Uncommon Schools (Uncommon) Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public schools that are increasing the academic achievement of historically under-resourced communities and preparing students for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 54 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. We have achieved outstanding academic results based on internal assessments, statewide exams, and graduation milestones.
Role & responsibilities
The Manager of Operations Leadership Development drives the professional development of operations (ops) leaders at Uncommon Schools, with the goal of building operationally excellent schools across our regions! The Manager will identify and execute on a strategy to develop operations leaders at the school, regional, and executive level in service of reaching Uncommon’s vision for operational excellence. The Manager of Operations Leadership Development reports to the Managing Director of Operations.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Strategy & Vision
- Analyze performance data to build and propose a coordinated, coherent vision for operations leader development across multiple levels of leadership (school leaders, regional leaders, Associate COOs, Managing Directors)
- Measure and track the efficiency and impact of the development strategy
- Collect and synthesize data ongoing and pivot programming as needed
- Content Creation & Implementation
- Lead the implementation of leader development strategy at all levels
- Build high-quality content to achieve development objectives using various modalities, e.g. in-person trainings, web-based trainings, monthly meeting structures, working groups, toolkits/templates/protocols, etc.
- Steward partners in their execution of the development strategy; provide structures to identify vision and goals for all content, gather feedback, prepare presenters to facilitate, and debrief its effectiveness
- Facilitate PD content when needed or applicable (meetings, roll-out presentations, trainings)
- Communication & Teamwork
- Effectively gather input and feedback from multiple sources and synthesize, even amidst conflict of opinion
- Lead through influence to ensure effective implementation of strategy
- Mentor operations leaders to prepare for PD facilitation
- Other
- Serve as a dedicated member of the Chief of Operations Team and support and drive projects as needed
Preferred
- High level of analytical thinking; ability to synthesize data and make sound recommendations.
- Learner’s Approach: dedication to consistent improvement and willingness to build on standard methodologies, within and outside the organization.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to effectively communicate with audiences at any level.
- Ability to craft professional development sessions rooted in clear objectives and aligned practice opportunities.
- Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to demonstrate an appropriate sense of urgency.
- Very receptive to feedback and constantly targeting excellence.
- Strong prioritization skills amidst many opposing, high-leverage, high-impact priorities.
- Ability to “manage up” and work proactively with senior leaders.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-change organization, work autonomously, and be flexible in a multifaceted role.
Minimum
- 4+ years in Learning & Development or related field; experience in schools or non-profits preferred.
- Strong dedication to the Uncommon's mission.
- A bachelor’s degree.