Senior Associate Director of External Strategy

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (Home Office)
  • HO Team: External Affairs

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Associate Director of External Strategy

Location(s): New York City with additional travel required between all Uncommon regions.

Team & role overview

The Senior Associate Director of External Strategy (SAD) will work with the Chief Advisor, the external affairs team and the special projects team to drive key initiatives related to external presence and community engagement across Uncommon. The SAD will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Chief Advisor’s strategic priorities are achieved and work closely with the Chief Advisor (whom the SAD reports to), the Senior Director of External Affairs, Senior Director of Special Projects, regional and Home Office team leaders to drive these initiatives forward.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a strategic, organized team member who can effectively set vision for and execute on varied and high-leverage external affairs initiatives and special projects. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Independently driving key strategic initiatives from start to finish: gathering input from relevant partners and setting vision; proposing and executing on project plans/processes; making recommendations for strategy; gathering feedback ongoing and adjusting course as needed; leading effective debriefs and continuously improving on projects.
  • Supporting Chief Advisor with internal and external presentations: build slides, conduct research, draft talking points, lead logistics, and analyze feedback.
  • Handling communications with key stakeholders by writing and editing email correspondence and other written materials on behalf of the Chief Advisor.
  • Identifying and codifying areas of alignment and overlap in work of Uncommon’s regional external affairs teams; leading and implementing a plan to build efficiencies and improve support of regions.
  • Answer data requests and research and summarize policy issues and educational trends.

Qualifications

  • Ability to build, communicate, and effectively execute on a vision and strategic plan; demonstrate outstanding strategic thinking skills.
  • High level of analytical thinking and problem solving; ability to analyze data and make sound recommendations.
  • Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to demonstrate an appropriate sense of urgency and a “whatever it takes” attitude.
  • Strong prioritization skills amidst opposing, high-leverage, high-impact priorities.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with varied audiences (including senior leaders); ability to develop polished and professional written communications.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-change organization, work autonomously, and be flexible in a dynamic role.
  • Strong work ethic and dedication to high standards of excellence
  • Eager to learn and receptive to feedback - you seek input on how to improve in your work and strive to continuously grow
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook
  • 4-5 years of experience; preference for previous experience in a strategy role.
  • Strong dedication to the organizational mission.
  • A bachelor’s degree.

Additional Information

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.