The Operations Manager plays a vital role in the Business and Operations Department, supporting the daily and strategic operations of Sinai Akiba Academy’s programs and campus needs. The Operations Manager (OM) provides leadership and actively participates in all aspects of the School’s strategic planning and operations and plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient daily functioning of the School. The OM works collaboratively with school leadership, and Staffulty, to align operational priorities with the academic calendar and the evolving needs of the school community. The OM embraces a forward-thinking mindset and commits to the long-term sustainability of the School. Responsibilities include ensuring seamless daily operational functioning of the School, regulatory compliance, vendor coordination, and the supervision of key personnel. The OM demonstrates hands-on expertise and a systems-level view, ensuring that all campus operations reflect the School’s commitment to safety, efficiency and excellence. This exempt, full-time role reports directly to the Sinai Akiba Academy Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). In collaboration with CFOO, the OM will develop a high-performing team to support the expansion and goals of the Operations Department.

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. 

Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

OM demonstrates pride in and a commitment to Sinai Akiba Academy, ensuring that the campus is a reflection of the School's excellence, seamlessly aligning operational performance with the delivery of its Core Values and mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Excellence, Collaboration and Management

• Lead and supervise operational staff to promote a culture of service, accountability, and collaboration
• Collaborate with the Sinai Temple Facilities Team to ensure the efficient, timely and thorough execution maintenance and facility need to meet the School’s priorities
• Standardize and improve operational workflows, documentation, and cross-department coordination
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive Operations Calendar
• Ensure proper insurance coverage from all partnering vendors are procured
• Work in close partnership with the Head of School and CFOO to envision and advance a campus environment that aligns with the School’s mission and future goals
• Work with CFOO to develop and manage the facilities and operations budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation
• Serve as the primary liaison for communication regarding campus security, safety, and emergency preparedness with all appropriate stakeholders
• Serve as the on-site contact for event organizers during the evening, addressing any last-minute requests or issues in coordination with the Maintenance Team
• Oversee proper waste disposal and storage organization following guidelines set by the CFOO
• Monitor vendor performance, providing feedback and support as needed to ensure high standards of service
• Manage the relationship with the external custodian team as it relates to specific school needs
• Conduct regular inspections of the SAA campus to identify and address any maintenance or safety needs
• Evaluate bid proposals and negotiate contracts within approved guidelines by CFOO
• Ensure school facilities, maintenance and set-ups are ready for daily and after-school activities (including special events after regular school hours)
• Monitor and ensure the cleanliness, organization, preparedness and general aesthetics of the campus on a daily basis
• Serves as the primary communicator for all stakeholders regarding campus and operational needs and updates
• Partner with all divisions to organize and execute summer transition projects including: beginning-of-the-year projects, parking space assignments and sticker distribution, ordering and distributing supplies, keys, nameplates, labels, furniture inventory, and classroom set-up for the new school year
• Manage field trip transportation, notifications, Trip Liability Release forms, and insurance verifications
• Maintain and update the event and facilities management system to ensure seamless planning and execution of all school operational matters throughout the year

Project and Vendor Management

• Ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive bid process for facilities projects by preparing clear scopes of work, obtaining multiple bids when appropriate, and selecting vendors based on cost, quality, and alignment with school values
• In collaboration with CFOO and Head of School, oversee construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects
• Manage relationships with external contractors and vendors to ensure timely, high-quality service
• In collaboration with the Sinai Temple Facilities Team ensure accurate and timely completion of inspections, permits, warranties, and safety certifications

Maintenance and Custodial Execution

• Ensure daily cleaning tasks for the evening custodial team are performed to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of SAA classrooms, restrooms, common areas, and administrative offices
• Oversee the restocking of cleaning supplies and report inventory needs to the Sinai Temple Facilities and Operations Teams for timely replenishment

Safety, Compliance, and Documentation

• In collaboration with Director of Health & Safety, manage the operational needs of campus safety policies, emergency preparedness, and drills
• Assess and mitigate operational risks, ensuring that systems and policies meet regulatory standards
• Ensure compliance with school health, safety, and sanitation protocols during operations, reporting any concerns or issues to the CFOO, Director of Health & Safety, Director of Human Resources and/or the Sinai Temple Facilities and Operations Team (as appropriate)
• Collaborate with the Director of Human Resources and Director of Health & Safety on the Workplace Violence and Injury and Illness Prevention Plans

General Responsibilities

• Learn, use, and apply technology as required by the School to enhance communication, productivity and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet (school’s intranet), Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Paylocity, and any other school-approved software.
• Perform additional tasks, special projects, and other duties as assigned by CFOO, and/or Head of School, in support of the school’s mission

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move objects of up to 20 pounds
• Substantial time spent standing, kneeling, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, and moving up and down stairs

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a successful candidate. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic school environment and can balance big-picture planning with meticulous attention to detail.

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of work experience
• Experience with a similar role within a school environment is preferred
• Superior interpersonal, communication, writing, and organizational skills with a particular ability to multitask and prioritize work
• Proficiency in basic data management systems and computer applications (e.g., Blackbaud, MicroSoft 365 and Google Workspace, Canva, Jotform); willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.
• Accuracy and attention to detail in maintaining data integrity
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Strategic thinker and problem solver
• Team player who understands urgency
• Availability to work beyond typical school hours before and after the school day

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary Range: $105,000 - $125,000
• Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403b and employer funded retirement plans
• Professional development opportunities

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $105,000 - $125,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume for consideration at https://sinaiakiba.bamboohr.com/careers/151 or to Elham Makabi, Chief Financial & Operations Officer, at emakabi@sinaiakiba.org. 

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.