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Job Title: Operations Manager
Organization: Creative Inspiration Journey School, 2030 Old Hickory Tree Rd, St Cloud, FL
Reports To: Principal
Compensation:Â $55,500 - $67,500 Base Salary + up to $10,000 in Performance Pay
About Us
SMART Management is a mission-driven education management organization supporting high-quality Pre-K–12 charter schools across Florida. We partner closely with school leaders to build the strong academic, operational, and cultural systems that help schools—and educators—thrive.
Creative Inspiration Journey School (CIJS) is dedicated to empowering students through an innovative, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning environment. Guided by a project-based approach and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, CIJS fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning. Here, you are part of a collaborative, growth-oriented community where high expectations, creative exploration, and a deep belief in every child’s potential guide our work each day.
The Role
Are you a detail-oriented, systems-driven leader who thrives on execution and problem-solving?
The Dean of Operations is the operational anchor of the school. You will ensure that we maintain an efficient, compliant, and highly functional campus so that our instructional leaders can focus completely on teaching and learning. Managing all non-instructional functions—from enrollment and compliance to facilities and safety—you will create a structured, supportive, and organized environment where students can succeed.
What You’ll Do
Operations & Systems Execution: Own daily operational logistics, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, and transitions. Manage vendor relationships (transportation, food service, maintenance) and ensure a highly efficient, welcoming front office.
Enrollment & FTE Management: Lead student recruitment, onboarding, and daily attendance strategies to meet targets for FTE1 (October) and FTE2 (February).
Facilities & Campus Safety: Keep the campus clean, safe, and exceptionally well-maintained. Conduct regular walkthroughs, manage custodial staff, and lead emergency preparedness and crisis response systems.
Culture & Family Experience: Serve as the operational face of the school for families. Ensure exceptional customer service and clear communication regarding enrollment, attendance, and campus logistics.
What Success Looks Like in Year 1
Hit enrollment targets for FTE1 and FTE2 with a 90% student persistence rate.
Achieve 100% compliance on all audits and reporting requirements.
Maintain a consistently clean, highly organized campus with zero major safety or compliance incidents.
Build strong family satisfaction with our front office and operational systems.
Who We’re Looking For
Experience: 2+ years of experience in operations, school administration, or project management (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
Skills: Exceptionally organized with strong systems management abilities. Experience with data systems, compliance, or school operations is a major plus.
Execution: A track record of managing multiple priorities, focusing on the "big rocks" first, and hitting deadlines with precision.
Mindset: You bring high energy, ironclad integrity, and the tenacity to push through challenges. You are self-aware, deeply collaborative, and own your outcomes.
Our Core Values
And How Are the Children?: Decisions always prioritize student impact.
Big Rocks First: Focus on the highest-impact safety and operational priorities.
Own It: Take absolute responsibility for outcomes and follow through.
Expect More: Maintain uncompromising standards for systems and execution.
Results Matter: Use data consistently to drive your decisions.
All final candidates will be asked to arrange three reference checks, including one with a former manager.
Ready to build systems that change students' lives? Apply today!
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