Assistant Principal of Operations chez Academy of the Arts - Redondo Beach

The Assistant Principal of Operations (APO) is a key member of the Academy of the Arts leadership team, ensuring that our school runs with excellence every day. This role oversees the systems, structures, and resources that keep the school safe, compliant, and efficient so that teachers can teach and students can learn. The APO leads school operations with a hands-on approach while also coaching and supporting operations staff to deliver high-quality results. This leader partners with the Principal and leadership team to align strategic initiatives, maximize resources, and build systems that sustain growth and student success. We are seeking an operations-driven leader who can think strategically, act decisively, and inspire others. This person thrives on creating order, solving problems, and ensuring the school runs smoothly at every level.

Desired Characteristics: Highly organized and detail-oriented. Strong judgment and ability to make sound decisions. Goal-oriented and results-driven. Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities. Team-player who leads with a collaborative and service-oriented mindset.

5+ years of experience in school operations, project management, or a related field. 3+ years of experience managing adults or leading teams. Strong background in compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements for schools. Demonstrated success implementing and managing systems at scale. Proven ability to lead professional development and coach staff. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Commitment to equity, family partnership, and student success.

School Operations & Systems: Oversee all daily school operations, including arrival/dismissal, attendance, transportation, food service, scheduling, enrollment, and facilities. Ensure that all core systems run smoothly, consistently, and equitably for students, staff, and families. Manage master scheduling processes in partnership with leadership to ensure academic and enrichment access for all students. Identify operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions. Operations Team Leadership: Coach, manage, and mentor operations staff to strengthen capacity and ensure excellent execution of responsibilities. Conduct regular site walkthroughs and operational audits; provide feedback and training to drive continuous improvement. Model a service-oriented mindset, ensuring the operations team provides excellent support to staff, students, and families. Compliance & Safety: Monitor compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to school operations. Oversee all local/state/federal requirements, family engagement documentation, and reporting requirements. Maintain safety systems, including emergency drills, safety logs, training, and regulatory documentation. Ensure timely completion of compliance items and reporting calendars. Finance & Resource Management: Oversee campus-level budgets, purchasing, and vendor relationships to ensure resources are used efficiently and responsibly. Monitor discretionary spending and align operational decisions with organizational priorities. Work with leadership to ensure financial stewardship that maximizes student impact. Strategic Planning & Accountability: Support the Principal in planning and executing strategic school-wide initiatives. Develop and track accountability systems for compliance, operations performance, and efficiency. Lead process improvements to streamline operations and strengthen consistency. Partner with leadership to set long-term operational goals and build sustainable systems. Schoolwide Leadership: Serve as a member of the school leadership team, contributing to decision-making, staff culture, and family engagement. Support the development of school policies, handbooks, and standard operating procedures. Collaborate with instructional leaders to ensure operational systems support teaching and learning. Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in school operations, project management, or a related field. 3+ years of experience managing adults or leading teams. Strong background in compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements for schools. Demonstrated success implementing and managing systems at scale. Proven ability to lead professional development and coach staff. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Commitment to equity, family partnership, and student success.