition of excellence. A thoughtful and strategic leader who combines strong execution with intellectual curiosity and sound judgment.

Highly collaborative, emotionally intelligent, calm under pressure, and decisive when needed. Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect for all members of the community. Committed to stewardship, operational excellence, and the continual strengthening of the School.