Company Description

Uncommon Schools (Uncommon) is a nonprofit organization that starts and manages outstanding urban charter public schools that close the achievement gap and prepare low-income students to graduate from college. Uncommon builds uncommonly great schools by developing and managing regional networks that are philosophically aligned and highly accountable and by designing and implementing "best-in-class" teacher training. The organization has achieved outstanding academic results based on internal assessments, statewide exams, and graduation milestones. Its schools consistently outperform their district schools and are among the highest-performing urban schools in their cities and states. To learn more about Uncommon click here uncommonschools.org/our-schools/uncommon-cities.

Job Description

As a member of Uncommon's K-8 Curriculum and Assessment Team (CAT), the Operations Manager will own workstreams to help ensure CAT best serves Uncommon's 20 Elementary Schools and 27 Middle Schools. The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing CAT's operational systems and managing cross-cutting project plans for CAT's core work and strategic initiatives while also attending to the needs of schools and regions, primarily in the areas of Ed Tech, Events (i.e. PD and Hiring), and Special Projects. The role will report to K-8 CAT's Director of Strategy and Operations.

Project Management and Execution

· Create, manage and execute on long-term, cross-cutting project plans in areas such as Ed Tech, Hiring (K-8 DCI Fellows, DCIs, LLPs), and PD

· Hold others accountable for timely and effective completion of action steps, including members of CAT, school-based staff, regional point people, and other Home Office staff members

· Anticipate roadblocks and actively plan to mitigate risks

· Liaise with key HO Teams (e.g. Recruitment or D&IT team) to drive solutions that support the team's work

· Support scheduling and logistics for all workstream-related events, including DCI/DCI Fellow Inspection and Immersion Days and PDs

System and Process Management

· Develop and document systems and processes that improve CAT's work quality and efficiency, such as project management tools

· Use data to assess effectiveness of CAT's systems/structures

· Drive implementation of several specific strategic initiatives each year, revised annually per K-8 CSO and CAT annual initiatives

· Tee up key information and recommendations for critical decisions for K8 CAT's Director of Curriculum and Assessment and Director of Strategy and Operations.

Communication

· Oversee outgoing communication, including weekly communication to school leaders (K-4 and 5-8 CAT Memo) and project-specific communications

· Create communication plans for work streams and manage sharing of information to relevant stakeholders

· Facilitate meeting with key stakeholders (including regional and school leaders) on work streams to gather data and understand regional needs

· Facilitate meeting with external partners (i.e. Ed Tech points of contact)

Team Support and Management

· Ensure strong systems for internal team project management and calendaring

· Drive weekly check-ins with Content Directors to ensure primary workstreams are on track

· Develop materials for and lead team presentations to roll-out, gather buy-in and debrief workstreams

· Support networkwide initiatives led by Content Teams through material creation, event support and other key tasks as necessary

Budget Management

· Create annual budget and participate in quarterly budget update process led by Uncommon's Finance team

· Evaluate and manage spending and reimbursement guidelines for PD participants and CAT members

· Manage team's stipend processes and communication with regional and school leaders

Organizational Relationships

· Provide in-school and in-region support to build relationships with school/regional leaders and assess the effectiveness of CAT initiatives on-the-ground

· Work closely with other Home Office Teams (e.g. Data & IT team), regional operational teams, school leadership teams, Assistant Superintendents (ASups), Associate Chief Operating Officers (ACOOs), network lesson planners, Deans of Curriculum and Instruction (DCIs), and other members of the Curriculum and Assessment Team

Qualifications

Required competencies, skills & abilities

· Relentless commitment to the mission of educating urban students

· Strong attention to detail

· Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills

· Ability to think strategically and innovatively

· Experience in managing and improving systems, structures, and processes

· Able to use data and information to monitor progress towards goals

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and to differentiate messaging to a variety of stakeholders

· Self-directed and able to contribute individually and as a member of a team

· Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines

· Proactive problem-solver who is able to work successfully in a high-paced environment

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and strong technical skills

· Willing to travel to schools throughout our six regions

Minimum educational level:

· Bachelor's degree; master's degree preferred (but not necessary)

Experience required:

· 3-5 years of work experience managing operations and communications in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency, clarity, and top-of-the-line customer service;

· Project-planning experience required, with demonstrated ability to see large projects through to completion;

· Instructional experience and people management a plus

COMPENSATION

We offer a generous compensation package. All staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

Additional Information

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive.We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.