About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students—regardless of background—have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

For more information on Ascend Public Charter Schools’ model, approach, and core values, please visit our website.

About the Role

Ascend is seeking a mission-driven and highly collaborative Director of Student Experience to help bring our vision for student engagement, belonging, and holistic development to life. Reporting to the Managing Director of Student Experience, this leader will play a key role in supporting the execution of student-centered initiatives across the network. The Director will partner with schools and network teams to ensure strong implementation of programs that support inclusive school culture, enrich student life, and elevate student voice and experience across all Ascend schools.

Responsibilities

The Director of Student Experience will partner with the Managing Director and other stakeholders across the network to ensure high-quality implementation of Ascend’s student experience vision. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role that requires strong execution, relationship-building, and a commitment to student-centered design. Key responsibilities include:

Program Implementation

• Support execution of student experience strategies and initiatives across key domains, including school culture, student engagement, athletics, student life, summer programming, family engagement, and special populations
• Project manage the rollout of student-centered programs and experiences, ensuring smooth execution, clear communication, and alignment with goals
• Build systems and tools that help schools plan and implement consistent, inclusive, and high-quality student experiences

School & Team Partnership

• Collaborate closely with school-based leaders, deans, and culture teams to support school culture and student engagement efforts
• Provide direct support to schools in launching student experience initiatives, responding to implementation challenges, and gathering feedback
• Partner with other network teams (e.g. People, Operations, Teaming and Learning, Academic Operations) to ensure cross-functional alignment and shared ownership of student experience work

Data, Tools, and Continuous Improvement

• Help collect and analyze student experience and culture data (e.g. student surveys, participation rates, incident trends) to inform planning and continuous improvement
• Develop tools, resources, and professional development that support strong execution of student experience initiatives across schools
• Surface insights and learnings from the field to the Managing Director and broader network leadership

Student Voice & Inclusion

• Support efforts to elevate student voice, belonging, and engagement through student councils, forums, and other feedback mechanisms
• Ensure that programs and experiences are inclusive and affirming of students from all backgrounds and identities

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The Director of Student Experience reports to the Managing Director of Student Experience and works closely with school leaders and multiple network teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• 5+ years of experience in K-12 education with a focus on school culture, student support, or student engagement
• 2+ years in a school-based leadership role or network leadership role

Skills and Traits

• Strong execution and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfort working across functions and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Deep commitment to equity and inclusive practices
• Ability to manage up, take initiative, and operate with flexibility in a fast-paced environment

Compensation and Benefits

The salary will range between $95,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.

This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits

Location & Work Arrangement

Based in our Brooklyn, NY office

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week.

Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community through its hiring practices and focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into their approach to educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. Ascend Charter Schools welcomes all applicants who share their mission and vision.