About The John Thomas Dye School
Founded in 1929, John Thomas Dye School (JTD) is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational elementary school in Los Angeles, California. The school serves 336 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 with approximately 85 full-time faculty and staff. JTD is located on an 11-acre campus in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Mission Statement
We look to each day with a commitment to inspire purposeful learning, cultivate character, and celebrate childhood.
The 5C’s
Caring, Common Sense, Consideration, Cooperation, and Courtesy
Core Beliefs
A Committed Community
We are committed to nurturing an environment in which everyone in our community feels a sense of belonging. Children thrive when all of the adults in their life are invested in their school. Diversity contributes to academic excellence and enriches the experience for us all. Our School is our Main Street, connecting us through shared values and purpose.
Purposeful Learning
We work hard, think critically, and solve problems tenaciously. Learning should be intentional, engaging, and empowering. Education is more than learning facts; it is nurturing the natural curiosity of children. Children gain confidence and independence when given opportunities to take personal responsibility.
Cultivating Character
We have a responsibility to make a positive impact on others. Children develop personal integrity when given the opportunity to put their values into action. Childhood is a journey where making mistakes is a part of growing up. Risk-taking in a supportive environment engenders confidence, leadership, and grace.
Celebrating Childhood
We preserve the magic of childhood by honoring discovery, wonder, and play. Elementary school is an inherently optimistic, joyful endeavor. Small milestones matter: lost teeth and birthdays are treated as important life events. Traditions inspire reflection, connect students across generations, and build memories that last a lifetime.
Learn more about The John Thomas Dye School at www.jtdschool.org.
The Opportunity
JTD stands at a pivotal moment as it embarks on a transformative capital campaign and construction project. To support this bold vision, the school seeks its first Director of Operations (DOO) to drive operational excellence and sustainability. This role will empower the Head of School to focus on strategic leadership while ensuring the school’s daily operations, HR, and campus projects run efficiently.
The DOO will oversee operational functions, logistics, and facilities, aligning strategies with JTD’s mission. As a key member of the Administrative Team, they will collaborate with the Board of Trustees, manage the Facilities Department, and lead Human Resources, fostering a thriving workplace culture and compliance with evolving labor laws. The DOO will be a strategic thought partner to the IT Manager and Community Programs Director, collaborating to develop and implement effective strategies that positively impact the JTD community.
A primary responsibility will be overseeing JTD’s multi-year construction project—ensuring timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication remain on track. Additionally, the DOO will manage security, emergency preparedness, and campus maintenance, ensuring a safe and inspiring learning environment.
The DOO will work closely with the Head of School, Division Heads, Director of Teaching & Learning, and the Director of Finance to implement recommendations emerging from a multi-year project to enhance faculty compensation, benefits, and the evaluation system. As the point person for employee relations, the Head of School will rely heavily on the DOO’s expertise to support JTD’s strategic goal of retaining excellent educators.
The ideal candidate is a strategic problem-solver who excels in innovation, collaboration, and execution. While experience in independent schools or construction is a plus, the priority is a commitment to operational excellence and long-term sustainability. They should also have the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
This is more than an operations role—it’s a rare opportunity to shape JTD’s future, strengthening its foundation for generations to come.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $225,000 with a generous benefits package.
Summary of Benefits:
- Accrual of up to 35 sick days
- Advanced degree bonus
- Healthcare Insurance subsidized at 100% for employees and 50% for dependents
- Dental/Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Term Life Insurance of $50,000 paid by JTD (voluntary also available)
- Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan matching (403(b)) up to 7% and increases to 10% after 10 years
- Choice of free school lunch or subsidized food delivery service
- Tuition Remission of 50% for children of Faculty/Staff*
*Children of Faculty/Staff must apply and be accepted through the Admissions process.
Professional Development Opportunities:
- Up to $2500 allocated per person for professional development each year
- Graduate School Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Forgiveness
- Travel Grants, Curriculum Development Grants, and Committee stipends
Breaks, Holidays, and Vacation Time:
- Accrual of up to 35 absence days
- Thanksgiving Break (four days)
- Winter Break (one week)
- Spring Break (one week)
- Four day weeks during July/early August (four days)
- All additional school-observed holidays (approximately 11 annually)
- Five additional weeks of vacation to use throughout the year as desired
Contact
Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.