Professional Learning Specialist (Network Operations)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (Home Office)
  • HO Team: Uncommon-Wide Operations

Company Description

Uncommon Schools (Uncommon) Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public schools that are increasing the academic achievement of historically under-resourced communities and preparing students for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. We have achieved outstanding academic results based on internal assessments, statewide exams, and graduation milestones.

Job Description

Location(s): New York City or Newark, with occasional travel required between all Uncommon regions.

Role & responsibilities

The Professional Learning Specialist drives the professional development of operations (ops) leaders at Uncommon Schools, with the goal of building operationally excellent schools across our regions! The Specialist will identify and execute on a strategy to develop operations leaders at the school, regional, and executive level in service of reaching Uncommon’s vision for operational excellence. This role reports to the Managing Director of Operations.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Strategy & Vision
    • Analyze performance data to build and propose a coordinated, coherent vision for operations leader development across multiple levels of leadership (school leaders, regional leaders, Associate COOs, Managing Directors)
    • Measure and track the efficiency and impact of the development strategy
    • Collect and synthesize data ongoing and pivot programming as needed
  • Content Creation & Implementation
    • Lead the implementation of leader development strategy at all levels
    • Build high-quality content to achieve development objectives using various modalities, e.g. in-person trainings, web-based trainings, monthly meeting structures, working groups, toolkits/templates/protocols, etc.
    • Steward partners in their execution of the development strategy; provide structures to identify vision and goals for all content, gather feedback, prepare presenters to facilitate, and debrief its effectiveness
    • Facilitate PD content when needed or applicable (meetings, roll-out presentations, trainings)
  • Communication & Teamwork
    • Effectively gather input and feedback from multiple sources and synthesize, even amidst conflict of opinion
    • Lead through influence to ensure effective implementation of strategy
    • Mentor operations leaders to prepare for PD facilitation
  • Other
    • Serve as a dedicated member of the Chief of Operations Team and support and drive projects as needed

 

Qualifications

Preferred

  • High level of analytical thinking; ability to synthesize data and make sound recommendations.
  • Learner’s Approach: dedication to consistent improvement and willingness to build on standard methodologies, within and outside the organization.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to effectively communicate with audiences at any level.
  • Ability to craft professional development sessions rooted in clear objectives and aligned practice opportunities.
  • Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to demonstrate an appropriate sense of urgency.
  • Very receptive to feedback and constantly targeting excellence.
  • Strong prioritization skills amidst many opposing, high-leverage, high-impact priorities.
  • Ability to “manage up” and work proactively with senior leaders.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-change organization, work autonomously, and be flexible in a multifaceted role.

Minimum

  • 4+ years in Learning & Development or related field; experience in schools or non-profits preferred.
  • Strong dedication to the Uncommon's 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.