Director of Operations Fellow

Uncommon Schools•Newark, NJ

8d•$108,000 - $114,500

About The Position

The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time fellowship that prepares participants to become Directors of Operations (DOOs) at Uncommon Schools. DOOs lead school operations in partnership with the Principal to support an exemplary education for students. The fellowship typically lasts one year, though its duration may vary depending on open positions and fellow readiness. Fellows may work across multiple locations and grade spans within a region; placement depends on regional needs, fellows’ growth areas, and matching with host DOOs. The fellowship is built around professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend workshops based on DOO leadership competencies; complete weekly deliverables; receive individualized coaching and feedback; and participate in case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises. At a host school, Fellows serve full-time on the operations team, contribute to school- and region-based projects, and observe and analyze operational systems. They complete predetermined deliverables covering key DOO responsibilities, including a 4–6-week immersion in which they act as DOO and co-lead the school with the Principal while the host DOO is offsite. In-person sessions and written reflections support ongoing learning and development.

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 Uncommon Schools’ mission and to improving students’ minds, characters, and lives.
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, take direction, and adapt 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 continual professional growth.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Serve as a full-time member of the operations team at an assigned Uncommon school.
Engage in school operations work and address school- or region-based operations projects.
Observe and analyze operational systems and complete predetermined deliverables covering key DOO responsibilities.
Complete weekly deliverables and participate in coaching, practice clinics, case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.
During a 4–6-week immersion, act as DOO and co-lead the school alongside the Principal while the host DOO is offsite.
Participate in professional development workshops and in-person reflective discourse sessions.
Document learning through written reflections and create actionable plans for continued growth.

Benefits

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