Director of Operations Fellow

Uncommon Schools • Camden, NJ

8d • $101,000 - $107,100

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 is typically one year, although its duration may vary based on available DOO positions and fellow readiness. Fellows may work in multiple locations and grade spans within their region, with placements determined by regional needs, fellows’ growth areas, and host DOO matches.

The fellowship develops leadership capacity through professional development, experiential learning, practical application, and reflective practice. Fellows attend workshops based on DOO leadership competencies and receive individualized coaching and feedback through weekly deliverables, on-site coaching, and practice clinics involving case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.

Fellows are 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 areas of DOO work. During a four-to-six-week immersion, the Fellow acts as DOO while the host DOO is offsite and co-leads the school with the Principal. The fellowship also provides opportunities for reflective discussion and written reflection to support continued development.

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. Its mission is to prepare students for college and beyond and close the college completion gap.

Requirements

• 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 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, and take direction as needed.
• Comfort managing ambiguity and moving situations toward clarity and solutions.
• Ability to learn new tasks and ensure high-quality school operations despite obstacles.
• Proactive 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.
• Commitment to self-reflection and continual professional growth.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Serve as a full-time member of a host school’s operations team.
• Carry out school operations work and tackle school- or region-based operations projects.
• Observe and analyze operational systems and complete deliverables covering key components of DOO work.
• Participate in professional development workshops, coaching, feedback, weekly deliverables, and practice clinics.
• During a four-to-six-week immersion, act as DOO while the host DOO is offsite and co-lead the school with the Principal.
• Engage in reflective discourse and document learning through written reflections and actionable growth plans.

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.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning.
• Retirement benefits, subject to role eligibility.
• Paid leave 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: Manager