Founding Operations Manager - Vacancy ID: 252278

Action Research Community High School seeks a founding Operations Manager to build and lead operational systems for Milwaukee's first Gold Standard project-based learning high school. Opening Fall 2026, ARCHS will serve 80 students in grades 9-12 on Milwaukee's South Side, growing to 160 students at capacity.

The Operations Manager reports to the Principal and is responsible for facilities management, technology systems, vendor relationships, compliance documentation, budget tracking, and ensuring the school runs smoothly so educators can focus on teaching. This is a unique opportunity to design operational infrastructure from the ground up—building systems that will support ARCHS for years to come.

In a startup school, operations isn't background work—it's foundational. The systems you build will determine whether teachers have the tools they need, whether families feel welcomed, and whether the school can sustain its mission long-term.

Key Responsibilities

•        Manage facilities operations including building maintenance, safety systems, and vendor contracts

•        Oversee technology infrastructure including student information systems, devices, and network management

•        Coordinate procurement, inventory management, and supply chain for instructional and operational needs

•        Support budget development and monitoring; track expenditures and maintain financial documentation

•        Ensure compliance with charter authorization requirements, safety regulations, and reporting deadlines

•        Supervise operations staff including Facilities Keeper and coordinate contracted services

•        Manage food service operations and transportation coordination

•        Support school events, family engagement activities, and community partnerships

Benefits

•        Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) enrollment

•        Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

•        4 weeks paid vacation + sick leave

•        Professional development opportunities

•        Founding team opportunity to build systems from inception

Application Instructions

Submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references through WECAN. In your cover letter, please address: (1) your experience building or improving operational systems, (2) how you approach problem-solving when systems don't exist yet, and (3) why you want to work in a startup school environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ARCHS is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Latino, bilingual, and/or from Milwaukee's South Side. ARCHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.