Lead Operations Analyst, Central Valley

Description

ABOUT ASPIRE

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Operations Analyst, Central Valley is responsible for providing strategic leadership and analytical support to drive operational excellence, efficiency, and compliance across Aspire Public Schools’ Central Valley region. This role leads high-impact, cross-functional projects and partners closely with Business Managers, school leaders, and regional and home office teams to strengthen operational systems, financial stewardship, and service delivery.

The Lead Operations Analyst serves as a key thought partner to school sites and regional leadership, utilizing data analysis, forecasting, and performance monitoring to identify trends, mitigate risks, and implement continuous improvement strategies. This role is responsible for developing and enhancing operational tools, systems, and processes that support effective decision-making, ensure compliance with Aspire policies and applicable state and federal requirements, and align resources to organizational priorities.

In addition, the Lead Operations Analyst plays a critical role in building capacity across the region by coaching and training Business Managers, leading communities of practice, and serving as a subject matter expert in school-based operations, systems, and compliance within the California charter school context.

Success in this position requires a highly analytical and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, lead through influence, and drive system-level improvements. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong project management capabilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to supporting educators and school leaders in delivering high-quality outcomes for students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Central Valley Business Manager Strategic & Analytical Support

1. Serve as a primary regional thought partner to school site Business Managers, providing leadership, coaching, and technical assistance to strengthen operational and fiscal performance across all Aspire Central Valley schools.

2. Lead the analysis of site-level operational and financial data (e.g., enrollment, ADA, staffing ratios, procurement, and expenditures) to identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities; provide actionable recommendations aligned to regional and organizational priorities.

3. Support Business Managers in developing and monitoring site-based operational plans, including alignment to budgets, forecasting assumptions, and resource allocation.

4. Build Business Manager capacity to effectively manage restricted and unrestricted resources in compliance with Aspire policies and applicable state and federal requirements.

5. Develop tools, models, and dashboards to improve visibility into operational performance and drive data-informed decision-making across schools.

6. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in school-based operations, systems, and compliance requirements, including California charter school operational practices.

2. Central Valley Business Manager Operations Community of Practice (CoP)

1. Design, plan, and facilitate the Central Valley Regional Business Manager Community of Practice (CoP) to build operational and financial management capacity.

2. Develop structured learning agendas, tools, and training resources focused on budgeting alignment, operational systems, compliance requirements, and process improvement.

3. Lead training and onboarding for new Business Managers, including systems (e.g., PowerSchool, SchoolMint, Coupa) and Aspire operational protocols.

4. Promote cross-site collaboration through sharing of best practices, data insights, and standardized processes to improve consistency and efficiency across the region.

5. Establish clear expectations and accountability structures for Business Managers related to operational performance and compliance.

3. Central Valley Schools Operations & Financial Partnership

   1. PowerSchool – Attendance accounting, ADA tracking, and reporting accuracy

   2. SchoolMint – Enrollment management, records compliance, and audit readiness

   3. Coupa – Procurement, expense tracking, budget monitoring, and financial controls

   4. Facilities, safety compliance, and overall operational readiness

1. Partner closely with Business Managers, Principals, and regional leadership to monitor and improve operational systems, financial stewardship, and compliance, including but not limited to:

2. Conduct regular site visits and operational reviews to assess implementation fidelity, internal controls, and adherence to Aspire policies, authorizer expectations, and applicable law.

3. Support schools in financial and operational close processes (e.g., monthly/quarterly reviews), including variance analysis between planned and actual performance.

4. Assist school leaders in preparing for audits, responding to audit findings, and ensuring timely submission of required documentation to authorizers and regulatory agencies.

5. Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across operational systems and workflows.

4. Regional Data, Compliance, and Reporting Support

   1. Enrollment tracking and projections (in partnership with Student Recruitment & Engagement)

   2. CALPADS submissions, FRL/LCFF data collection, and compliance reporting (in partnership with Compliance Manager)

   3. Development and maintenance of key operational documents (e.g., calendars, SARCs, reporting timelines)

1. Support regional operational and compliance functions through data management, analysis, and reporting, including:

2. Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of operational and compliance data submitted to internal stakeholders, authorizers, and state agencies.

3. Develop standardized reporting tools and protocols to streamline regional data collection and improve data integrity.

5. Cross-Functional Leadership & Systems Improvement

1. Collaborate with Aspire shared services teams (Finance, Accounting, Payroll, AP/AR) to ensure effective service delivery, alignment of processes, and resolution of operational issues impacting school sites.

2. Partner with academic, student services, and regional leadership teams to align operational systems with instructional priorities and student outcomes.

3. Lead or support regional initiatives related to school growth, new site planning, transitions, and continuous improvement efforts, including scenario planning and operational readiness.

4. Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows, and tools; design and implement solutions that increase efficiency, scalability, and user experience.

5. Perform ad hoc analysis and special projects as requested by the Regional Director of Operations or other senior leadership.

6. Additional Duties

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and alignment with Aspire Public Schools’ mission, values, policies, and compliance requirements.

2. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable legal and ethical standards.

3. Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies:

• Demonstrated skills in identifying issues, formulating, and implementing solutions. Ability to research complex problems and develop cost-effective solutions

• Love of data! Driven to discover issues and insights that help drive to a decision. Detail-oriented with laser focus on connecting data to deliverables.

• Excellent organization, time management, follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work independently.

• Highly proactive, gets things done and constructively resolves conflicts

• Track record of establishing effective relationships with people in various roles

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; active listening skills a must

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new areas of knowledge and technology

• Effective documentation of projects and deliverables

• Working knowledge of MS Office

Minimum educational level:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, education, or other related field

Experience required:

• 2-4 years experience in operational support, data analysis, and/or process improvement ∙

• Experience or strong interest in K-12 public education

• Experience working in dynamic, high-performing environments

Physical requirements:

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

• Communicating with others to exchange information.

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Compensation:
Aspire Public Schools is dedicated to our teammate's well-being! In addition to a competitive base salary that is benchmarked against local districts and charter schools, we offer employees exceptional benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program. Our salary schedule based on years of experience for this position type is reflected here:

Aspire Public Schools 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, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.