Job Application for Associate Chief of Operations, NY at Achievement First Network Support

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About Achievement First

Achievement First (AF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting 39 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For more than 25 years, AF has been recognized as one of the top tuition-free public charter school networks in the country. We are committed to creating schools of academic excellence within nurturing environments — schools that prepare students to be college-ready and to pursue and succeed in whatever paths they choose in life.

The majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families, many of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Across our network, we employ more than 2,200 staff members — 64% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY; New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence and Cranston, RI.

Our mission is to prepare every student to excel in college, career, and life; deepen their understanding of self and community; and lead lives of purpose. We believe in the limitless potential within our students and their power to shape a more just society. That belief drives our deep commitment to student achievement: we aim to set a high bar for learning and create warm, demanding classrooms where rigorous instruction is paired with the care, encouragement, and consistency every student deserves.

We are looking for a strategic and dynamic Associate Chief of Operations to join our team.

Your Impact

The Associate Chief of Operations, NY serves as a senior operational leader for Achievement First's New York regional initiatives. In this role, you will balance two interconnected responsibilities: developing strong Regional Directors of Operations (RDOs) and ensuring schools meet operational performance outcomes, while simultaneously serving as the regional operational lead for NY — driving key regional initiatives, coordinating across Network Support and regional teams, and supporting the Executive Director in operational strategy and execution.

You will act as a key recommender, problem-solver, and change leader for the region, partnering closely with the Regional Executive Director, Regional Superintendent, Team School Operations, and Network Support to ensure operational decisions align to broader regional priorities and organizational strategy.

Reporting directly to the NYC Executive Director, you will be responsible for:

RDO Development and Management (50%)

Coach and develop RDOs to specific competencies (personal organization, delegation, etc.) in service of operational outcomes
Lead the full RDO development cycle, including:

Kick-off stepback to identify outcome goals and learning/development goals
Bimonthly 1:1 stepbacks to review progress and identify action steps
L&D goals assessed and reprioritized as needed
EOY review: final outcome assessment and goal-setting for the following year

Conduct career conversations (October/November) and two rounds of skip-levels (fall and spring) to support RDO growth and identify high-potential Ops team members
Lead talent and workforce planning for the RDO and Ops team bench, including development and recruitment needs
Plan and execute performance management of RDOs, including weekly meetings focused on intentional skill-building, problem-solving, accountability, and observation/feedback

Regional Operations Leadership (25%)

Manage and recommend infrastructure investments for the region
Manage regional budget and financial stewardship
Oversee strategy and delivery of student services across the region (transportation, nursing, food service, etc.)
Lead region-level procurement and contracts ownership
Develop and maintain strategy with key local entities (DOE, SUNY, etc.)

Executive Director Partnership (10%)

Serve as a member of the regional leadership team, functioning as a thought partner and providing strategic operational support to the Regional Executive Director

Portfolio Management (5%)

Serve as a key collaborator on all regional portfolio management workstreams, including growth, closures, and research and analysis

Crisis Support (5%)

Lead response for any escalated crises across the region

Network Support Liaison (5%)

Serve as the liaison between school operations and high-touch Network Support teams
Act as single point of contact between schools and NS teams; gather feedback trends and collaborate with NS to problem-solve common challenges

Skills You'll Have

All candidates for this position will bring:

A Bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S., or equivalent); Master's or professional degree preferred
Experience as a Regional Director of Operations (RDO) or Director of School Operations (DSO)
10+ years of operational experience
Experience managing others across multiple stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to set and execute short- and long-term strategies
Experience facilitating and influencing through others

An ideal candidate will demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Critical thinking and analytical skills
Project planning and prioritization
Knowledge of school operations, Network Support team functions, payroll, enrollment, certification, finance, facilities, safety, and health
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex, competing priorities
Ability to collaborate across teams and stakeholders at all levels

In addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:

Strong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Confident in interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels within the organization
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed
Ability to multitask; exceptional attention to detail, follow-up skills, and organization
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proactive communication style
Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model

Travel Expectations

This is a hybrid role. The expectation is that the person in this role would be able to come into the Network Support office (NYC) at least 3 days a week. There may be additional travel to regions outside of your own on a monthly basis.

Compensation

Achievement First sets salaries through a lens of equity, based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary range for this position is $172,258 – $201,159. In order to uphold our commitment to equity, Achievement First does not negotiate pay. Additionally, Achievement First offers to all regular, full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave.

Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/

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Candidates must reside within the region for which they are applying (Connecticut, New York, or Rhode Island) or plan to relocate at their own expense prior to the start date. This is an on-site role that requires regular in-person presence at schools and/or offices across the region. Achievement First does not provide relocation assistance for this position.

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AF is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Also, please note this employer participates in E-Verify.

PERSONAL QUESTIONS We request that in addition to your application, you consider providing demographic information below. Completion of this information is completely voluntary and is not a requirement of employment. Any information you choose to provide will be treated as personal and confidential and will be kept separate from your application for employment. Additionally, as an equal opportunity employer and, consistent with applicable law, Achievement First provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have difficulty using our online system and need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use this phone number to reach out and request that accommodation: 718.623.2660 What is your race or ethnicity?

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Do you certify that the answers to the foregoing questions are true to the best of your knowledge? This affirms that all representations made regarding education and experience are true and accurate. Further, you will provide prompt notification if you are informed of any material changes to your application. (Failure to provide accurate information could result in the rejection of your application or the termination of your employment.)

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Associate Chief of Operations, NY

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