Director of School Operations - Downtown Middle School

The Organization

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse ("diverse by design") K–12 college preparatory charter network, serving more than 2,700 students across seven schools in Brooklyn—with two new schools opening soon. Our academic model is built on the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which empowers students to take ownership of their learning and prepares them to thrive as global citizens.

Grounded in our mission to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning, we are guided by our Core Values:

• Curiosity : Ask questions confidently and think critically.
• Care : Center empathy, equity, and inclusion in every action.
• Persistence : Solve problems with determination and creativity.
• Passion : Approach challenges with enthusiasm and purpose.

We have a vision to become, by 2030, the leading network of intentionally diverse schools where all students and educators can learn, work and thrive. Find out more about who we are and what we believe by spending a few minutes reading our 2024 Annual Report .

The Role

Prospect Schools is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and equity-minded Director of School Operations (DSO) to ensure that school systems run smoothly so that leaders and teachers can focus on teaching and learning. Reporting to the Senior Director of School Operations (SDSO) and serving as a key member of the School Management Team (SMT), the DSO leads all non-instructional functions of the school, with a focus on financial stewardship, enrollment, facilities and safety, people management, compliance, and operational planning.

Key Responsibilities

School Leadership & Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a core member of the SMT, advising on school-wide decisions and aligning operations to instructional and cultural priorities.
• Analyze operational and financial data to recommend strategic adjustments that sustain the school’s financial health.
• Collaborate with the Principal, SDSO, the MD of Schools, and the Teaching & Learning team to foster a safe, equitable, and student-centered environment.
• Lead school-based enrollment and recruitment efforts, including tours, open houses, and onboarding new families to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Financial M anagement & Budget Stewardship

• Partner with the Principal and Network Finance Team to build, monitor, and adjust the school budget; recommend corrective actions to ensure reserves and targets are met.
• Track revenue and expenses across categories (supplies, food service, facilities, aftercare, etc.), making proactive adjustments to close gaps.
• Coordinate procurement processes for essential curricular and school supplies.
• Provide clear, data-driven updates to SDSO, Principal, and network leadership.

Facilities, Safety & Compliance

• Oversee facilities management and vendor partnerships to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming spaces.
• Develop proactive facilities and safety calendars, ensuring readiness for key deadlines (e.g., testing windows, first day of school, compliance submissions).
• Lead emergency preparedness systems, including safety drills, protocols, and staff readiness.
• Ensure the school meets all health, safety, and legal compliance requirements.

Team Management & Coaching

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of operations staff, with clear performance goals, feedback structures, and accountability systems.
• Model effective coaching by addressing underperformance directly and supporting professional growth.
• Build a collaborative, high-trust operations culture that strengthens teacher and family confidence.

Operational Planning & Systems Execution

• Design and execute detailed, minute-by-minute plans for complex school events (testing windows, orientation, family nights, etc.), integrating staff, student flow, facilities, and contingencies.
• Lead and monitor systems for enrollment, testing, and state assessments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective communication with staff and families.
• Steward systems for attendance and operational data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and accessibility for decision-making.
• Lead professional development on school operations and systems.
• Establish role clarity and accountability systems across staff, ensuring follow-through.

About You

• Deep alignment with Prospect Schools’ mission and values.
• Minimum of 5 years of operational leadership experience in education, nonprofit, or related sectors.
• Proven track record of budget management, enrollment operations, facilities oversight, compliance, team coaching, and large-scale event planning.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to frame recommendations clearly for senior leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Salary : Employees at Prospect Schools are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. The salary range for this role is from $117,000 – $129,146.

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Vacation Days
• 401(K) and Roth 401(K) with a 4% employer match with a 3-year vesting schedule
• Flexible spending accounts, including Transit Commuter Options, Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA options
• Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program with free expert support services to assist with a variety of life issues, from family care to mental health services

Equal Opportunity Employer
EEO and ADA Statement Prospect Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Prospect Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: View email address on prospectschools.hiringplatform.com .

The critical features of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.