Director of Operations Fellow

North Star Academy Charter School • Newark, NJ

7d

About The Position

The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time position that prepares Fellows to become Directors of Operations (DOOs) at Uncommon Schools. DOOs lead a school in partnership with the Principal to support an exemplary education for students. The Fellowship typically lasts one year, though its length depends on available positions and Fellow readiness. Fellows may work at multiple locations and grade spans within a region, with placements based on regional needs, growth areas, and opportunities to learn from host DOOs.

The Fellowship develops leadership capacity through professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend workshops based on DOO leadership competencies; complete weekly deliverables and participate in on-site coaching, practice clinics, case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises; and serve as 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 and co-leads the school with the Principal.

Fellows also participate in reflective discourse at in-person sessions, write reflections, and develop plans to apply their learning. The role calls for a mission-driven, adaptable operations leader who can manage priorities, solve problems, build relationships, communicate effectively, and continue developing professionally.

Requirements

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and to improving students’ minds, characters, and lives in and out of school.
• 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 and a proven ability to complete large projects.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to manage time and tasks strategically, with a systems-thinking perspective.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work autonomously, take direction, and adapt to changing needs.
• Comfort managing ambiguous situations and moving toward clarity and solutions.
• Ability to learn new tasks and ensure high-quality school operations despite obstacles.
• Proactive problem-solving ability while balancing competing priorities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with a range of partners.
• 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

• Attend professional development workshops grounded in DOO leadership competencies.
• Complete weekly deliverables and participate in experiential learning activities, including on-site coaching and practice clinics.
• Serve as a full-time member of the host 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.
• Act as DOO during a four-to-six-week immersion while the host DOO is offsite, co-leading the school with the Principal.
• Participate in reflective discourse, document learning through written reflections, and create actionable growth plans.
• Strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks to meet school needs.
• Build relationships and communicate with teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues.
• Address difficult conversations respectfully and solve problems proactively.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• 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, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning.
• New Jersey Pension program.
• Paid leave options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support.
• Wellness benefit.

What This Job Offers

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