Operations Director (2027-2028)

Zeta Charter Schools•New York, NY

10h•$105,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission. Zeta serves students across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens and continues to grow our Pre-K through 12th grade network at an ambitious pace. This year alone, we opened our first high school, added another elementary school in Queens, and launched two additional middle schools in the Bronx. And we are not slowing down. We have big plans to continue growing each year so that more children have access to an excellent education. Joining Zeta means joining a team that is actively building the next generation of our school network and serving as a change agent for children.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree
A minimum of 2 years of experience leading high-performing operations teams, with a proven track record of developing talent, establishing and executing an ambitious vision for excellence, and driving exceptional results.
Strong operational judgment and execution, with experience overseeing complex, high-pressure day-to-day operations and facilities management
Proven ability in balancing competing priorities, and responding to challenges with urgency, ownership, and solutions-oriented follow-through.
A deep commitment to safety, with experience developing and implementing safety protocols, managing risk, and creating environments where students and staff feel secure and supported.
A relentless bar for excellence, with the ability to identify gaps, anticipate needs, solve root causes, and build simple, effective systems that improve operational performance.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading K–12 school operations is strongly preferred
Deep connection to Zeta’s mission and a student-centered approach.

Responsibilities

Be the safety leader of your school, including developing and maintaining safety systems, safety training and culture, emergency response plans, and crisis management.
Own the full operational vision and execution for the school, leading a 2–6 person operations team to deliver exceptional, reliable, and scalable systems through a culture of high expectations, clear accountability, and continuous improvement.
Design, implement, and refine schoolwide operational systems – including arrival, lunch, recess, transitions, and dismissal – to ensure a seamless, safe, and joyful experience for students, staff, and families.
Serve as the chief steward of a world-class facility, overseeing facilities management, vendor partnerships, emergency preparedness, and building-level relationships (e.g., landlord) to maintain a safe, compliant, and inspiring environment for learning.
Ensure excellence in financial and compliance operations, including but not limited to credit card and invoice management, DOE billing, ACS and custody compliance, and adherence to all city, state, and federal requirements in partnership with Network Operations, Finance, and Advisory Teams.
Lead technology operations for staff, students, and the school building – ensuring tools and systems are functional, secure, and optimized for instructional and operational needs.
Manage and develop the School Business Operations Team (SBOT) through frequent coaching, performance management, and targeted professional development, ensuring the team consistently meets or exceeds Zeta’s operational goals and expectations.
Own the school’s Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan –analyzing data, driving monthly priorities, and ensuring strong communication and alignment with school leadership and Network-level partners.
Act as the primary liaison between the School Team and Network Operations, proactively surfacing needs, sharing insights, and ensuring smooth coordination on all non-academic school matters.

Benefits

Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
Relocation support to help eligible candidates make the move to New York City
Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses – from gym memberships to salon appointments, concerts, and more
Four live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and a free Headspace subscription
MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
Fully stocked team spaces with snacks and quality coffee to keep you fueled throughout the day
Zeta swag, team outings, and some of NYC’s finest sweet treats handpicked from our CEO
Books and resources for professional development