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Job description
Ascend is Brooklyn’s premier K–12 public charter network, committed to graduating high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures —not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives .
Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students’ brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long‑term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture‑building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.
At Ascend, adults are held to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.
Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.
About the Role
Reporting to the Managing Director of Operations, the Senior Director of Operations (SDO) co‑manages the Assistant Principals of Operations (APOs) alongside the Principals of Ascend schools in pursuit of operational excellence. The SDO supports, coaches, and develops the APOs, identifying and problem‑solving network‑wide challenges on behalf of schools. The SDO ensures that schools capture and utilize operational data, meeting both internal and external goals. They play a key role in recognizing areas where operations could be more effective, compliant, and scalable, and design and execute initiatives to address these needs.
In partnership with other members of the network team, they work to codify operational practices at the schools and support the development and enhancement of data, procurement, and other operational systems. They develop and deliver professional development programs for APOs and plan the annual summer institute for all school operational staff.
Key Responsibilities
Coaching and Managing
Has a dotted‑line managerial relationship with the schools’ assistant principals of operations (APOs) and serves as the primary coach to the school APOs. He or she is the primary resource to solve problems and identify resources to problems that the APO encounters
Assists the school principals in writing APO performance evaluations by gathering input from other stakeholders and including their assessment
School Start-up and Readiness
Works closely with and supports each school’s APO as their new school opens or new school year approaches to ensure that every dimension of school operations is in place for launch, including full student enrollment, transportation, the facility, student and adult furniture, supplies, and food service
Provides on‑site school support when necessary
On‑call School Support
Serves as an on‑call resource to the APOs in all functional areas, providing direct support and when appropriate, referring them to a member of the network team or other operations staff member at Ascend
Leads, executes, and supports key projects and initiatives across all operational areas
Works closely with the APO and the Managing Director of Technology and the technology team to ensure that all schools have strong technology systems and appropriate support in this area
Works closely with the APO and the Director of Finance, and the finance team to ensure that the school’s finance function works smoothly
Work closely with the Director of Human Resources to ensure that the school’s APOs have the necessary resources to effectively serve as the primary point of contact for all school‑level staff on HR matters
Works closely with the APO and the Director of Facilities and the facilities team to ensure that building maintenance and custodial needs are met
Professional Development
Designs and delivers training and onboarding for new APOs
Designs and implements professional development sessions for school‑based operational staff, including the comprehensive annual Operations Institute each summer
Identifies professional development opportunities from third‑party resources to develop APOs and provide them with growth opportunities
Tracks operational data from the schools to identify specific areas of growth by schools; tailors PD to these deficits
Customer Service
Creates and maintains a culture of exceptional customer service from the network (AL) to the schools across all operational practices, and ensures that this culture infuses all operational and business activities in the schools, including the telephone and website experiences, reception, food service, nursing, and building appearance.
Quickly identifies and manages up roadblocks or bottlenecks, working closely with the MD and COO to eliminate and improve school operations
Operational Performance
Oversees approach to operational data and evaluation, leading process for evaluations and audits as determined by the network operations team
Identifies critical network‑wide operational data needs and works closely with network teams to create the framework and infrastructure to collect and manage performance in a data‑driven manner
Staff and Reporting Relationships
The Senior Director of Operations reports to the Senior Managing Directors of Operations (SMDOs).
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Business Administration, Education Leadership, Public Administration, or related field strongly preferred
7–10 years of professional experience, including at least 3–5 years in operations leadership at a network, district, or multi‑site level
Proven track record of managing complex systems and driving organizational performance in a fast‑paced environment
Experience in K–12 education, charter schools, or mission‑driven organizations is highly preferred
Experience as a top‑performing school Director of Operations in a public school, preferably in a charter school
Experience in leadership development with strong consulting and coaching skills
Effectiveness at motivating and influencing others to act, strong management skills
Capacity to create strong relationships based upon trust, respect, effective communication, and common goals
A mindset of excellence, customer‑service orientation, attention to detail, and insistence on quality
Creativity and a solutions mindset, the ability to recognize areas for improvement, and develop initiatives to move the organization dramatically forward operationally
Systems‑thinking: the capacity to envision, plan, and implement new systems and practices that better support school operations
Strong strategic thinking, planning, financial analysis, and project management skills
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and “roll‑up‑my‑sleeves” attitude
Passion and commitment to urban education and our mission of closing the achievement gap
Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend Learning
Compensation
The salary will range between $115,000 - $160,000 annually, commensurate with the level of experience.
This full‑time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits
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Worksite address
new york, NY, 10261, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.