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

The Manager of Academic Operations is responsible for coordinating and executing the systems and processes that support Ascend Public Charter Schools’ instructional operations. This role ensures that curriculum, assessments, and academic operations run smoothly across schools by managing logistics, ensuring compliance, and generating reports. Reporting to the Director of Academic Operations, this role sits on the Academic Operations Team and partners closely with the Schools Management Office and Network Operations team to provide timely, accurate, and actionable information that supports strong academic outcomes.

This position is integral to delivering Ascend’s mission by ensuring that the operational aspects of teaching and learning are seamless, reliable, and aligned with network priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Data & Reporting

• Oversee the collection, accuracy, and reporting of academic data to support instructional decision-making.
• Ensure programmatic guidelines for data and reporting are consistently followed.

Assessment Coordination

• Administer and coordinate all internal and external assessments, ensuring compliance with requirements and smooth execution across schools.
• Train and support school-based staff to ensure assessments are administered accurately and on time.

Instructional Materials & Purchasing

• Analyze purchasing needs, order academic materials, and manage inventory to ensure that classrooms are equipped with the necessary resources.
• Track and reconcile academic operations budgets related to materials and assessments.

Training & Support

• Provide guidance and training for school-based staff on academic operations processes.
• Serve as the point of contact for questions and troubleshooting related to assessments, reporting, and instructional materials.
• Manage the logistics and operations of professional development sessions, including scheduling, preparing materials, and coordinating on-site activities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in school operations, academic operations, or project management (education sector strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking skills; able to improve processes and build scalable solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and workstreams simultaneously.
• Comfort with technology, systems, and tools to improve efficiency; experience with project management or operations software is a plus.
• Commitment to Ascend’s mission and values, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The Manager of Academic Operations will report directly to the Director of Academic Operations.

Compensation

The salary will range between $70,000 - $85,000. Several factors, such as a candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations, may influence base pay offered. This salary range is reflective of a position based in New York City.

This is a full-time, exempt position that 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
• Occasional professional conference travel



In-person work expectations include network office time, stakeholder meetings, school visits, special events, and other role-specific responsibilities as determined by management.