Director, Strategic Initiatives

About the role

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Uncommon Schools seeks a Director of Strategic Initiatives to provide structure and clarity to complex organizational priorities. This role operates at the intersection of executive partnership, board governance, and cross-functional project leadership. You will work alongside the Co-CEOs to advance organizational effectiveness, manage critical communications, and guide strategic initiatives that impact the entire network. The position demands comfort with ambiguity and the ability to design systems that transform undefined problems into actionable plans.

This is a full-time position based in New York, with a commitment to three days per week in the Manhattan office at 100 Church St. The successful candidate will manage high-stakes projects, facilitate alignment across departments, and ensure the Board of Trustees remains informed and engaged. Compensation for this role ranges from $111,200 to $139,000, with new hires who meet qualifications typically starting at $118,200.

Executive Partnership and Project Leadership

You will directly staff key initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of the Co-CEOs. This includes leading special strategic projects and organizational priorities that require executive-level attention. You will own complex projects related to organizational strategy, growth, and long-term priorities. Leading cross-functional annual planning is a core responsibility, requiring collaboration with senior leaders from Finance, Talent, Operations, School Operations, and Strategic Initiatives. Through this work, you will shape the direction of the organization and define its priorities for the year.

Board Governance and Operations

Ownership of board governance is central to this role. You will manage the nominating committee and oversee ongoing committee work, including annual Board surveys and cultivation efforts. All Board of Trustees meetings fall under your responsibility, from agenda development and content creation to coordination with the Executive Team and other departments. You will lead all Board communications, including initiating correspondence, drafting content, and managing review processes. Additional duties include overseeing the Board scorecard, synthesizing feedback, and driving recommendations for improvement. You will also design processes to ensure efficient information flow between the Uncommon Board and regional boards.

Communications

You will manage communications for the Co-CEO team, proposing scope and sequence, drafting content, and engaging stakeholders on execution. Leading the annual "State of Uncommon" presentation is a key duty, executed in partnership with the Co-CEOs and Chief of Staff. You will handle end-to-end project execution and related communications vehicles. Creating systems for organization-wide messaging ensures regional leaders can align narratives and share timely updates. This function requires structured planning and consistent collaboration with other teams.

Team Leadership

You will manage and develop the Specialist who supports Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations. This includes providing coaching, professional development opportunities, and clear performance expectations. Serving as a thought partner to the Senior Director, you will contribute to team strategy, planning, and execution. Your leadership will help build a cohesive and effective support team.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree is required. The ideal candidate brings 5-6 years of combined directly relevant and relevant professional experience. Acceptable backgrounds include roles such as Manager or Senior Manager of Special Projects or Strategic Initiatives, or equivalent positions focused on project management, executive support, or organizational strategy. Experience in program coordination, nonprofit leadership, operations, or similar fields is valued. You must demonstrate the ability to manage multiple complex projects and stakeholders at once. Strong communication skills are essential, including clear writing, persuasive speaking, and adaptability to different audiences. Experience managing and developing others is required, along with a track record of building strong teams. Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to bring structure to undefined problems are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master's degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred. Experience working in education, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations adds value. Familiarity with board governance or executive-level operations is an asset. Proficiency with project management tools and data analysis in Excel is also preferred.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to sit at a desk for extended periods. Travel is minimal, consisting of quarterly school visits or routine local travel within the region.

Our Commitment

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness while attracting and retaining top talent. Uncommon is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of our communities, with over 70 percent of staff identifying as people of color.