About SPARK Schools
SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor and is leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa’s first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.
The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalised education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.
SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools, 5 high schools and serving over 16,000 families in 2025. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.
School Operations Coordinator
Purpose of Role:
The School Operations Coordinator drives student achievement in the SPARK Schools network by ensuring that their school operates smoothly, efficiently, and to a consistent standard of excellence. The School Operations Officer is integral to the SPARK Schools “culture” and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars.
Reports To: Primary School Principal
Direct Reports: Receptionist, Supervisors, LLBLFs, Flex BLFs
Responsibilities:
- Implement school wide systems and procedures (for example, arrivals, dismissals, cover timetables and aftercare timetables) that facilitate student achievement and align with SPARK
- Schools network wide best practice.
- Facilitate professional development for the operational staff on the implementation of schoolwide systems, as well as personal and professional competencies. This includes designing and facilitating biweekly group sessions and individual one-on-one coaching sessions, as well as arranging for individual professional growth opportunities.
- Oversee the receptionist’s administration of the student information system and student records.
- Ensure aftercare attendance and late pick up is tracked accurately and submitted to billing on time.
- Organise and maintain relationships with extramural vendors.
- Line manage school site operational staff (receptionist, supervisors, BLFs), including regular performance reviews.
- Manage all school inventory, including fixed assets (technology and furniture), stationery, and other resources.
- Conduct weekly asset check of all Chromebooks for scholars and staff radios.
- Conduct monthly stock taking and update asset register.
- Oversee the maintenance of the school facility, including coordinating efforts amongst SPARK Schools Support staff, outside vendors and suppliers.
- Maintain a daily schedule of facilities and grounds walk-arounds and observations, including lunch, break and aftercare observations.
- Coordinate with the Procurement team at SPARK Support for fixed assets and consumables.
- Manage the site specific and aftercare budgets.
- Participate in the selection of new school-based staff.
- Onboard new personnel.
- Understand and enforce network-wide policies and compliance requirements.
- Understand and implement SPARK Schools crisis management strategy.
- Attend to sick or injured children and liaise with parents/guardians about their children.
- Attend to sick or injured staff and liaise with emergency contacts.
- Attend coaching 1:1s with the school principal and regular team meetings with the principal and assistant principal(s).
- Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
- Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
Qualifications and Criteria:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:
- English language fluency
- Police clearance certificate
- Grade 12 certificate
- Degree or Related tertiary qualifications
- First aid training
- Required: Experience in operations, administration, procurement, project management, or facilities management.
- Required: Experience and practice with labour laws.
- Required: Experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
- Preferred: Previous experience leading a team.
Competencies:
- Customer orientation.
- Analysis/problem solving.
- Quick thinking/learning.
- Team work.
- Communication.
Qualities:
- Grit: Persistence through challenges.
- Excellence: A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
- Mission and Vision Alignment: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
- Self Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.
ISASA