INTRINSIC SCHOOLS 

Intrinsic Schools is a small charter network in Chicago implementing a revolutionary new model for public education that prepares all students for postsecondary success and world-changing endeavors. We started Intrinsic to reimagine the learning experience for middle and high school students based on the beliefs that young people learn best when they collaborate, feel a deep sense of belonging, and set and monitor progress toward individualized goals. Our model systematically teaches students to think, solve, communicate and reflect while also building E mpathy, P erseverance, I dentity and C uriosity - our EPIC Core Values (https://intrinsicschools.org/graduate-aims/) . We flex time and space in both of our schools, redefine the role of teachers, and use technology in new ways to ensure every student receives tailored instruction, and eventually graduates with their own personalized postsecondary plan that is dedicated to their own interests, goals, and choices.

Our approach is focused on the whole child, and can look different than in other public schools - in part because of our dual focus on student gains in academics and personal agency. To support this, we use mastery-forward grading; a weekly Choice Day (C Day) (https://intrinsicschools.org/choice-day/) for all students; Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) that connect students, teachers, and families three times each year; and Advisory classes comprised of groups of students who meet daily all four years of high school and essentially grow up together, under the guidance of one four-year advisor. Our school culture deliberately prioritizes student voices and relationships - with each other and with adults - while also having very high expectations of them. To support this work, we rely on restorative practices as well as consequences, when necessary, to ensure a safe and joyful learning environment for all students. 

The personalized postsecondary support we provide to students and families is a big differentiator for Intrinsic, and students and parents often cite our postsecondary strategies as one of the greatest benefits of the Intrinsic experience. As a result, every graduating senior has a plan in place for life post-high school that is developed in combination with the family. While Intrinsic prepares graduates to be successful at four-year colleges and roughly 90% of seniors matriculate directly into college, we believe all students should have the opportunity to explore any post-graduation path that will ultimately lead to a career they enjoy and can meet their long-term financial goals.  

THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS

At Intrinsic, we strive to become the two BEST non-selective high schools in Chicago & beyond. We know running exemplary schools takes more than strong instruction, exposure & opportunities, and connection to school - our key levers toward postsecondary success; it takes smooth & excellent operations. Reporting to the Chief of Strategy,  Intrinsic’s Director of Operations & Special Projects will work methodically to ensure efficient and compliant campus operations. You will build, implement, and refine systems, document and codify annual processes, and train and support various stakeholders. You will partner with various team members in problem-solving and responding to needs with a keen eye toward optimizing teaching and learning at our campuses. You are deeply committed to leading Intrinsic in operations leadership and special projects in the following ways:  

Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Budgeting: Develops and implements annual budgeting process in conjunction with Director of Finance; supports school leaders to ensure program objectives are achieved within the budget guidelines

• Compliance & Grant Reporting

• Oversee and adhere to grant reporting requirements and deadlines as needed throughout the year.  Work with stakeholders to develop and manage grant budgets, spending, and on-going monitoring.

• Ensures the campuses comply with operation health and safety laws, state education mandates, and other regulations

• Ensures timely submissions of operations compliance requests to CPS, ISBE, and/or federal agencies

• Oversee annual compliance audit fieldwork

• Facilities:  Oversees facilities manager, facilities procurement, and resource allocation.

• Food Service: Manages the school's food service program, including quality assurance and safety

• New Student Enrollment: Oversee enrollment numbers, monitor student mobility, and collaborate with the Enrollment, Data, and Campus Team on the new enrollee process

• Transportation: Manages student transportation services

• Technology Team: Manages the cross-campus technology team to ensure smooth operations of technology infrastructure and software

• Scheduling: May provide support as needed related to school scheduling 

  Special Projects

  Lead the planning, development, and execution of special projects that support strategic goals and address organizational needs.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and reporting to ensure initiatives are completed on time and within scope.

• Develop systems and tools to monitor project progress and evaluate impact.

• Project manage the charter renewal process at each campus with the goal of 3+ years renewal

• Oversee the implementation of new systems related to operations and/or technology

  Team Support

• Serve as a liaison between departments, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals across teams.

• Create and/or maintain internal documentation of current processes and procedures

• Train, develop, and/or onboard team members as necessary

• Attend a limited number of staff and student events to build relationships and support school missions  (School happy hours, Networking Night, etc.)

• Ideal Qualifications

• Previous experience in overseeing and managing operational budgets

• Extensive knowledge in grant writing and monitoring

• Strong familiarity with state, local and federal compliance as it relates to charter schools

• Experience managing day-to-day school operations

• Experience managing vendors

• Commitment to the mission & vision of Intrinsic Schools

• Proven track record of achieving goals

• Ability to think strategically and innovatively in order to continuously improve school operations

• Ability to be proactive, problem-solve and prioritize 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

• Strong analytical skills and keen attention to detail

• Excellent customer service skill set and ability to adapt to the needs of the organization

• Ability to build strong relationships across the organization

• Continued focus on one’s own professional learning as well as capacity building of others within the organization

• Ability to create a collaborative and joyful work environment

• Willing to incorporate from and share feedback with stakeholders as necessary and share knowledge with the broader education community

• Strong work ethic with a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve results for students, families, and staff. 

   

  Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree

• 7 or more years of relevant work experience 

• Project management experience, with proven ability to see large projects through to completion with excellent results

• School-based or other education experience preferred

• Experience managing others preferred

   

  Compensation 

  We seek outstanding leaders and aspire to be one of the best employers in Chicago. We have designed our compensation and benefits toward this goal. Salary is commensurate with experience with a salary for this position starting at $125,000 annually. Compensation will be discussed early in the interview process for transparency. 

   

Equal Opportunity Employer

Intrinsic Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Intrinsic Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Intrinsic Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.

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