Director of Strategy

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

15h

About The Position

The Director of Strategy is a key member of the Regional Leadership Team and partners closely with the Executive Director to lead work streams that support the success and sustainability of the region’s schools. Although the role is not student-facing, it supports school leaders and regional teams in delivering strong outcomes for students and families. The Director coordinates and executes regional priorities, including annual planning, board governance, charter and regulatory compliance, internal communications, and growth initiatives. The role calls for a strategic operator and project leader who can manage complex initiatives, build effective systems, and ensure high-quality execution across multiple priorities in a dynamic school-based environment. The position also leads regional attendance, family engagement, and enrollment strategies; manages the enrollment team and supports Operations Managers; oversees board and charter-related processes; and coordinates crisis response with relevant teams. The Director works with regional, school, and national colleagues and external stakeholders to advance the region’s goals and sustainability.

Requirements

At least 7 years of professional experience in strategy, operations, consulting, public sector leadership, or education management.
Demonstrated success managing complex projects or operational workstreams involving multiple stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive- and board-facing materials.
Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
High level of discretion and judgment when handling sensitive issues affecting schools and communities.
Deep commitment to educational equity and advancing outcomes for students served by Rocketship schools.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in or with schools; otherwise, eagerness to spend time in schools and learn their operations.
Experience working with boards, governance structures, charter authorizers, or public-sector compliance.
Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.
Deep experience using data to drive decision-making.
Relationship-building and influencing skills, including collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience in a nonprofit and/or startup.
Results- and quality-focused approach with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Lead the annual regional planning process, including the three-year strategic plan, in partnership with the Executive Director and Regional Leadership Team.
Translate regional priorities into plans, timelines, and project structures; track progress and surface risks or delays.
Support the Executive Director with materials, updates, and progress reviews related to regional priorities.
Manage attendance strategies to improve student retention and reduce chronic absenteeism.
Oversee family engagement initiatives and establish clear goals, structures, and execution plans across schools.
Develop and support Operations Managers in meeting enrollment, attendance, and family engagement goals.
Lead regional enrollment strategy and execution to achieve full enrollment at all Rocketship schools in the region.
Manage the enrollment team and oversee recruitment campaigns, community outreach, and family engagement initiatives that drive enrollment.
Partner with network Strategy, Data, and Enrollment teams to set enrollment targets and manage funnel performance.
Monitor weekly enrollment data and adjust strategies to improve results.
Oversee use of HubSpot, SchoolMint, and PowerSchool for prospective-family engagement and enrollment operations.
Partner with school leaders to align enrollment strategies with school priorities and community needs.
Lead regional internal communications and develop executive communications on behalf of the Executive Director.
Ensure timely dissemination of key updates and align regional messaging with network communications.
Coordinate and manage the regional Board of Directors in partnership with the Executive Director.
Plan board and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, and materials preparation; manage board calendars, documentation, and governance processes.
Coordinate board member onboarding, training, and documentation, and partner with national teams on governance practices.
Manage project coordination for charter applications, renewals, and amendments for regional schools.
Oversee authorizer compliance and reporting, monitor regulatory and policy updates, and develop systems to ensure compliance with applicable charter, state, and regulatory requirements.
Partner with regional and national teams to address compliance challenges and maintain relationships with authorizers and regulatory bodies.
Plan and execute regional expansion initiatives, including new school launches, grade-level growth, and enrollment processes.
Research potential expansion opportunities, including enrollment demand, facilities considerations, and community partnerships.
Coordinate readiness across facilities, enrollment, staffing, operations, and community engagement for growth initiatives.
Build relationships with community leaders, families, and other stakeholders to support sustainable regional growth.
Lead regional crisis coordination with Marketing/Communications and Legal teams; develop and maintain crisis response protocols.
Ensure rapid, coordinated crisis communications and support school leaders and regional staff in handling sensitive or high-risk issues.