Director of Operations Fellow

Uncommon Schools•Boston, MA

8d•$108,000 - $114,500

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time fellowship that prepares participants to become Directors of Operations (DOOs) at Uncommon schools. DOOs partner with Principals to lead schools and ensure students receive an exemplary education, while designing, implementing, and improving systems that support faculty and the school community. The fellowship typically lasts one year, though its length varies with available positions and fellow readiness. Fellows may work in multiple locations and grade spans within their region. Placement reflects regional needs, each Fellow’s growth areas, and matches with host DOOs. The program develops leadership capacity through professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend professional development workshops aligned with DOO leadership competencies. They receive individualized coaching and feedback through weekly deliverables, on-site coaching, and practice clinics involving case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises. As full-time members of a host school’s operations team, Fellows work on school and regional projects, analyze operational systems, and complete deliverables covering key aspects of DOO work. The practical application 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. Fellows also take part in reflective discourse and develop written reflections and action plans for continued growth. Uncommon Schools offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits supporting staff and their families. Compensation for this role is $108,000 to $114,500, with most candidates meeting the job requirements receiving an offer of $108,000. Starting pay considers factors such as 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; K-12 school operations experience is preferred.
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, with a systems-thinking perspective.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work autonomously, take direction, and manage competing priorities.
Comfort managing ambiguous situations and moving toward clarity and solutions.
Ability to learn new things and ensure high-quality school operations despite obstacles.
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.

Nice To Haves

School-based or other educational experience.
Experience managing others.
Experience in K-12 school operations.

Responsibilities

Serve as a full-time member of an existing school’s operations team.
Carry out school operations work and address school- or region-based operations projects.
Observe and analyze operational systems and complete predetermined deliverables covering key components of DOO work.
Act as DOO during a four-to-six-week immersion, co-leading the school with the Principal while the host DOO is offsite.
Attend professional development workshops aligned with DOO leadership competencies.
Complete weekly deliverables and participate in on-site coaching, practice clinics, case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.
Participate in reflective discourse, produce written reflections, and develop actionable plans for growth and development.

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.
Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health savings accounts.
Financial planning resources.
Pension through the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System.
403(b) retirement savings program.
Transit commuter benefit with an employer subsidy toward eligible transit expenses.
Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.