Head of Partnerships

DREAM•New York, NY

1d•$170,000 - $190,000

About The Position

DREAM will develop and scale AI-enabled teaching and learning models designed to expand opportunity for students across the Bronx. Over the next three years, we will partner with 15 schools in the Bronx to help them implement an AI literacy curriculum, use AI tools to accelerate learning, and pursue new school models that prioritize real-world learning and future-ready skills. We will recruit partner schools, provide training and embedded coaching to leaders and teachers, and help educators implement and adapt these practices, curriculum, and tools in their own classrooms. Through rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement, this new initiative aims to improve academic outcomes while creating more time for collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and other future-ready skills. About this Work The Head of Partnerships, Innovation Team will lead DREAM’s partnerships with schools, participating in DREAM’s AI-focused programmatic cohort model. This leader will manage the Innovation Partnerships Team, building the systems, relationships, and operational infrastructure required to recruit and support partner schools, deliver high-quality cohort experiences, and organize the legal, data, technology, communications, and convening needs of the work. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and highly operational leader with a strong background in education, expertise in managing complex partnerships and cross-functional initiatives, a record of building programs across systems, genuine excitement about AI-enabled learning, and the ability to navigate complexity while maintaining strong relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Education, Business, or a related field preferred
Minimum 8 years of experience in education, ed-tech, or nonprofits, including at least 4 years of experience directly managing a team, required
Existing relationships with the NYC Department of Education and/or experience developing curriculum partnerships or products with the DOE, preferred
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional and large-scale initiatives involving multiple partnerships, disseminating programs across systems, and/or leading organizational business strategy
Deep knowledge of relational influence, change management, and adult learning theory
Ability to stay up-to-date on AI as it evolves and to use data to inform decisions and improvements
Strong operational, organizational, and project-management skills, with exceptional attention to detail, superb follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trusting relationships in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Start-up mindset: demonstrated resourcefulness, flexibility, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach, ready to build something from the ground up
Deep commitment to DREAM’s mission, values, and graduate vision, with a strong belief in the power of families as partners and leaders

Nice To Haves

advanced degree in Education, Business, or a related field preferred
Existing relationships with the NYC Department of Education and/or experience developing curriculum partnerships or products with the DOE, preferred

Responsibilities

Design and lead processes for recruitment, selection, and onboarding of partner schools into DREAM’s programmatic cohort model
Manage internal and external cross-functional coordination of all partnership operations and logistics
Create and sustain clear processes for partnership agreements, ensuring excellent operational partnerships with each partner school and school system (including but not limited to contracting, legal compliance, media releases, data privacy and security, technology, data security and sharing, licensing, and intellectual property agreements)
Coordinate with the Communications and Advancement Teams to promote the work, strengthen the DREAM AI brand, and support donor visits
Work closely with the AI Advisory Board
Establish metrics, monitor outcomes, and use data to assess impact, drive continuous improvement, and inform strategic decision-making
Lead the planning, operations, and logistics for cohort-based learning including: 2-day Convenings, monthly cohort meetings, and ongoing site visits and intervisitations, that support partner schools
Manage the logistics and operations for convenings and learning experiences serving NYC Department of Education audiences
Manage, coach, and support 2 (or more) staff members including the Lead: Partnership and Learning and the Lead: Convening Operations, ensuring clarity of vision, priorities, roles, and accountability
Collaborate with DREAM leadership and cross-functional teams
Other responsibilities related to the role as assigned

Benefits

Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children
The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs
Dental and vision plans
Disability benefits
Life insurance
Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave
Flexible spending account options
Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit)
Fitness and entertainment discounts
A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP)
A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment
Access to a professional development fund
Referral bonuses
All full-time Network Support employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays