Operations Director

About the position

The Operations Director serves as the primary operations and compliance leader responsible for the school’s day-to-day administrative effectiveness. This position ensures all departments, systems, policies, and procedures operate in alignment with Parkhurst Academy’s mission, values, and strategic direction. The Operations Director leads teams, coordinates business and human resource operations, and serves as a steward of organizational culture and operational excellence. The Operations Director reports directly to the Superintendent (Head of School) and is accountable for ensuring the institution operates as a well-integrated, mission-driven organization. This is primarily an internal-facing leadership role; day-to-day interaction with families and students is secondary to the management of staff and institutional operations. Parkhurst Academy is an independent, multi-denominational K5–12 Christian school founded in 1984. As a religious institution operating in partnership with its affiliated church entity, Parkhurst Academy reserves the right to make employment decisions on the basis of religion in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All employees are expected to model Christian character and integrate faith into their professional conduct. Profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Be an active, committed member of a local Christian church whose beliefs are consistent with historic Christian orthodoxy. Be in wholehearted agreement with the school’s Statement of Faith and Philosophy of Christian Education. Model and uphold biblical standards of conduct and character at all times on and off campus. Demonstrate character qualities of integrity, servant leadership, humility, wisdom, self-control, compassion, and faithfulness. Support the integration of Christian values throughout all school operations, culture, and policy. Participate in devotional activities, chapel services, prayer, and other faith-based school functions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support all administrative functions of the Academy, ensuring continuity, consistency, and accountability across departments.
• Support the Superintendent in carrying out the institutional goals and direction of the school.
• Ensure all departments, programs, and daily operations function with efficiency, accountability, and mission alignment.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate organizational systems, workflows, and operational standards across the school.
• Act as a point of continuity between the Superintendent and operational staff, facilitating communication and follow-through in the Superintendent’s absence.
• Directly supervise all Directors and Teacher Leads; conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and professional development activities.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability structures, and feedback mechanisms for supervised staff.
• Coordinate cross-departmental communication and collaboration to ensure alignment across all school teams.
• Foster a positive, professional, and Christ-centered workplace culture.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-quality staff.
• Draft, revise, and maintain all institutional policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with Florida law, accreditation standards, and board directives.
• Develop and maintain staff, faculty, and student handbooks; coordinate annual reviews and updates.
• Monitor compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing private K–12 schools in Florida.
• Establish procedures to ensure consistent enforcement of school policies at all levels.
• Serve as a resource to staff on proper application of school policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all human resources functions including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, discipline, and separation processes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records in compliance with Florida and federal requirements.
• Administer employee benefit programs including health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and other benefit offerings.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, EEOC, Florida Department of Education regulations, and applicable labor laws.
• Develop and implement HR policies, processes, and best practices that reflect both legal compliance and the Academy’s Christian values.
• Coordinate performance management processes including employee evaluations and corrective action procedures.
• Support staff wellness and employee engagement initiatives.
• Oversee the operational aspects of business functions including vendor relationships, contracts, and facilities management.
• Collaborate with financial leadership on budget planning, operational forecasting, and expense controls.
• Review and approve operational expenditures within established authority levels.
• Ensure procurement, inventory, and resource allocation processes are properly administered.
• Oversee insurance programs including property/casualty, liability, and employee health insurance; coordinate renewals and claims management.
• Support accreditation processes and preparation for external reviews or audits.
• Serve as the primary point of coordination between the Superintendent, Principals, department heads, and operational staff, ensuring clear communication and follow-through across all levels.
• Coordinate administrative staff meetings, agenda setting, and follow-up on action items to ensure accountability and continuity.
• Coordinate institutional calendar, scheduling, and logistics for staff-related events and professional development.
• Ensure timely and clear internal communications across departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership and operations management experience
• Demonstrated experience managing HR, policy development, and business operations.
• Knowledge of Florida private school regulations and compliance requirements preferred.
• Experience developing or revising employee handbooks, policy manuals, and operational procedures.
• Familiarity with employee benefits administration, including health insurance programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and school management or HRIS systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate professionally with staff, administration, and governance bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Servant leader who leads with humility, integrity, and a Christ-centered perspective.
• Systems-oriented thinker who can develop and maintain structure while preserving a relational and collaborative culture.
• Calm and diplomatic under pressure; able to navigate complex situations with professionalism and good judgment.
• Highly organized with a strong ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Proactive and self-directed; takes initiative in identifying and resolving operational gaps.
• Collaborative in nature yet confident in maintaining accountability standards and boundaries.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development in both leadership and faith.
• Diplomatic communicator who can bridge personnel issues while maintaining trust and discretion.

Nice-to-haves

• Master’s degree (MBA or similar) strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Florida private school regulations and compliance requirements preferred.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation Time
• Holiday Pay
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Mission-driven work environment grounded in Christian faith and community