Community Unit School District 300 · 1 week ago
Director of Support Operations
Community Unit School District 300 is seeking a Director of Support Operations to oversee and manage the District’s contracted support services for student transportation and food services. This role involves ensuring compliance, performance oversight, and effective communication with various stakeholders to enhance service quality and community engagement.
Responsibilities
Serve as the District’s primary contract administrator for outsourced transportation and food service providers
Monitor vendor compliance with contract terms, service level agreements, ISBE transportation requirements, USDA nutrition standards, and District expectations
Conduct regular performance reviews with vendors; address service issues, corrective actions, and compliance concerns
Coordinate contract renewals, amendments, and rebids in collaboration with Purchasing, Finance, and legal counsel
Review and approve vendor invoices, ridership data, routing reports, and service documentation for accuracy and compliance
Maintain strong working knowledge of ISBE transportation rules, student eligibility, safety requirements, and reporting expectations
Serve as the District’s transportation subject-matter resource when working with contracted providers, administrators, and families
Consult with the vendor to coordinate transportation logistics including routing changes, service disruptions, weather-related decisions, and emergency response
Review and analyze routing efficiency, on-time performance, ride times, and service equity
Ensure accurate transportation records and required documentation are maintained and available for audits or reviews
Oversee contracted food service operations to ensure compliance with federal and state nutrition requirements
Coordinate meal service schedules, program accessibility, and service expectations with vendors and building administrators
Monitor service quality, participation trends, and compliance documentation
Ensure the School Food Authority responsibilities are met based on ISBE guidelines and regulations
Serve as a primary point of contact for parents and guardians regarding transportation and food service concerns
Build and maintain positive relationships with parents, school administrators, community members, and service providers
Address concerns professionally, empathetically, and consistently to promote trust and transparency
Analyze service costs, contract metrics, and operational data to ensure fiscal responsibility and best value
Support budget development and long-term planning for contracted support services
Identify cost-saving opportunities, efficiencies, and service improvements while maintaining safety and quality
Prepare reports and recommendations for District leadership and the Board of Education
Develop, review, and recommend administrative procedures related to support operations
Monitor regulatory and industry changes related to transportation and food services and recommend operational updates
Support long-term planning for service delivery, contract structure, and operational improvements. Promote a culture of accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement across support operations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field required
Current food service handler certification or ability to obtain within six months
Strong understanding of continuous improvement processes
Familiarity with Federal & Illinois Transportation Laws
Familiarity with the Illinois Transportation Claim
Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting
Strong knowledge of Google Suite of office products
Ability to interpret transportation and food service regulations and apply them effectively within contracted service models
Ability to comprehend and manage multi-million dollar contract
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, particularly when working directly with parents and guardians
Ability to communicate complex operational information clearly, calmly, and empathetically
Demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with families and community stakeholders
Ability to lead through influence and collaboration rather than direct supervision
Strong relationship-building skills with vendors, administrators, principals, and cross-functional teams
Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to manage and lead the district's transportation and food service support staff
Strong analytical skills to evaluate data, service performance, and contract compliance
Excellent organizational skills to manage contracts, compliance records, and service documentation
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment
Ability to align support operations with the District's Strategic Plan, fiscal priorities, and service expectations
Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, accountability, and attention to detail
Commitment to high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement
Preferred
Experience with Skyward Qmlativ
Benefits
261 days, including paid legal holidays
25 vacation days
12 sick days
2 personal days
Monthly mileage stipend of $225
Doctoral Tuition Reimbursement
Medical, dental, optical insurance-employee choice of high deductible PPO/HSA, PPO or HMO
Life insurance