Lead I, Operations & Strategy

The Education Trust • New York, NY

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Education Trust – New York (ETNY) seeks a Lead I, Operations & Strategy to join its New York office and support its mission to close opportunity gaps affecting students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. The role serves as the functional operational and strategy lead, independently managing day-to-day operations, people and culture workstreams, and key administrative processes. It leads project management, supports accurate and timely finance-related processes, and helps develop and implement the office’s strategic plan. The position is based in the New York office and primarily works from a home office in New York or New Jersey. It reports to the Deputy Director of Strategy & Operations at EdTrust—New York and is available immediately.

EdTrust advances policies and practices to dismantle racial and economic barriers in the U.S. education system. Through research and advocacy, it works to improve equity in education from preschool through college, engage communities committed to equity and justice, and build public and political will for an education system where all students can thrive.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Substantial related work experience in operations or operations-related roles (e.g., 5+ years).
• Experience working with project management tools such as Asana, including developing and managing robust project plans across multiple functional areas.
• Knowledge and experience with finance-related activities such as reconciliations, vendor payment, budget management, grant reporting, and reimbursements.
• Interest in or knowledge of education policy, especially issues of equity.
• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and commitment to improving educational equity.
• Commitment to contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to design and establish processes, systems, and procedures, ensure adherence, and steward continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, multitask, and prioritize with high attention to detail.
• Teamwork skills and eagerness for collaboration.
• Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback, as well as provide it.
• Commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, and professional growth; openness to feedback and evolving practices in alignment with EdTrust’s values.
• Sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cloud-based financial management software such as Intacct is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director to translate the long-term vision for the New York office’s Operations function into short- and long-term goals and work plans.
• Serve as the primary administrator and manager of the Asana project management system, designing and maintaining workflows, dashboards, project templates, and reporting systems.
• Improve cross-team collaboration and efficiency by designing, implementing, and continuously improving internal systems and processes, including meeting cadences, project governance, and accountability structures.
• Design, coordinate, and implement people and culture projects and programs in collaboration with the National office.
• Support the Deputy Director in developing and implementing ETNY’s three-year strategic plan.
• Manage day-to-day office finance and administration matters with the office Executive Assistant, including budget tracking, vendor contracts, grant reporting, and reconciliations; serve as the primary liaison with EdTrust National’s Finance team to support compliance and fiscal integrity.
• Coordinate and implement internal and external events and programs that advance ETNY’s strategic goals.
• May recruit, hire, and manage 1–2 employees and/or interns as appropriate and budget permitting, including delegating tasks, coaching and developing staff, and assessing performance.
• Stay abreast of trends and research in relevant content areas and make recommendations for process and practice improvements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.
• Sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave.
• Holiday closures following the federal government for most holidays.
• Week-long summer and winter office breaks.
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee.
• Generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

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