Director of Operations Fellow

Uncommon Schools • Camden, NJ

20d • Onsite

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, helping ensure students receive an exemplary education. Fellows work as full-time members of an existing school’s operations team, supporting school and regional operations projects and observing and analyzing operational systems. The fellowship typically lasts one year, though its duration varies based on available positions and Fellow readiness. Fellows may work at multiple locations and grade spans within the region, with placement determined by regional needs and individual development goals.

The Fellowship develops leadership capabilities through professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend workshops, receive individualized coaching and feedback, complete weekly deliverables, and participate in practice clinics involving case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises. They complete predetermined deliverables covering key aspects of DOO work. During a 4–6-week immersion, a Fellow acts as DOO while the host DOO is offsite and co-leads the school with the Principal. Fellows also participate in reflective sessions, write reflections, and develop actionable plans for continued growth.

Requirements

• 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, with a systems-thinking lens.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; work flexibly and autonomously; and take direction as needed.
• Comfort managing ambiguous situations and moving 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 have difficult conversations respectfully.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Access.
• Dedication to self-reflection and ongoing professional growth.
• At least 4 years of work experience.
• At least 1 year of operations leadership experience.
• At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others.
• Project planning experience and demonstrated ability to see large projects through to completion.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Attend professional development workshops focused on DOO leadership competencies.
• Complete weekly deliverables and participate in 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.
• Work on school- or region-based operations projects and observe and analyze operational systems.
• Complete predetermined deliverables covering key components of DOO work.
• During a 4–6-week immersion, act as DOO while the host DOO is offsite and co-lead the school alongside the Principal.
• Participate in reflective discourse, document learning through written reflections, and create actionable growth plans.

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 accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning.
• Retirement benefits based on role eligibility.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support, plus wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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