Director of Operations

Position Type: Full-Time 12-month, Exempt
Reports To: Head of School
Supervises: Director of IT, Director of Facilities, Security Staff, Food Services Manager & Kitchen Operations, Front Desk Receptionists, Nursing Staff

Start Date: April 1, 2026

Why St. Michael's Prep?

Located in the hills of southwest Austin, Texas, St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School is an outstanding co-educational Independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in Austin, Texas. The Lower School is comprised of PreK 3-4th grades, the Middle School houses grades 5-8, and the Upper School contains grades 9-12. We are distinguished by our Catholic tradition, a welcoming and diverse community, excellent academic programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Additionally, we are a technology-rich school. Thus, teachers and staff are expected to demonstrate meaningful skill with technology and an enthusiasm for technological growth in order to create authentic learning experiences for their students. Teachers and staff at St. Michael's Prep further serve as role models that inspire students to think critically, reflect, explore, and apply their faith concretely to their lives. We are one community with three divisions, united in our commitment to put students first as we educate them in mind, body, and spirit.

Our values: Integrity, Courage, & Excellence

Our mission: St. Michael's Prep cultivates a transformative, Independent school experience rooted in Catholic spirituality where we seek excellence in every pursuit and form virtuous leaders who positively impact the world.

We are anchored by the Catholic Social Teachings (CST) and promote inclusion by advocating for a society based on love and justice, where all people have inherent dignity. We are passionate about cultivating a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment, celebrating and supporting differences.

We employ and optimize practices that promote growth of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Position Overview

The Director of Operations serves as a key member of the school's leadership team, overseeing the non-academic operational functions of the school to ensure a safe, efficient, clean, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This leader is responsible for strategic planning and daily management of facilities, security, food services, front desk operations, information technology, health services, and departmental budgets—ensuring that these areas work cohesively in support of the school's mission and educational program.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional with strong leadership skills and a strategic mindset, capable of managing multiple complex functions while maintaining a service-oriented culture.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the school's mission and long-term goals.
• Identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across campus systems.
• Partner with the Head of School and Director of Finance on annual budgeting, capital planning, and resource allocation for operational departments.
• Attend the Board Facilities Committee Meetings well-prepared to give clear updates and guidance to the Committee each month.
  
  

Financial Oversight & Budget Management

• Collaborate with each operational department (IT, Facilities, Security, Food Services, and Front Desk) to develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets, ensuring alignment with school-wide financial goals and priorities.
• Track departmental spending, provide regular financial reports, and proactively address variances or overages.
• Work closely with the Business Office to ensure accurate forecasting, timely procurement, and adherence to purchasing policies.
• Support department heads in making data-informed financial decisions that optimize resources without compromising quality or safety.
  
  

Facilities Management

• Supervise the Director of Facilities to ensure that all buildings, grounds, and infrastructure are well-maintained, safe, and support the school's educational mission.
• Oversee long-range facilities planning, renovations, and construction projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Monitor preventative maintenance programs and emergency response protocols.
• Maintain or create excellent relationships with vendors to ensure prompt and outstanding service to the School.
  
  

Information Technology Oversight

• Supervise the Director of IT to ensure robust, secure, and forward-looking technology systems that support both academic and administrative needs.
• Collaborate on technology planning, infrastructure improvements, cybersecurity measures, and integration of new tools to enhance teaching, learning, and operations.
• Remain abreast of current best practices in IT for PK-12 Independent Schools to ensure that our three divisions - Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools - have the correct equipment at hand as well as accurate cybersecurity procedures aligned with developmental ages and stages at each division.
  
  

Safety & Security

• Lead and coordinate the school's security program, ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff.
• Oversee security personnel and emergency management procedures, including drills, threat assessment protocols, and coordination with local agencies.
• Regularly evaluate campus safety policies and infrastructure, recommending updates as needed.

Nursing Oversight

• Supervise and support the school's nursing staff (PK–12) to ensure high standards of student health services, professional practice, and compassionate care aligned with the school's mission.
• Oversee compliance and policy management related to student health, including state regulations, immunization requirements, medication administration, and emergency medical procedures.
• Coordinate and maintain health and safety protocols in collaboration with leadership, ensuring effective communication, preparedness, and response to health-related incidents or crises.
• Manage operational aspects of the health services program, including staffing, budgeting, record-keeping, training, and partnerships with local health agencies.

Food Services & Front Desk Operations

• Supervise Food Services to ensure kitchens are clean, well-maintained, code-compliant, and that the food service provided is in alignment with divisional needs.
• Oversee front desk and receptionist staff, ensuring they provide excellent service and uphold the School's welcoming culture.
• Establish clear procedures for communication, visitor management, and crisis response at reception points.
  
  

Compliance, Policies, and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations in all operational areas.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies and procedures that support consistency, safety, and efficiency.
• Partner with legal and insurance advisors on risk management, including incident reporting, insurance claims, and liability issues.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, facilities, or a related field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple departments and teams simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in budget creation, oversight, and financial management.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and resource planning.
• Commitment to the mission and values of independent/private education.
  

Preferred: 

• Experience working in a PK–12 educational institution.
• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, including building codes, OSHA, and food safety.
• Familiarity with school technology infrastructure and security best practices.
  
  

Personal Attributes 

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Effective communicator who builds strong relationships across all levels of the school community.
• Calm and decisive under pressure, with excellent judgment.
• Collaborative leader who values teamwork and service.
• Detail-oriented with an eye to excellence and timely follow-through.

Application Requirements 

Qualified applicants should submit an online employment application and attach a cover letter and resume. Please send questions to

St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers equal employment opportunity to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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