Uncommon Schools
Company Description
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high‑performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K‑12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job Description At Uncommon Schools, running exceptional schools requires exemplary operations. Uncommon Schools’ operations leaders work passionately to ensure that faculty can maximize time and energy on student achievement. They design, implement, and refine systems that anticipate the needs of the school community. As service‑oriented leaders, they tackle problems, share standard methodologies across campuses, and respond to urgent needs. They partner to build an academic and cultural environment that supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every student earns a college degree.
The Director of Operations Fellow is a full‑time position that prepares you to become a Director of Operations (DOO) of an Uncommon school. As DOO, you will lead a school in partnership with the Principal, working together to ensure students receive an exemplary education.
The DOO Fellowship is based on a foundation of four core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon leaders. Each element builds Fellows’ capacity toward becoming effective DOOs. These include Professional Development, Experiential Learning, Practical Application, and Reflective Practice.
The DOO Fellowship typically lasts one year; the length of time may vary based on open positions and DOO Fellow readiness. Fellows should expect to work in multiple locations and grade spans within the region. Placement is based on regional needs, Fellows’ growth areas, and matching them with host DOOs.
Professional Development All Fellows attend a series of professional development workshops throughout the Fellowship. The workshops cover leadership competencies on which DOOs are evaluated and developed.
Experiential Learning Feedback and coaching, especially individualized, support the Fellow’s growth as a leader. Fellows engage in experiential learning activities—including submission of weekly deliverables, on‑site coaching with real‑time feedback, and practice clinics where they work through case studies, role‑plays, and problem‑solving exercises.
Practical Application Fellows are placed at an existing Uncommon school and serve as full‑time members of the school’s operations team. They tackle school‑ or regional‑based operations projects, conduct observations and analysis of operational systems, and complete deliverables that expose them to all key components of DOO work. Practical application includes an immersion in which the Fellow acts as DOO for 4–6 weeks while the host DOO is off‑site, co‑leading the school alongside the Principal.
Reflective Discourse The Fellowship creates space for reflective discourse at in‑person sessions, allowing Fellows to learn from their own experiences and from others. Fellows are also supported in developing a reflective practice—codifying learning through written reflections and creating actionable growth plans.
Qualifications
Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools
Commitment to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school
Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks to meet the needs of the school, with a systems‑thinking lens
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment; flexible, working autonomously or with direction as needed
Comfort with managing ambiguous situations and moving to clarity/solution
Willingness to learn something new and/or “do what it takes” to ensure high‑quality operations despite obstacles
Proactive, strategic problem‑solver able to balance competing priorities
High‑quality communication and relationship‑building skills with teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues
Ability to have difficult conversations respectfully
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access)
Dedication to self‑reflection and continual professional growth; approaches every experience as a chance to learn and grow, and understands introspection is essential to leadership
School‑based or other educational experience preferred
Experience managing others preferred
Required experience:
4 or more years of work experience
At least 1 year of experience in operations leadership (K‑12 school operations preferred)
At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others (e.g., Special Projects Manager, Associate Director of Operations, Instructional Leader)
Project planning experience, with proven ability to see large projects through to completion
A Bachelor’s degree
Additional Information Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits supporting the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracts and retains top talent.
Compensation Compensation is between $108,000 and $114,500. Most candidates who meet requirements will receive an offer of $108,000. Starting pay is determined using factors including relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, Summer)
Extensive, best‑in‑class training and development
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre‑tax FSA, dependent care FSA, and HSA
Financial planning
New Jersey Pension program
Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
Detailed list of all benefits available HERE.
EEO Statement As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
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Job Description At Uncommon Schools, running exceptional schools requires exemplary operations. Uncommon Schools’ operations leaders work passionately to ensure that faculty can maximize time and energy on student achievement. They design, implement, and refine systems that anticipate the needs of the school community. As service‑oriented leaders, they tackle problems, share standard methodologies across campuses, and respond to urgent needs. They partner to build an academic and cultural environment that supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every student earns a college degree.
The Director of Operations Fellow is a full‑time position that prepares you to become a Director of Operations (DOO) of an Uncommon school. As DOO, you will lead a school in partnership with the Principal, working together to ensure students receive an exemplary education.
The DOO Fellowship is based on a foundation of four core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon leaders. Each element builds Fellows’ capacity toward becoming effective DOOs. These include Professional Development, Experiential Learning, Practical Application, and Reflective Practice.
The DOO Fellowship typically lasts one year; the length of time may vary based on open positions and DOO Fellow readiness. Fellows should expect to work in multiple locations and grade spans within the region. Placement is based on regional needs, Fellows’ growth areas, and matching them with host DOOs.
Professional Development All Fellows attend a series of professional development workshops throughout the Fellowship. The workshops cover leadership competencies on which DOOs are evaluated and developed.
Experiential Learning Feedback and coaching, especially individualized, support the Fellow’s growth as a leader. Fellows engage in experiential learning activities—including submission of weekly deliverables, on‑site coaching with real‑time feedback, and practice clinics where they work through case studies, role‑plays, and problem‑solving exercises.
Practical Application Fellows are placed at an existing Uncommon school and serve as full‑time members of the school’s operations team. They tackle school‑ or regional‑based operations projects, conduct observations and analysis of operational systems, and complete deliverables that expose them to all key components of DOO work. Practical application includes an immersion in which the Fellow acts as DOO for 4–6 weeks while the host DOO is off‑site, co‑leading the school alongside the Principal.
Reflective Discourse The Fellowship creates space for reflective discourse at in‑person sessions, allowing Fellows to learn from their own experiences and from others. Fellows are also supported in developing a reflective practice—codifying learning through written reflections and creating actionable growth plans.
Qualifications
Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools
Commitment to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school
Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks to meet the needs of the school, with a systems‑thinking lens
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment; flexible, working autonomously or with direction as needed
Comfort with managing ambiguous situations and moving to clarity/solution
Willingness to learn something new and/or “do what it takes” to ensure high‑quality operations despite obstacles
Proactive, strategic problem‑solver able to balance competing priorities
High‑quality communication and relationship‑building skills with teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues
Ability to have difficult conversations respectfully
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access)
Dedication to self‑reflection and continual professional growth; approaches every experience as a chance to learn and grow, and understands introspection is essential to leadership
School‑based or other educational experience preferred
Experience managing others preferred
Required experience:
4 or more years of work experience
At least 1 year of experience in operations leadership (K‑12 school operations preferred)
At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others (e.g., Special Projects Manager, Associate Director of Operations, Instructional Leader)
Project planning experience, with proven ability to see large projects through to completion
A Bachelor’s degree
Additional Information Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits supporting the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracts and retains top talent.
Compensation Compensation is between $108,000 and $114,500. Most candidates who meet requirements will receive an offer of $108,000. Starting pay is determined using factors including relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, Summer)
Extensive, best‑in‑class training and development
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre‑tax FSA, dependent care FSA, and HSA
Financial planning
New Jersey Pension program
Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
Detailed list of all benefits available HERE.
EEO Statement As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
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