Director - now hiring

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to 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. We invest deeply in our educators , offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on bringing clarity and structure to complex organizational work? As Director of Strategic Initiatives at Uncommon Schools, you'll partner directly with our Co-CEOs to shape the direction of our organization while managing critical communications, board governance, and cross-functional initiatives. You'll lead projects that impact our entire network, from overseeing our cross-functional annual planning processes to ensuring our Board of Trustees is engaged and informed. If you're someone who finds meaning in building systems that help organizations run better, this role offers the opportunity to shape organizational priorities and influence how Uncommon Schools scales impact for students across regions. Executive Partnership & Project Leadership Directly staff key projects and initiatives that support the Co-CEOs' effectiveness, including special strategic work and organizational priorities Lead or staff complex projects related to organizational strategy, growth, and organizational priorities Lead cross-functional annual planning processes, collaborating with senior leaders across Finance, Talent, Operations, School Operations, and Strategic Initiatives to shape the organization's direction Board Governance & Operations manage ongoing committee work such as annual Board surveys and cultivation processes Manage all Board of Trustees meetings, from agenda development and content creation to coordinating with the Executive Team and other departments for successful execution Lead all Board of Trustees communications, including initiating communications, creating content, and managing input and review processes Manage Co-CEO communications by proposing scope and sequence, drafting content, and engaging stakeholders on execution Lead the annual "State of Uncommon" presentation in partnership with the Co-CEOs and Chief of Staff, managing all project execution and communications vehicles Manage and develop the Specialist supporting Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations, providing coaching, professional development opportunities, and clear performance expectations. Serve as a thought partner to the Senior Director on team strategy, planning, and execution Bachelor's degree ~Directly relevant experience includes roles such as Manager/Senior Manager of Special Projects or Strategic Initiatives, or equivalent roles involving project management, executive support, or organizational strategy ~ Relevant experience includes roles in program coordination, project management, nonprofit leadership, operations, or other roles that build transferable skills in project management, stakeholder coordination, and organizational systems ~ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and stakeholders simultaneously ~ Experience managing and developing others, with a track record of building strong teams ~ Comfort with ambiguity and ability to bring structure to undefined problems Master's degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or related field Experience with board governance or executive-level operations Proficiency with project management tools and data analysis (Excel) Minimal travel (quarterly school visits or routine local travel within the region) We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least three days each week in our Manhattan office at 100 Church St.

3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays ~ Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans ~403(b) retirement savings program + employer match ~ Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
~ Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts *At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.