Specialist, Strategic Initiatives
- Full-time
- Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (Home Office)
- HO Team: Strategic Initiatives
- Compensation: USD 78800 - USD 92700 - yearly
Company Description
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. 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
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact supporting leadership at a mission-driven organization? In this role, you will partner closely with senior leaders, including the CEO and Chief of Staff, to drive critical projects and streamline communications that advance Uncommon’s vision for equitable education. You’ll play a key role in shaping important organizational initiatives, managing cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring smooth execution of major meetings and events. Your work will directly support decision-making that benefits schools, staff, and students across the network.
Responsibilities
Executive Support and Communications
- Provide direct project support to the CEO and Chief of Staff, including research, data analysis, and communications
- Manage key communications projects for Co-CEOs, coordinating content collection and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery
- Develop internal and external presentations for leadership, including slide creation, research, talking points, and logistics
Meeting and Event Operations
- Plan and manage logistics for Executive Team and Board meetings, including agenda development, materials preparation, and documentation of decisions
- Partner with the Chief of Staff to develop meeting scope, sequence, and agendas for Executive Team gatherings
- Support special organizational events such as all-staff celebrations, donor meetings, and key milestone celebrations
Project and Process Management
- Lead or support special projects addressing organizational priorities such as legal matters, risk management, and growth planning
- Manage peak moments and key initiatives aligned with Uncommon’s strategic calendar, ensuring collaboration with diverse stakeholders
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 3 to 4 years of directly relevant experience supporting senior leadership or managing complex projects, preferably within education or mission-driven organizations
- Strong project management skills with an ability to coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail and clarity
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and logistics with professionalism and care
- Ability to conduct research and analyze data to inform presentations and decision-making
Additional Information
Our people are what make us Uncommon. 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 for this position
The full compensation range for this role is $78,800 - $92,700. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $83,400. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.
Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.
Benefit Highlights:
- 19 days of paid time off
- 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.)
- Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
- Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts
*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.
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. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].