Acorn Education Current Employment Opportunity

More than twenty years after democracy, high performing schools in South African townships are the exception. Their aim is to change this landscape and support no-fee public schools in their journey to become excellent and provide the highest quality education to the most underserved communities. At Acorn Education, they aim to transform the lives of their learners and they do whatever it takes to make this dream a reality.

 

 

Job Title: Head of Operations
Location: Cape Town

The purpose of this position is to be responsible for managing all hands-on operational aspects of Acorn Education. The role will assist the Executive and Board of Directors in executing the organisations strategy, serve as an integral member in the organisation’s management team and contribute to the development of the organisation’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• The precise areas of responsibility for this post will be agreed based around your skills and the needs of the school, but it is anticipated that you will be able to:
  • Provide day-to-day leadership and management to the operations team in a manner that is consistent with Acorn Education’s mission and core values
  • Act as project manager for all new projects large and small, from launching a new computer lab to opening a new school! Ensure that all projects are delivered within scope, time and budget
  • Excellence in organisational management; ability to coach staff to manage and develop high-performance teams and develop and implement programme strategies
  • Compile reports on a termly basis for the Board of Directors and the funders and Western Cape Education Department (WCED)
  • Develop, implement and embed sound operational plans and procedures
  • Regularly review operation procedures seeking to improve efficacy and efficiency
  • Lead a team within a fast paced and every changing environment across multiple locations
  • Hold staff accountable to the delivery of their individual key performance areas and goals
  • Provide input into budgets allocations to the Chief Financial Officer
  • Support the recruitment process at schools in close consultation with School Principals, the School Governing Bodies and Acorn Education’s Human Resource Manager
  • Represent the organisation on School Governing Bodies and Recruitment Committees at our partner schools
  • Monitor and maintain IT infrastructure across the organisation and our schools and collaborate with stakeholders as required
  • Oversee the management of scholar enrichment programmes
  • Represents the organisation with schools, donors, WCED officials and other stakeholders
  • Identify and contract quality service providers who can provide support to the organisation or schools in specialised areas where resource gaps exist
  • Network and attend events to create opportunities for Acorn Education
  • Work closely with the Executive Team to understand funding requirements and develop plans and execute them to raise the required funds
  • Contribute to the development of proposals, reports, media and PR materials to improve the organisation’s visibility and attract new funders

Required:

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• SA driver’s license (code 8) and own vehicle essential
• Must be a South African national or possess a permanent resident permit
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an operations management role
• Experience in a start-up environment would be beneficial
• Have solid, demonstrated, experience in leading operations within a firm/ division
• Commitment to redressing inequality through education, and a believe that a high quality education can transform lives
• Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise
• Ability to act as an entrepreneurial team player with ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Ability to operate as an effective strategic thinker
• An excellent command of English language, both written and spoken and impeccable communication and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Well-groomed, highly organised, self-motivated and displays highly ethical and professional behaviour at all times
• Strong computer and Microsoft Office skills
• No criminal record- candidates will be required to undergo a criminal background check

 

Acorn Education Values

Agile: Our agility allows us to adapt and respond to what is most important at a specific time to achieve our mission.
Can do: Every member of our team is equipped with a “can do’ attitude – enabling us to reach our own high expectation and those of our schools, teachers and learners.
Optimistic: We believe that a grateful mindset leads to an optimistic and favourable view of life.
Resilient: Our journey will not be an easy one. We are committed to persevere despite challenges that may arise.

Do you have a passion for Education Transformation? Do you want to use your operational management skills to make a meaningful difference? Are you a strong project manager, process-driven and resilient? Then they would love to hear from you!

To apply

Please submit an updated CV with references and a cover letter to: [email protected]

Application Deadline: Thursday, 16 July, 2020