Director of Operations

Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.

Oakwood School fosters a learning environment where meaningful peer relationships and strong teacher interactions create a foundation for student growth. We believe that students thrive when they feel supported and encouraged to take risks, embracing a growth mindset as a key pillar of learning. Our educators cultivate a safe and engaging classroom atmosphere that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty and staff convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away. 

SUMMARY

The Director of Operations is responsible for many of the non-academic functions of the school. The primary goal is to provide a functional, safe, clean, and efficient environment for students, faculty, and staff. This individual manages the operations team and oversees the strategic planning of the school’s physical assets. The person in this position works closely with all departments to help ensure routine operations, tasks, events, and projects are carried out as well as to accomplish special projects, events, and improvements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead and inspire the Operations Team (Facilities and IT) to maintain a functional, safe, and efficient campus environment. Drive the strategic planning and management of the school’s physical and technological assets, ensuring high-quality support across all functions. Manage vendor contracts, negotiate services, and conduct yearly goal setting and reviews for direct reports.

• Campus Operations & Compliance: Oversee comprehensive day-to-day operations including managing the student lunch and transportation programs, coordinating various school events, and managing key administrative processes like textbook procurement and student requirement collection. Ensure rigorous compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., City permits, Health Department inspections, Fire Inspections) and manage campus safety protocols, ingress/egress access and procedures, and public health standing orders.

• Facilities and Physical Security: Direct the maintenance, safety, and aesthetics of all campus buildings and grounds, maintaining a perpetually "tour-ready" environment. Manage all life-safety systems, physical security infrastructure, and support comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols. Develop and execute a proactive multi-year deferred maintenance plan and champion sustainable campus initiatives to reduce environmental impact. Oversee campus storage, fleet vehicle management, and facilities rental processes.

• Information Technology & Infrastructure: Ensure seamless, high-uptime operation of all technology infrastructure, hardware, software, and services. Strategically manage the school's network, cloud services, and end-user support systems (Helpdesk, 1:1 laptop program, standardized testing support). Oversee compliance and partnerships with various regulations and programs, and manage the administration and troubleshooting of all IT functions.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Embody Oakwood School’s mission and values.
• Support and follow school policies and procedures.
• Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, Open Houses, and other events as directed
• Student supervision including upper school sub pool and parking lot duty
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and commitment to being part of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community
• Proven leadership, collaboration, and project-management skills
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills
• Demonstrated analytical, strategic, and problem-solving ability with a keen attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong event coordination skills, including the planning, promotion, and execution of diverse organization-wide functions and specialized events
• Tech savvy, extremely familiar with networks, devices, and cloud systems. Able to learn new software quickly
• Personal qualities of integrity, kindness, approachability, and a strong work ethic

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field (MBA or related advanced degree preferred)
• At least five years of experience in operations or facilities management including at least two years in leadership, with expertise in school operations, facilities, and IT

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-30 pounds
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on computer and/or related office equipment
• Ability to work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
• Frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear
• Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations on campus
• Normal office environment and moderate noise levels
• Occasional to frequent interruptions

COMPENSATION

This position has an expected salary range of $90,000 - $120,000.

BENEFITS

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and on-site cardio and weight room.

Dependent children of employees receive tuition remission (one child no-cost tuition/full-time employee), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood’s Employment webpage to learn more and access a full listing of benefits.