Director of School Operations & Impact

About Ascend

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.

The Director of Operations (DOO) is a network-based operational leader responsible for ensuring that Ascend schools are safe, well-run, compliant, and ready to support excellent teaching and learning. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations and partnering closely with Principals, the Director of Operations leads day-to-day school operations strategy, manages and develops the Assistant Principals of Operations (APOs) and/or operational staff, and serves as a key connector between the school and network teams.

The Director of Operations translates network expectations into strong school-based systems, identifies operational challenges before they become barriers to teaching and learning, and ensures that staff, students, and families experience responsive, high-quality service. This role balances hands-on execution with continuous improvement and uses operational data to strengthen school performance.

The Director of Operations is responsible for executing excellent school operations and building systems that allow school leaders and educators to focus on students. The Director of Operations will:

School Operations & Readiness

• Partner with Principals and APOs to ensure all dimensions of school operations are prepared for the start of the school year and remain strong throughout the year, including enrollment, transportation, facilities, furniture, supplies, food service, and student-facing systems.
• Monitor day-to-day school operations and provide hands-on support to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Conduct regular operational readiness checks and ensure school-based systems, procedures, and documentation are implemented consistently.
• Coordinate with network operations teams and escalate complex issues or risks to the Senior Director of Operations as appropriate.

Operational Excellence & Data

• Monitor key operational metrics and use data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the implementation of network-wide operational initiatives, systems, and processes at the school level.
• Maintain accurate operational records and ensure that required audits, reviews, and compliance activities are completed on time.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop practical solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and service.

People Leadership & Development

• Coach, support, and develop APOs and/or school-based operational staff, establishing clear expectations and accountability for high-quality execution.
• Partner with the Principal and Senior Director of Operations to identify performance priorities, provide feedback, and support staff development.
• Support onboarding and training for new operational staff and reinforce…