Director of Operations Fellow

Uncommon Schools • Rochester, NY

8d • $90,000 - $92,700

About The Position

The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time, typically one-year fellowship that prepares participants to become Directors of Operations (DOOs) at Uncommon Schools. The fellowship length may vary based on available positions and Fellow readiness. Fellows may work at multiple locations and grade spans within a region, with placements determined by regional needs, growth areas, and the suitability of host DOOs.

The fellowship develops leadership capacity through professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend workshops grounded in DOO leadership competencies, complete weekly deliverables, receive individualized coaching and feedback, and participate in practice clinics involving case studies, role plays, and problem solving.

Fellows are full-time members of an existing school’s operations team. They contribute to school and regional operations projects, observe and analyze operational systems, and complete deliverables covering key aspects of DOO work. During a four-to-six-week immersion, a Fellow acts as DOO while the host DOO is offsite, co-leading the school with the Principal. In-person sessions and written reflection support learning and continued development.

As a DOO, the Fellow is prepared to lead a school in partnership with its Principal. Uncommon’s operations leaders design and refine systems that help faculty focus on student achievement, address school needs, share effective practices across campuses, and support an academic and cultural environment in which students can pursue college completion.

Requirements

• At least four years of work experience.
• At least one year of experience in operations leadership; K-12 school operations experience is preferred.
• At least one year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others.
• Project planning experience, with a proven ability to see large projects through to completion.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and to improving students’ minds, characters, and lives in and out of school.
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks, using systems thinking to meet school needs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work autonomously, and take direction as needed.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and move situations toward clarity and solutions.
• Ability to learn new things and ensure high-quality school operations despite obstacles.
• Proactive, strategic problem-solving skills and ability to balance competing priorities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues.
• Ability to conduct difficult conversations respectfully.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Access.
• Dedication to self-reflection and continual professional growth.

Nice To Haves

• School-based or other educational experience.
• Experience in K-12 school operations.
• Experience equivalent to roles such as Special Projects Manager, Associate Director of Operations, or Instructional Leader.

Responsibilities

• Participate in professional development workshops based on DOO leadership competencies.
• Complete weekly deliverables and engage in experiential learning activities, including on-site coaching, practice clinics, case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.
• Serve as a full-time member of an existing school’s operations team.
• Contribute to school- or region-based operations projects and conduct observations and analysis of operational systems.
• Complete predetermined deliverables that provide exposure to key components of DOO work.
• Act as DOO for four to six weeks during an immersion, co-leading the school with the Principal while the host DOO is offsite.
• Participate in reflective discourse, write reflections, and create actionable plans for continued growth and development.
• Prepare to lead school operations in partnership with a Principal, developing systems that support faculty and student achievement.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks across spring, winter, and summer.
• Extensive training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending account, and health savings account.
• Financial planning.
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level