Director of Operations and Human Resources

The Montessori Academy of Colorado is a metropolitan school that engages each child through innovative academics, exploration of character, and a fearless, forward mindset.

Job Title: Director of Operations and Human Resources

Department: Administration

Reports To: Head of School

Employee Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 per year

Job Summary

The Director of Operations and Human Resources (DOO/HR) serves as a key member of the leadership team at MAC, overseeing all non-academic functions with a focus on operational excellence and strategic alignment with the school’s mission. This role is responsible for both long-term planning and the seamless execution of day-to-day operations, driving innovation and efficiency across human resources, facilities management, and general operations. Working in close collaboration with the Head of School and other senior administrators, the DOO/HR helps ensure a high-functioning, supportive environment in which students and educators can thrive. This role ensures systems, structures and processes are in place to foster a culture of accountability, consistency, and compliance. The DOO/HR supports an organization of approximately 100 employees and 260 students, and leads a dedicated team that includes the Staffing Coordinator, Auxiliary Programs and Operations Coordinator, Custodian & Building Coordinator, and Housekeeping Staff.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

Operations

Campus Operations & Facilities Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Curtis and Stout campus facilities—including maintenance, security, transportation, health and safety compliance, vendor management, and scheduling—while ensuring efficient resource use and sustainable, cost-effective practices
• Coordinate and oversee facility projects and manage vendor contracts to ensure successful execution and compliance with agreed terms (e.g., cleaning services, snow removal, landscaping, HVAC maintenance, security systems, pest control, and general contractors)
• Oversee the management of all community spaces, ensuring they meet safety standards, maintain aesthetic appeal, and are tailored to the developmental needs of the children
• Manage and maintain a centralized calendar of building events to ensure efficient use of shared spaces and prevent scheduling conflicts
• Manage campus relocation needs as needed, including classroom and office space reorganization, to optimize facility flow and maximize the efficient use of campus resources
• Manage the Custodian & Building Coordinator who is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of the school's facilities
• Manage the Housekeeping Team who is responsible for maintaining clean laundry and dishes within the school
  
  

Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Oversee risk management, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness plans to ensure full compliance with health, safety, and building regulations
• Coordinate biannual reviews of policies, standard operating procedures, and safety manuals, and lead drills, crisis response planning, and other risk mitigation activities.
• Coordinate all emergency reopening efforts following a campus closure, ensuring a safe and efficient return to operations
• Lead the Risk Management Committee as Chair, overseeing the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies at MAC
  
  

Strategic Planning & Leadership Collaboration

• Collaborate with leadership to develop, implement, and refine operational systems that enhance efficiency and ensure consistent processes across both the Curtis and Stout buildings
• Serve as the liaison to the Board Facilities Committee, facilitating communication and alignment on campus planning and infrastructure priorities
• Establish systems for regularly gathering faculty and staff feedback on operational effectiveness, including participation in select staff and lead teacher meetings
• Manage the Auxiliary Programs & Operations Coordinator, who oversees after-school enrichments, summer camps, field trips, and student transportation, ensuring alignment with MAC’s mission and operational standards
  
  

Technology & Data Management

• Oversee school-wide technology operations by serving as the primary liaison to the school’s third-party IT consultant, ensuring that all technology needs—including hardware, software, and timely support for faculty and staff—are effectively communicated and addressed
• Coordinate with the Director of Communication on digital data management, including storage of classroom media and other shared resources
  
  

Human Resources

Leadership + Strategy

• Lead and manage all aspects of the employee life cycle—including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and offboarding—providing both strategic direction and hands-on execution, with administrative support from the Staffing Coordinator. This includes developing and implementing innovative, mission-aligned, and sustainable talent strategies to attract, engage, and retain high-quality staff
• Lead the Staffing Committee as Chair, overseeing the facilitation of meetings, management of staffing needs, and execution of the recruitment process
• Manage the Staffing Coordinator, who supports daily operations with a focus on staffing, HR support and front office tasks to ensure smooth school operations
• Serve as an advisor on employee relations, conflict resolution, and organizational development, guiding the leadership team to foster a positive and compliant workplace culture
• Administer and continuously improve the performance management process, including the design and implementation of performance evaluations, goal setting, and performance improvement plans, to promote accountability, professional growth, and organizational excellence
• Innovate and lead DEI initiatives at MAC in collaboration with the DEI Coordinator, including inclusive hiring practices and DEI education, to cultivate a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
  
  

Policy, Compliance & Confidentiality

• Oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of employee policies, handbooks, and HR procedures to ensure alignment with organizational values and full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Maintain secure and confidential employee records and HR databases
  
  

Professional Development & Training

• Provide strategic leadership for professional development by assessing organizational and staff development needs in collaboration with Program Directors, recommending targeted learning opportunities, and implementing high-impact training initiatives aligned with the school’s goals and priorities
• Develop a faculty growth ladder that outlines clear steps and actions for advancing across various career paths at MAC
  
  

Compensation, Benefits & Workplace Culture

• Support the Business Office with payroll and benefits administration
• Collaborate with the Business Office to develop and maintain a comprehensive compensation and benefits overview, enhancing transparency for faculty and staff
• Provide engaging touchpoints to educate faculty and staff, ensuring they fully understand MAC’s benefit offerings and can take full advantage of the available resources
• Collaborate with the Sunshine Committee to foster and sustain a positive workplace culture
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, operations management, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• PHR certification preferred
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations and/or HR, preferably within an educational or nonprofit environment
• Strong knowledge of HR laws, regulations, best practices, and operational management strategies
• Proven ability to manage teams, projects, budgets, and operational processes effectively Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community
  
  

Key Characteristics:

• Highly collaborative, strategic, fiscally savvy, customer-service oriented, and emotionally intelligent senior leader
• Has a track record of developing and improving systems, processes, and infrastructures, ideally those that impact students, families, and communities
• Energized by solving complex problems, working alongside peers towards shared goals, building relationships with external vendors, and increasing efficiency
• Can move easily between broad, strategic thinking and day-to-day operations and whose management approach encourages the development and execution of new ideas, promotes transparency, and supports prudent change
• A proactive self-starter who projects team spirit and has the ability to organize, motivate, coach, and focus others in pursuit of MAC’s strategic plan
• An adept manager who respects differences of opinion, actively obtains input from stakeholders, especially teachers, and is masterful in managing change
• Has a demonstrated ability to create human systems and organizational supports that align people and empower and enable employees to reach increasing levels of effectiveness
• Makes decisions: a) with input, especially from people who are directly impacted, b) that are mission and student-driven, c) data-informed, and d) through an equity lens
  
  

MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefits package, which includes 36 paid holidays annually, 12 Paid Time Off days, 3 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental, and vision insurance with an HSA option, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, employer-paid life insurance, and additional voluntary plans for life insurance, critical illness, and short- and long-term disability plans. Employees also receive an RTD EcoPass.

MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.