Director of Operations Fellow

Uncommon New York City Charter Schools • Brooklyn, NY

26d

About The Position

The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time role that prepares Fellows to become Directors of Operations (DOOs) at Uncommon Schools. DOOs lead school operations in partnership with the Principal, helping ensure students receive an exemplary education. The Fellowship typically lasts one year, though its length depends on available positions and Fellow readiness. Fellows may work across multiple locations and grade spans within their region, with placements based on regional needs, development areas, and host DOO fit.

The Fellowship develops leadership capacity through professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend workshops grounded in DOO leadership competencies, receive individualized coaching and feedback, and participate in case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises. They submit weekly deliverables and receive on-site coaching with real-time feedback.

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. The Fellowship includes a four-to-six-week immersion in which the Fellow acts as DOO while the host DOO is offsite, co-leading the school with the Principal. In-person sessions and written reflections help Fellows learn from experience and turn that learning into actionable development plans.

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 demonstrated ability to carry large projects through to completion.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and to improving students’ minds, characters, and lives.
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks, with a systems-thinking perspective.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and balance competing priorities.
• Flexibility to work autonomously and take direction as needed.
• Comfort managing ambiguity and moving situations toward clarity and solutions.
• Willingness to learn new things and do what is needed to ensure high-quality school operations despite obstacles.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Attend professional development workshops based on DOO leadership competencies.
• Complete weekly deliverables and participate in individualized coaching, practice clinics, case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.
• Serve as a full-time member of a host school’s operations team.
• Work on school- or region-based operations projects and observe and analyze operational systems.
• Complete predetermined deliverables that provide exposure to the key components of DOO work.
• During a four-to-six-week immersion, act as DOO and co-lead the school with the Principal while the host DOO is offsite.
• Participate in reflective discourse and document learning through written reflections and actionable development plans.
• Work across multiple locations and grade spans within the region as placement needs require.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks (spring, winter, and summer).
• Extensive training and development.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
• 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