Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 54 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

External title: Special Assistant to the Managing Director of Operations

Internal title: Associate Director of Operations (the external title is used below)

Location(s): NJ/MA (based in Newark with travel to Camden and Boston)

Team & role overview

The Associate Director of School Operations (ADO) directly supports and reports to one Managing Director of Operations (MDO). The MDO is responsible for ensuring high-quality school operations in the regions that they lead. The ADSO will take on key operational and communications responsibilities that support the MDO in developing school leaders and ensuring outstanding school operations and student achievement within their regions. They will work closely with their MDO, Associate Chief Operating Officers (ACOOs) who are managed by the MDO, and the entire Chief of Operations team to ensure that the MDO is driving towards key operational outcomes.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and urgent teammate who can effectively and proactively support their MDO’s work across multiple regions. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Running all meetings and professional development sessions driven by the MDO:
  • Proposing meeting topics and format for MDO review
  • Preparing agendas, materials, and logistics for all meetings
  • Liaising with senior leaders across Uncommon to ensure meetings are efficient and effective
  • Tracking and holding others accountable to core decisions and action steps
  • Note-taking and driving all meeting follow-up
• Driving significant regional projects to support school operations and regional leadership for the MDO (e.g. staff retreats, culture initiatives, mid-year evaluation processes, salary and compensation protocols).
• Leading communications with key partners and leaders by writing and editing email correspondence and other written materials on behalf of the MDO.
• Ensuring the MDO’s time is maximized by expertly handling their calendar through prioritization of appointments, efficient booking of travel, and arranging in-person and virtual meetings.
• Tracking, prioritizing, and holding the MDO and their school leaders accountable for tasks and project landmarks to ensure progress to strategic goals.
• Performing general administrative duties, including preparing and handling expense reimbursements, as needed.
• Additional special projects as assigned.

Preferred

• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to demonstrate an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Ability to build and execute flawlessly on project plans, protocols, and systems, including execution of large events and complex cross-regional initiatives.
• Eager for feedback and constantly aiming for a high bar of excellence.
• Strong prioritization skills amidst many opposing, high-leverage, high-impact priorities.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to effectively use both written and verbal communication with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to “manage up” and work actively with senior leaders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced organization that is constantly evolving and work autonomously in the midst of ambiguity.
• Willingness to do whatever it takes.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.

Minimum

• 2-4 years of experience in school or non-profit operations.
• Strong dedication to the organizational mission.
• A bachelor’s degree.

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.