Johna Lozada
Magnolia,NJ
Summary
Results-oriented Director of School Operations with over 11 years of experience in urban charter schools. Expertise in managing comprehensive school operations, including people management, facilities, enrollment, compliance, and vendor relations. Committed to developing efficient processes and enhancing accountability to optimize school functionality and support instructional excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of School Operations
KIPP Cooper Norcross High School
Camden, NJ
01.2021 - Current
- Senior leader directed all non-instructional operations in a large urban high school serving approximately 500 students, overseeing people, systems, and daily execution to create a safe, compliant, and high-functioning learning environment.
- Led school operations team of 9 staff, overseeing hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development to ensure consistent execution and accountability
- Manage and oversee a $1M annual school operations budget, including purchasing, vendor procurement, approvals, and resource allocation aligned to school priorities
- Own all day-to-day school operating systems (front office, arrival/dismissal, attendance, transportation, routines, transitions), ensuring safety, consistency, and reliability
- Oversaw facilities operations to maintain clean, safe, welcoming campus; managed vendors, contractors, and preventative maintenance to uphold high quality standards
- Directed school-based technology operations, ensuring reliable access to devices and systems; planned and executed annual refreshes and enhancements to support educational needs
- Lead operational logistics for high-stakes testing and academic systems, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time execution in partnership with school leadership
- Lead student recruitment, enrollment operations, and family-facing events through backwards planning from enrollment targets and key deadlines
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health, safety, and workplace regulations; oversee onboarding and ongoing compliance for all staff
- Served on the school leadership team, anticipating operational risks and leading crisis response efforts.
Judicial Secretary, Criminal Division
Camden County Superior Court
Camden, NJ
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Coordinated scheduling, communications, and reporting for senior leadership in Criminal Division, enhancing operational flow and decision-making.
- Supported division-wide operations in highly regulated public-sector environment, ensuring compliance and effective coordination among various stakeholders.
- Collaborated with team leads and management on recurring reports and special projects, fostering cross-functional teamwork and project success.
- Managed inventory, records, and administrative processes in accordance with strict regulatory and confidentiality requirements
Charter Systems Manager / Operations Manager
Freedom Prep Charter School
Camden, NJ
03.2014 - 01.2019
- Led the design, execution, and continuous improvement of school-wide non-instructional systems. Partnered closely with school leadership to promote operational excellence across departments.
- Led and managed a cross-functional operations team (8 staff members), providing coaching, supervision, and performance management to drive consistent execution across facilities, enrollment, nursing, food services, and front office operations
- Designed and implemented operational systems that improved efficiency, reduced costs, and strengthened compliance
- Managed vendor relationships, overseeing contracting, payment systems, and performance evaluation to ensure compliance and service quality.
- Designed and launched a vendor payment and tracking system that enhanced timeliness of consultant-based student evaluations, supporting student retention and regulatory compliance.
- Conducted data analysis and reporting on key performance indicators related to enrollment, attendance, and student services; used insights to proactively identify risks and drive corrective action
- Planned and executed school-wide family engagement, recruitment, and enrollment initiatives, including signature events and outreach efforts that boosted enrollment and built family trust.
- Acted as the primary operational partner to school leadership, facilitating smooth daily school operations and prompt issue resolution.
Dual Language Teacher
LEAP Academy University Charter School
Camden, NJ
08.2010 - 03.2014
- Developed and implemented the school’s inaugural dual language program, supporting bilingual literacy in English and Spanish
- Analyzed qualitative and quantitative student data to guide instructional planning and enhance school-wide academic strategies
- Collaborated with school leaders and colleagues to ensure alignment of classroom practices with state standards and operational goals
- Leveraged foundational professional experience to deepen understanding of instructional environments and their influence on teaching and learning.
Assistant to the Head of School
Foundation Academy Charter School
Trenton, NJ
01.2008 - 06.2010
- Coordinated executive-level administrative functions including budgeting support, purchasing, vendor coordination, inventory management, and board communications to streamline operations.
- Acted as HR liaison for the school, managed hiring, onboarding, personnel records, and employment contracts while facilitating compliance with state regulations.
- Supported executive leadership in human resources, enrollment, compliance, and administrative systems as early-career school operations leader.
- Designed and executed a comprehensive admissions and recruitment plan that resulted in 100% enrollment capacity
- Planned and executed a large-scale, community-based annual fundraising event fully supported by donations and ad sales, preserving school funds while strengthening family and community partnerships
Education
Bachelor of Science - Spanish
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ05-2008
Skills
- Student support and program coordination
- Enrollment management
- Onboarding processes
- Family engagement strategies
- Student records management
- Documentation and compliance
- Orientation facilitation
- Transition support
- Engagement activities planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication
- Data tracking and reporting
- Administrative support functions
- Tableau data visualization
Timeline
Director of School Operations
KIPP Cooper Norcross High School
01.2021 - Current
Judicial Secretary, Criminal Division
Camden County Superior Court
01.2020 - 01.2021
Charter Systems Manager / Operations Manager
Freedom Prep Charter School
03.2014 - 01.2019
Dual Language Teacher
LEAP Academy University Charter School
08.2010 - 03.2014
Assistant to the Head of School
Foundation Academy Charter School
01.2008 - 06.2010
Bachelor of Science - Spanish
The College of New Jersey