Director of Operations Fellow

Overview

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

At Uncommon Schools, we know running exceptional schools takes more than great instruction—it also takes exemplary operations. Uncommon Schools\' operations leaders work passionately to ensure that our faculty maximizes time and energy on student achievement. They design, implement, and refine systems that anticipate the needs of the school community. As service-oriented leaders, they tackle problems, share standard methodologies across campuses, and respond to urgent needs. They partner to build an academic and cultural environment that supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every student will earn a college degree.

Director of Operations Fellow

The DOO Fellowship is a full-time position that prepares you to become a Director of Operations (DOO) of an Uncommon school. As DOO, you will lead a school in partnership with the Principal, working together to ensure your students receive an exemplary education.

Fellowship Structure

The DOO Fellowship is based on four core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon leaders: Professional Development, Experiential Learning, Practical Application, and Reflective Practice. The fellowship typically lasts one year, though length may vary based on open positions and Fellow readiness. Fellows should expect to work in multiple locations and gradespan within the region. Fellow placement is based on the region\'s needs and Fellows\' growth areas paired with host DOOs to support development.

Professional Development

All Fellows will attend a series of professional development workshops throughout the Fellowship. The workshops align with the leadership competencies on which DOOs are evaluated and developed.

Experiential Learning

Feedback and coaching, especially when individualized, are critical to the Fellow\'s growth as a leader. Fellows will engage in experiential learning activities and receive feedback targeted at their individualized areas of growth. Experiential learning activities include: weekly deliverables, on-site coaching with real-time feedback, and practice clinics with case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.

Practical Application

Fellows are placed at an existing Uncommon school and serve as full-time members of the school\'s operations team. They engage in operations work at their host school, tackle school or regional-based operations projects, and conduct observations and analyses of operational systems. Fellows complete a variety of pre-determined deliverables to expose them to key DOO responsibilities. Practical application includes an Immersion in which the Fellow acts as DOO in place of their host DOO for 4–6 weeks; during this time, their host DOO is offsite and the Fellow co-leads the school alongside the Principal.

Reflective Discourse

The Fellowship creates space at in-person sessions for reflective discourse, allowing Fellows to learn from their experiences and those of others in the cohort. Fellows are supported in developing a reflective practice, codifying learning through written reflections and creating plans to make growth actionable.

Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools
• Passionate commitment to improving the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks to meet school needs, with a systems-thinking lens
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, autonomous, and able to take direction as needed
• Comfort with managing ambiguous situations and moving to clarity/solution
• Ability to learn quickly and do what it takes to ensure high-quality operations
• Proactive, strategic problem-solver who can balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High-quality communication and relationship-building skills with teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues
• Ability to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access)
• Commitment to self-reflection and continual professional growth; leadership requires introspection and outward learning
• School-based or other educational experience preferred
• Required experience:
  • 4+ years of work experience
  • At least 1 year of experience in operations leadership (K-12 school operations preferred)
  • At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others (e.g., Special Projects Manager, Associate Director of Operations, Instructional Leader, or equivalent)
  • Project planning experience with ability to see large projects to completion
  • Bachelor\'s degree

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits to support the health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness and attracting and retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $90,000 and $92,700. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $90,000. Starting pay is determined using factors including relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, Summer)
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, with pre-tax FSAs/DCFSA/HSA
• Financial Planning
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits

EEO & Accommodations

Uncommon is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We ensure individuals with disabilities receive necessary accommodations for interviews and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email

Our organization values diverse perspectives and open dialogue to build an inclusive community. Over 70% of our staff identify as people of color.

#J-18808-Ljbffr