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.

About the Role

Ascend seeks a strategic and detail-oriented Publications Manager to join our Academic Operations team. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end publication process of instructional materials, ensuring content is delivered with consistency, accuracy, and operational excellence across digital platforms. The Publications Manager plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of Ascend’s academic content and supporting a seamless experience for educators and students. This role requires both systems-thinking and editorial expertise, balancing long-term planning with day-to-day execution to ensure all instructional content reflects Ascend’s academic vision and operational rigor.

The Publications Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive plan that outlines publication workflows, sets clear milestones, assigns ownership, and establishes feedback loops to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of instructional materials.

The role sits on our Schools Team, which is responsible for ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that unlocks a life of boundless choice. The Publications Manager works cross-functionally to ensure the alignment and effective implementation of all components of the academic program, supporting seamless collaboration among content developers, school teams, and technical platforms.

Content & Editorial Management

• Manage the end-to-end development, editing, and publication of print and digital instructional materials, including curriculum guides, assessments, and learning resources
• Oversee all editorial processes with a focus on quality and consistency, ensuring content meets Ascend’s academic and editorial standards for accuracy and instructional integrity
• Enforce branding guidelines, house style, and editorial rigor through effective copyediting, proofreading, and coordination of design approvals
• Partner with internal and external subject matter experts and instructional designers to ensure materials are engaging and instructionally sound
• Maintain version control and implement quality assurance systems to ensure content consistency and accuracy
• Ensure curriculum materials are aligned with Ascend’s instructional standards and meet the needs of our diverse learners

Platform Management

• Build and maintain expertise in digital tools used for curriculum creation and distribution (e.g., content management systems, learning platforms, publishing software)
• Configure and manage instructional content in internal and external platforms, ensuring accessibility, accuracy, and ease of use
• Troubleshoot technical issues and liaise with curriculum developers, platform teams, and end-users to ensure effective solutions

Project Management

• Act as a central point of coordination for cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment on timelines, deliverables, and objectives.
• Analyze publication timelines, feedback, and data to track progress and identify areas for operational improvement and to inform long-term strategy
• Provide timely guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders throughout the content development lifecycle

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Publishing, or Instructional Design preferred
• 4 + years of experience in educational publishing, curriculum operations, or academic content management
• Strong understanding of pedagogical best practices and instructional design principles
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and other education technology platforms
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex projects with competing deadlines
• Strategic mindset with the ability to design, lead, and continuously improve scalable operational systems
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work across departments and with external partners

Skills and Traits

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage both strategic initiatives and day-to-day tasks with precision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and clarity in both content and process documentation
• Comfortable navigating digital platforms, managing data in tools like Excel, and troubleshooting issues across systems
• Effective at juggling competing priorities and problem-solving in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Compensation

Initial salary offers for this position range from $70,000 - $85,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.

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.