Director of Operations Fellow

Rochester Prep Charter School • Rochester, NY

7d

About The Position

The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time position designed to prepare Fellows to become Directors of Operations (DOOs) at Uncommon Schools. DOOs lead schools in partnership with Principals to support an exemplary education for students. Fellows serve as full-time members of an existing school’s operations team, work on school- or region-based projects, analyze operational systems, and complete deliverables covering key aspects of DOO work. Fellows may work across multiple locations and grade spans within their region; placements depend on regional needs, growth areas, and host DOO availability. The Fellowship typically lasts one year, although its duration varies according to available positions and Fellow readiness.

The Fellowship develops leadership capacity through professional development workshops, individualized feedback and coaching, experiential learning activities, practical application, and reflective practice. Learning activities include weekly deliverables, on-site coaching with real-time feedback, and case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises. Fellows also complete an Immersion of 4–6 weeks, during which they act as DOO in place of their host DOO and co-lead the school with the Principal. In-person sessions and written reflections help Fellows learn from experience and turn their development into actionable plans.

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. The organization focuses on preparing students for college and beyond and provides coaching, feedback, and professional development to educators. Compensation is $90,000–$92,700, with most qualified candidates receiving an offer of $90,000. Starting pay considers factors including relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of work experience.
• At least 1 year of experience in operations leadership.
• At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others.
• Project planning experience and a demonstrated ability to see large projects through to completion.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Passionate 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; and manage ambiguity by moving toward clarity and solutions.
• Proactive, strategic problem-solving skills and ability to balance competing priorities and overcome obstacles while ensuring high-quality operations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues.
• Ability to have difficult conversations respectfully.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Access.
• Dedication to self-reflection and continual professional growth, including learning from experiences and expressing that learning.
• Ability to meet the needs of the school and adapt to varied placement locations and grade spans.

Nice To Haves

• School-based or other educational experience.
• Experience in K–12 school operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a full-time member of the operations team at an assigned Uncommon school.
• Contribute to school- or region-based operations projects and analyze operational systems through observation.
• Complete predetermined deliverables that provide exposure to key components of Director of Operations work, including weekly deliverables.
• Participate in professional development workshops, experiential learning activities, coaching, and practice clinics.
• During a 4–6 week Immersion, act as DOO in place of the host DOO and co-lead the school alongside the Principal.
• Engage in reflective practice, including written reflections and plans to make learning and development actionable.
• Work across multiple locations and grade spans within the region as placement needs require.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time and paid holidays, plus approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks during spring, winter, and summer.
• Extensive training and development.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA), and health savings account (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: Entry Level