Position Overview
The Office of Operations (OoO) is comprised of the Strategic School Operations, Food and Nutrition Services, School Security, and Facilities Planning and Design divisions. OoO is responsible for guiding the operations and functions for all 117 schools within the District. Our mission is to ensure DCPS Stakeholders – principals, teachers, students, and central services teams – have the operational systems, facilities, and support to be excellent.
Divisions/Teams:
- The Operations Strategy team manages major initiatives across all OoO teams and oversees the DCPS Operations Center, the central operations hub which receives, triages, dispatches, monitors, and analyzes both emergency and non-emergency issues related to all operations functions across all 117 DCPS Schools, central services office, warehouse, satellite sites, and related properties. The Operations Strategy team directly supports the Chief Operating Officer to ensure all schools and DCPS divisions are supported and to operationalize OoO’s mission and vision. The team manages office-wide initiatives including budget oversight, procurement support, fleet management, and strategic planning.
- The Facilities Planning and Design division is comprised of two main teams: Modernizations and Small Capital Projects. The Manager supports the overall Facilities Planning and Design approach for both teams.
- The School Security division provides direct, day-to-day school safety and security related support to all DCPS schools. This division is comprised of the Contract Security and Training, DCPS Special Police, and Physical Security teams. The mission of the School Security division is to ensure the safety and security of all DCPS students, staff, buildings, public spaces, and property. A safe school promotes a healthy learning environment – where teachers can teach, Principals can lead, and students can learn and enjoy a rich academic experience.
- The Strategic School Operations (SSO) division provides direct, day-to-day support to all DCPS schools, students, and staff. The Division consists of the following areas of focus: day-to-day support from SSO specialists, School Strategy and Logistics program, Intra/Interagency Affairs, Emergency Preparedness and Guidance, and Warehouse logistics. The mission of the SSO division is to provide excellent customer service and operational support to school. The division has a 1:1 ratio of School Operations Specialists to each school cluster. SSO is prepared to support and liaise on behalf of schools to ensure they are equipped with and connected to appropriate operational resources.
- The Warehouse and Logistics team within the Strategic School Operations division provides direct operational support to all DCPS schools. The Warehouse consists of the following areas of focus: emergency supplies and equipment, textbook replacements and closed school records, mail distribution, special event support, shipping and receiving, DCPS fleet management and copier management, emergency school moves and surplus office and student furniture. The mission of the Warehouse and Logistics department is to provide DC Public Schools with the logistical support necessary to achieve its academic mission.
- The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) division is recognized for its healthy and innovative school food. The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) division is recognized for its healthy and innovative school food. The scope of the DCPS FNS’ operations extends beyond school meals to include nutrition-related activities such as school gardens and farm-to-school as well as environmental sustainability and stewardship initiatives for cafeteria operations. FNS is made up of three smaller teams: Finance, Strategy and Data, Nutrition, Compliance & Partnerships, and Food Service Operations. The mission of the DCPS FNS is: All DC Public Schools students are engaged and have access to wholesome and delicious meals that promote long-term wellness, preparation for learning, and satisfaction with their school.
The Facilities Planning and Design division is comprised of two main teams: Modernizations and Small Capital Projects. The Manager supports the overall Facilities Planning and Design approach for both teams.
Modernizations (formerly called FPD) team is one of two teams within the Facilities Planning and Design division under the Office of Operations. Together, we oversee all modernization, addition and expansion projects, plan for and identify project needs for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and collaborate with schools, contractors, and DGS to ensure DCPS facilities are safe, functional, and ready for learning.
Small Capital Projects (SCP) team is one of two teams within the Facilities Planning and Design division under the Office of Operations. Together, we oversee all small capital projects, plan for and identify project needs for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and collaborate with schools, contractors, and DGS to ensure DCPS facilities are safe, functional, and ready for learning.
The Manager, Modernizations will be responsible for overseeing and reviewing the development of architectural designs from Concept Design through construction. The Manager, Modernizations will work with the Director, Modernizations to approve school modernization designs and ensure that DCPS standards are met. The Manager, Modernizations will be responsible for managing internal and external communications regarding all Modernizations projects, working closely with other members of the Modernizations team to draft written communications and track communications performed by others. The Manager will also develop and maintain standards for regular public engagement points, and coach other team members on communications and meeting facilitation. At times, the Manager may be required to attend public meetings outside of normal business hours. The Facilities Planning and Design team is committed to delivering buildings that meet the needs of the students, teachers, and staff. The Manager, Modernizations will be responsible for thinking creatively to ensure our modernization designs are keeping up with the latest instructional methods.
This position has been designated as Protection Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying protection sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests: Criminal background check; Sex Offender Registry check; Pre-employment drug and alcohol test; Traffic record check (as applicable); Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
The Manager, Modernizations will report to the Director, Modernizations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
Oversees school modernization and capital improvement projects from concept design through construction, ensuring alignment with DCPS needs, instructional models, and updated design standards.
Provides guidance, coaching, and training to a team of staff members (more than four direct reports), developing training modules and mentoring to build capacity in modernization processes, stakeholder engagement, and project management.
Supports staff in facilitating stakeholder engagement including SIT meetings, community forums, bi-weekly updates, and presentations, ensuring school-based staff, students, and families are meaningfully involved in the modernization process.
Builds and sustains relationships with DC agencies such as DGS, Parks and Recreation, Communications, and other partners to coordinate efforts and drive collaboration across government and community stakeholders.
Coordinates design reviews and approvals including finishes, FF&E (furniture, fittings, equipment), vendor selection, and adherence to updated design guidelines and education specifications.
Ensures internal coordination with DCPS offices (Teaching and Learning, IT, Community Action Team) to align designs with instructional priorities, national trends, and best practices.
Manages project processes including punchlists, closeouts, relocations, and urgent stakeholder requests, maintaining professionalism and solutions-oriented communication.
Develops and refines procedures for project review, engagement, and long-term systematic improvements, identifying trends and implementing standards across schools.
Supports division-wide and site-specific updates to education specifications and contributes to the development of design guidelines, materials, and products.
Leads program-related meetings and logistics.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and four to six years of related work experience.
-
Master's degree preferred.
-
K-12 School architecture experience preferred.
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a variety of audiences.
-
Experience with local government projects preferred.
- STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
-
COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
-
EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
-
EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
-
TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
-
JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodation and/or application assistance is available upon request at all stages of the application and employment process. To request accommodation, please contact [email protected].
