Dawson School, a K-12 independent school of 520 students located east of Boulder, Colorado on a beautiful 112-acre campus, seeks a Director of Operations. The Dawson school community is engaged, collaborative, and committed to the healthy development and education of all its students.

The Director of Operations oversees facilities, safety and security, food services, human resources, payroll, and auxiliary services. The Director of Operations plays a crucial role in overseeing the school’s operational functions, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with our strategic objectives. This position reports directly to the Head of School and collaborates closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Chair of the Facilities Committee, and Board of Trustees. 

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources, or related field. An MBA or related advanced degree is preferred
• At least five years of operations experience 
• Strong knowledge of HR principals, procedures, and practices and understanding of employment law
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or the necessary educational and/or work experience required to obtain a certification within one year of employment
• Experience working with physical plant operations, maintenance, and repair; planning, scheduling, management and administration of the plant; and related federal, state, and local regulations
• Supervisory experience
• Experience with non-profits or schools a plus
• Advanced Excel skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite

Professional and Personal Qualifications

• Leadership style that reflects teamwork and personal responsibility
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Consistently high-quality work product with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of problem solving techniques to effectively identify problems and determine the most appropriate course of action
• Effective, appropriate, and timely communication with all faculty, staff, administrators, Board Trustees, Board committee members, parents, students, vendors, etc. Interaction requires not only good language and writing skills, but technical knowledge, maturity, discretion and sound judgment as well
• Detail-oriented; a great manager of their own time and others’ time
• Excellent written and verbal communication with all constituencies
• Absolute integrity, discretion, and confidentiality
• Strong work ethic
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees
• Passion and skill to contribute positively to an educational environment that supports a lifelong love of learning

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Partner with the CFO to identify, prioritize, and manage major capital and operations projects
• Support the Facilities Manager in establishing procedures for maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of Dawson facilities, grounds, and equipment while maintaining appropriate awareness and sensitivity to school seasonal and operational demands
• Support the Director of Security and Safety in maintaining a safe and secure environment
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and statutes related to employment, payroll, and benefits regulations
• Consult with administrators, employees, and legal counsel as needed to resolve personnel issues, including conducting and documenting interviews and investigations
• Serve as a third-party mediator to support employee interpersonal problem resolution
• Work with the CFO and the Director of Auxiliary programs in exploring alternative revenue sources
• Effectively identify problems and determine the most appropriate course of action
• Participate in department, division, or school task forces and committees as needed
• Participate in Dawson community events and support faculty, staff, students, and families.
• Seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities in independent school development.

The salary range for this position is $105k - $120k and commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, 401(k), and generous time off.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume on the Dawson website (www.dawsonschool.org).  Click on ABOUT at the top of the page, click on Careers, scroll to the middle of the page, click the link View Current Job Openings, and select the Director of Operations posting to apply for this position. Only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls please.  This year-round position is available immediately and is 100% in the office.   

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources, or related field. An MBA or related advanced degree is preferred
• At least five years of operations experience 
• Strong knowledge of HR principals, procedures, and practices and understanding of employment law
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or the necessary educational and/or work experience required to obtain a certification within one year of employment
• Experience working with physical plant operations, maintenance, and repair; planning, scheduling, management and administration of the plant; and related federal, state, and local regulations
• Supervisory experience
• Experience with non-profits or schools a plus
• Advanced Excel skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite

About Alexander Dawson School

Dawson, a K-12 independent school of 520 students located east of Boulder on a beautiful 112-acre campus. Dawson is a growing and passionate educational community dedicated to the healthy development and education of all of its students.

Connections working at Alexander Dawson School