Resident Operations Director (2027-2028)

Job Description

Job Description

Follow your passion 

Are you ready to help build the next chapter of educational excellence?

At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Zeta serves students across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens and continues to grow our Pre-K through 12th grade network at an ambitious pace. This year alone, we opened our first high school, added another elementary school in Queens, and launched two additional middle schools in the Bronx. And we are not slowing down. We have big plans to continue growing each year so that more children have access to an excellent education. Joining Zeta means joining a team that is actively building the next generation of our school network and serving as a change agent for children.

Role: Resident Operations Director
Start date: July 2027 or sooner, based on Zeta's immediate hiring needs and your availability
Location: Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens
Work model: Fully on-site in New York City
Year 1 salary: $92,000
Reports to: Principal and/or Operations Director, and Network Operational Excellence

We hire for this role at different points throughout the year as positions become available, and onboard on a rolling basis. If your experience aligns with what we are looking for, our team may reach out to explore a current or upcoming opportunity and whether the timing is right for both you and Zeta.

Compensation is determined according to Zeta's applicable salary scale, which factors in relevant experience and internal equity. 

We are searching for a Resident Operations Director who is excited to rapidly grow into leading operational excellence across a Zeta school. You are a high-potential leader with strong judgment, proven project management skills, a systems-minded approach to solving problems, and a relentless bar for excellence.

You bring:

• A Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience leading complex projects, teams, or operational work in a high-performing environment
• Strong project management and execution skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive work through completion
• A systems-minded approach to the work, with the ability to identify gaps, anticipate needs, solve root causes, and improve how work gets done
• Strong judgment and the ability to respond to challenges with urgency, ownership, and solutions-oriented follow-through
• Deep alignment with Zeta's mission and a student-centered approach to learning
• Experience in K-12 education or school operations is preferred but not required

In the Resident Operations Director role, you will:

• Complete an intensive 6-to-12-month residency designed to prepare you to become the Operations Director of a Zeta school.
• Serve as a full-time member of an established School-Based Operations Team, learning alongside experienced school and operations leaders while contributing meaningfully to daily execution.
• Take on increasing ownership of school operations, building the judgment, technical knowledge, and leadership skills required to oversee a full school operations function.
• Lead high-impact school-based and network-wide projects, managing work from initial problem diagnosis through execution and measurable results.
• Strengthen systems for safety, facilities, and daily school operations, helping create a secure, welcoming, and exceptionally well-run environment for students, staff, and families.
• Use data to identify gaps and improve operational systems, balancing immediate execution with long-term planning and continuous improvement.
• Develop the people leadership and cross-functional partnership skills needed to lead an operations team and serve as an effective member of a school leadership team.
• Drive execution of the school's Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan to maintain a score of at least 90%, using data to set monthly priorities and partnering closely with school leadership and Network-level teams.

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo, tackle problems together, and stand united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. 

At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team's needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details

We offer great benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings 
• Competitive compensation 
• Relocation support to help eligible candidates make the move to New York City

We provide awesome perks

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses – from gym memberships to salon appointments, concerts, and more
• Four live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and a free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked team spaces with snacks and quality coffee to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Zeta swag, team outings, and some of NYC's finest sweet treats handpicked from our CEO
• Books and resources for professional development 

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth

• Clear pathways to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates 
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.