Special Projects Associate or Manager (2027-2028)

Zeta Charter Schools • New York City, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Zeta is hiring a Special Projects Associate or Manager to drive operational excellence across assessments, student programs, and other high-stakes schoolwide projects. The role builds strong systems and executes plans with accuracy, urgency, and attention to detail. The title will be based on the candidate’s experience relative to Zeta’s organizational levels.

The position is based fully on-site in New York City, in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens, and reports to the Operations Director. The start date is July 2027 or sooner, depending on Zeta’s hiring needs and the candidate’s availability. Hiring is rolling as positions become available. The posted starting salary range is $66,500–$78,000; compensation depends on Zeta’s salary scale, relevant experience, and internal equity. Associate hires generally fall toward the beginning to midpoint of the range, while Manager hires generally fall toward the midpoint to upper end.

The successful candidate will execute the school’s Zeta Operational Excellence Action Plan, manage assessment operations, and design and improve systems for after-school clubs and specialist programming. The role also leads cross-functional projects and family- and student-facing events, develops clear communications, builds strong relationships across the school community, and creates scalable processes and tools that support consistency and growth across schools.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 1 year of relevant, hands-on experience in project management, operations, or data analysis in a fast-paced environment; recent graduates with relevant internship experience will also be considered.
• Exceptional organization, project management, and attention to detail, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and ensure accuracy from planning through execution.
• A systems-minded approach, initiative to anticipate needs and identify gaps, ability to ask thoughtful questions, and ability to build clear processes and trackers.
• Comfort working with detailed information and technical tools, including proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel and ability to learn assessment and student-information systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fully in-person environment and approach high-stakes work with urgency, grit, proactive communication, and consistent follow-through.
• Strong work ethic and genuine openness to feedback and growth.
• Permanent authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• For candidates considered at the Manager level, experience supervising a team is preferred; candidates who have trained or developed teammates will also be considered.
• For candidates considered at the Manager level, a proven track record of owning complex operational projects, managing stakeholders, building systems, and driving strong results through others.

Responsibilities

• Execute the school’s Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan, tracking progress, completing action items, and partnering with the Operations team to drive follow-through on schoolwide priorities and maintain a score of at least 90%.
• Own and strengthen operational systems for assessment administration and after-school club and specialist programming.
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects from planning through execution.
• Plan and execute student assessment operations across grade levels, including scheduling, materials preparation, proctor coordination, family communication, and organizing and analyzing assessment data with Academic teams.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve systems for after-school clubs and specialist programming, supporting high-quality, equitable access and smooth daily operations.
• Plan and lead key family- and student-facing events that strengthen school culture, engagement, and belonging.
• Develop proactive communications for families and staff, particularly about assessments and after-school programming, meeting Zeta’s “Family Wow” standard.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with families, colleagues, and staff, serving as a reliable and responsive partner across the school community.
• Create scalable, replicable processes and tools that support consistency and growth across schools, particularly for assessments and student programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses.
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions from Zeta.
• Competitive compensation.
• Relocation support for eligible candidates moving to New York City.
• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses.
• Four live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and a free Headspace subscription.
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for mobile phone use.
• Fully stocked team spaces with snacks and coffee.
• Zeta swag, team outings, and treats.
• Books and resources for professional development.
• Clear pathways for professional growth.
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates.
• Community Circle practice and interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming.

What This Job Offers

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