Job Description: Operations and Compliance Manager
You will be doing the most meaningful work of your career as you join the forefront of urban education on the bright, talented, and relentlessly committed team at the Jackson Charter School. You will empower and inspire; change lives; shape the world.
The Operations and Compliance Manager is key to the success of Jackson Charter School. This position will report directly to the Executive Director as an exempt employee.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Operations and Compliance Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the school operates effectively, ethically, and within the bounds of all applicable laws and regulations. This position provides oversight of school-wide compliance functions across financial operations, human resources, educational regulations, transportation, food services, health and safety, and data protection. The Manager supports the development and implementation of policies and internal controls, monitors risk, conducts audits, and ensures the school maintains a safe, equitable, and fiscally responsible environment. Acting as a central point of contact for compliance-related matters, the Operations and Compliance Manager works collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies to uphold organizational integrity.
Compliance Monitoring & Oversight
1. Ensure the school adheres to local, state, and federal regulations, as well as charter authorizer and board policies.
2. Track regulatory updates and lead policy revisions as needed.
3. Conduct internal audits, investigate concerns, and support corrective action plans.
Program Development & Risk Management
4. Develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs and protocols.
5. Identify organizational risks and develop mitigation plans in collaboration with leadership and department heads.
6. Support school leaders with compliance-related components of strategic planning.
Financial Oversight
7. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, procurement, and financial planning, analysis, and record-keeping.
including investment management.
8. Ensure compliance with public funding regulations and accounting standards.
9. Collaborate with auditors and manage grant compliance and reporting requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
10. Partner with Accounting and Human Resources on Payroll and Payroll taxes, timekeeping functions and approval, Background Checks, Onboarding, Benefits & Work Comp.
11. Partner with IT, Contractors, and other departments to ensure all compliance requirements are understood and fulfilled.
12. Partner with Facilities regarding building compliance – considerations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Police and Fire Dept.; Building Codes.
13. Partner with IT on badge systems, keys, website, access points, servers, email, and security systems.
14. Assist in ensuring school compliance in areas such as health and safety, employment law, and data privacy.
15. Serve as a liaison to regulatory bodies and external partners.
Training & Communication
16. Provide training and ongoing education for staff on compliance-related topics, policies, and legal obligations.
17. Communicate policy updates and ensure staff understanding and engagement with compliance processes.
Documentation & Reporting
18. Maintain accurate records of all compliance activities, including audits, trainings, and investigations.
19. Prepare regular reports for school leadership, authorizers, and other external agencies as required.
Other Duties
20. Monitor and ensure compliance with transportation regulations, including student eligibility, routing, reporting, and vendor coordination.
21. Oversee food service compliance, including inventory management, meal counting and claiming, application management and adherence to local, state, and federal nutrition and safety guidelines in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education.
22. Serve as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer (certification required)
23. Review and approve vendor contracts.
24. Pursue the vision and execute the mission of the school.
25. Ensure the highest quality educational experience for all students.
26. Ensure the educational development of all students.
27. Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and other job training in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
28. Comply with all relevant school policies and procedures.
29. Ensures that all administrative actions are in concert with the Rockford Charter School Board policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives, and parameters found in the Board’s strategic plan.
30. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Education Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in compliance, operations, financial management, or school administration.
- Working knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to K–12 education and public/charter school operations.
- Demonstrated experience managing compliance or operational systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working in a charter school, public school district, or nonprofit educational organization.
- Experience with state education agencies, charter authorizers, or school audits.
- Knowledge of grant administration and reporting processes.
- Familiarity with data privacy laws (e.g., Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)), HR compliance, and OSHA or local building codes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
The ideal candidate will have strong financial and operational management skills, including experience with budgeting, reporting, and regulatory compliance in public or nonprofit settings. They should be highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple streams of compliance—including transportation and food service—while ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal regulations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex policies into practical procedures. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to ethical standards. Candidates should be collaborative, proactive problem-solvers, and proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and relevant operational software systems.
A comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Voluntary life insurance
- Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts
- Paid Sick and Personal time
- Paid holidays
- Optional 403(b) plan
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Compliance : 3 years (Preferred)
- Operations: 3 years (Preferred)
- Financial Management: 3 years (Preferred)
- School administration: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
