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 is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Academic Operations to lead the network’s academic operations function. The Director will oversee the systems, processes, and teams that ensure every school has the curriculum materials, assessments, and resources needed to deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction. This leader will manage a diverse team spanning procurement, publications, and assessments and will partner across departments to ensure schools receive the highest-quality academic infrastructure. The Director plays a critical role in enabling teachers and leaders to focus on what matters most: excellent teaching and learning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Set the vision, strategy, and goals for the Academic Operations team in alignment with organizational priorities
• Oversee all major academic operations workstreams: instructional procurement and contract management, publications (print and digital), assessments administration and management, and grading policies
• Ensure systems and processes are designed for efficiency, scalability, and equity across schools

Team Management & Development

• Directly manage a team providing coaching, feedback, and professional growth opportunities
• Build team culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Align staff priorities and workflows to meet network-wide goals and school needs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with curriculum and instruction leaders to align academic operations with instructional vision and priorities
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Operations to ensure budget compliance, vendor management, and smooth distribution of resources
• Represent Academic Operations in cross-network planning, ensuring alignment with other teams and organizational initiatives

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Establish clear processes, tools, and timelines that enable schools to receive instructional materials and assessments reliably
• Monitor data on procurement, assessment administration, and publications to identify trends and inform decision-making
• Build feedback loops with schools to continuously refine and improve systems

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The Director of Academic Operations reports to the Chief Schools Officer and directly manages staff across procurement, publications, and assessments. This leader partners closely with curriculum leaders, school-based staff, and other network teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• 8+ years of professional experience, with at least 4 years in leadership roles managing academic operations, procurement, or large-scale education systems
• Proven track record of leading teams, managing budgets, and building complex systems in an educational context
• Strong familiarity with curriculum, assessments, and instructional materials preferred

Skills and Traits

• Strategic thinker who can set vision while managing execution
• Experienced people leader who develops talent and builds strong teams
• Excellent project and operations management skills with the ability to oversee multiple large-scale workstreams
• Skilled communicator who can partner across diverse stakeholders and functions
• Commitment to educational equity and Ascend’s mission

Compensation

The salary will range between $90,000-$150,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.

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.