Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
hobbies and interests
References
Hi, I’m

Kurt Davis

Kurt Davis

Summary

Results-driven and astute business operations manager with a strong focus on supporting cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction through process improvements. Highly respected for exceptional knowledge in developing strategic plans for service excellence. Extensive experience in optimizing operational workflows and spearheading strategic initiatives. Adept at fostering a collaborative work environment, consistently achieving organizational goals. Skillset in process optimization and team leadership, with the ability to adapt to dynamic business needs.

Overview

23
years of professional experience

Work History

Nishimachi International School

Director of Business Operations
08.2024 - Current

Job overview

Report directly to the Head of School and collaborate with the leadership team, staff, and the Board of Directors to align non-educational activities, infrastructure, and resources with the school's strategic and educational objectives.

  • Serve as a strategic partner to the Head of School, shaping strategy and policy while overseeing critical change initiatives.
  • Coordinate Finance, Facilities, Procurement and Supply, HR, Operations, and support services (medical, custodial, security), ensuring seamless operations and alignment with organizational goals and the strategic plan.
  • Manage long-range and annual financial planning, budgeting, and financial controls to ensure financial stability and effective resource allocation.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive long-term master plan for facility and infrastructure maintenance, prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency.
  • Secure funding for infrastructure projects through successful grant applications and collaboration with the Advancement Office on fundraising initiatives.
  • Implement efficient processes and technology systems, driving innovation and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
  • Maintain effective school services through competitive tenders and strategic oversight.
  • Plan headcount, compensation, and organizational structures in collaboration with stakeholders to meet strategic priorities.
  • Oversee non-tuition revenue programs and support co-curricular activities to contribute to the holistic development of the school community.
  • Plan and coordinate campus operations, events, and space usage to ensure smooth and effective functioning of daily activities.
  • Lead and foster staff management, morale, well-being, and performance, creating a positive and productive work environment.
  • Shape the strategic direction of the school by implementing strategic plans and maintaining comprehensive risk management policies and procedures.
  • Support community-related activities and promote the school's culture, acting as an advocate for its mission and values.
  • Coordinate administrative communication with external parties and organizations to maintain professional and transparent relationships.
  • Represent Nishimachi International School at relevant meetings and maintain strong relationships with other educational institutions.
  • Ensure legal compliance with Japanese law and regulations, proactively updating policies to reflect exemplary best practices.
  • Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, enhancing operational efficiencies and maintaining the school's position as a leading institution.
  • Strategic Financial Management
  • Cross-Cultural Leadership and Communication
  • Infrastructure and Facilities Planning
  • Technology Integration and Process Optimization
  • Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
  • Staff Development and Organizational Planning
  • Event Coordination and Campus Operations Management
  • Fundraising and Grant Application Expertise
  • Lead efforts to identify potential risks within business operations, developing contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity.

NAGOYA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Facilities Manager
04.2017 - 07.2024

Job overview

  • Secured grants from the US Soft Target Grant Program and local government agencies at the city and prefecture level
  • Successful oversight and completion of new $17.5 M building project by working with the architects, construction firm, and local government agencies to secure necessary permits for variance allowance
  • Developed, implement and improved systems for capital and preventative maintenance
  • Ran competitive tender processes for campus services
  • Monitored all campus budget lines up to agreed limits to ensure funds are managed effectively
  • Supported Head of School in preparation of annual budget
  • Planned for capital maintenance projects
  • Supervised a staff of 17 staff in day-to-day activities
  • Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them grow professionally and contribute more effectively to the team's goals
  • Oversaw financial operations, maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with industry regulations
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favorable terms while maintaining strong relationships
  • Optimized resource allocation by closely monitoring project progress and adjusting priorities as needed
  • Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace, promoting a supportive environment that fosters collaboration among employees from various backgrounds
  • Managed vendor relationships for cost-effective services, ensuring quality and timely completion of projects

FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Business Manager
04.2012 - 08.2017

Job overview

  • Served as accountant and chief financial advisor reporting to the Head of School and managed the financial functions of Fukuoka International School
  • Served on the Board of Trustees
  • Oversaw finance, IT, facilities, HR and support services
  • Responsible for financial reporting and maintenance of accounting records, including monthly reports on the finances of the school with respect to budget and variance for cash flow, income and expenditure
  • Directed the functions of billings, receipts and disbursements, payrolls, tax reporting, asset inventories, banking arrangements, and cash management
  • Supervised cleaning, security, and maintenance staff by establishing work schedules and a framework of tasks to be performed
  • Kept the Head of School informed of major maintenance problems and needed repairs relating to the proper use and safety of school facilities
  • Developed and put into effect a preventive maintenance program
  • Ensured improvement and beautification of school site through a planned program of grounds improvement
  • Managed the provision of clean and adequate classroom facilities for students and staff by periodic inspection of facilities with attention given to safety and maintenance
  • Established and maintained a property inventory system that included all school equipment and classroom furnishings
  • Established a replacement cycle for classroom furniture so that a ‘standard kit out' could be established to ensure fair distribution and standard presentation for each classroom
  • Ensured against or damage to school property by recommending to the Head of School and the Chair of the Board adequate insurance and fire prevention policies and procedures

FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Community School Director
04.2002 - 03.2012

Job overview

  • Directed and supported teaching staff in delivery of content
  • Lead professional development of staff in matters pertaining to their designated areas
  • Assisted, supported and advised teachers regarding communication with parents
  • Developed school curricula in response to student, parent, and institutional and external needs
  • Ensured that the nature and scope of school curriculum goals were understood and implemented by all staff
  • Designed curriculum and wrote course outlines for each class
  • Selected appropriate resources and texts and assessed student achievement levels and provided for appropriate class placement
  • Set annual goals for the development of the community school in line with school wide goals
  • Directed organizational matters relating to students, including admissions, class placement, and scheduling
  • Maintained timely and appropriate contact and communication with the Business Manager and Head of School.

Education

University of Phoenix
Arizona, USA

Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum And Instruction
01.2009

University Overview

GPA: 3.4 / 4.0

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, California

Bachelor of Arts from International Economics / Accounting
06.1988

University Overview

GPA: 3.2 / 4.0

Skills

  • Building Maintenance
  • Space Planning
  • Budgeting and Financial Management
  • Child Protection Lead
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Strategic Planning
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Project Oversight
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Logistics Management
  • Excellent Oral and Written Communication
  • Fully Bilingual English and Japanese
  • Risk mitigation

Affiliations

  • Member of the Institute of Management Accountants, 1995 - Present.
  • Certified Food Hygiene Manager - Japan, 2012 - Present
  • Fire Prevention Manager Certification - Japan, 2018 - Present
  • Member of the International Facilities Management Association, 2020 - Present

Languages

English
Native language
Spanish
Advanced (C1)
Japanese
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Director of Business Operations

Nishimachi International School
08.2024 - Current

Facilities Manager

NAGOYA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
04.2017 - 07.2024

Business Manager

FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
04.2012 - 08.2017

Community School Director

FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
04.2002 - 03.2012

University of Phoenix

Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum And Instruction

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Bachelor of Arts from International Economics / Accounting

hobbies and interests

I enjoy the outdoors and like to camp, surf and kayak. I also like listening to music and watching films with my wife. My son and I spend much of our time playing at parks and at the beach.

References

References will be provided at the appropriate stage of the hiring process.



Kurt Davis