Operations Director (2026-2027, Founding Flushing K-1 School)

Job Description

Job Description

Follow your passion

Are you ready to lead 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.

We currently operate multiple elementary and middle schools across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens , and continue to grow - opening 1–2 new schools each year, because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. As part of this organizational expansion, we are also preparing to welcome our first-ever Zeta High School class of 9th graders in the 2026-27 school year, a milestone that marks the next chapter in our mission to provide a world-class, PreK-12 pathway. Join our growing team today and be a change agent for children.

This role is specifically for Zeta Queens Flushing Elementary School, which is our newest school in Queens launching in the 2026-2027 school year. Location is pending.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for an Operations Director with a Bachelor's degree and high pressure operations leadership experience along with a proven record of leadership abilities and a relentlessly high excellence bar. There is a strong preference for Mandarin-speaking applicants.

Responsibilities:

• Be the Safety leader of your school, including developing and maintaining safety systems, safety training and culture, emergency response plans, and crisis management,
• Own the full operational vision and execution for the school , leading a 2–6 person operations team to deliver exceptional, reliable, and scalable systems through a culture of high expectations, clear accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Design, implement, and refine schoolwide operational systems – including arrival, lunch, recess, transitions, and dismissal – to ensure a seamless, safe, and joyful experience for students, staff, and families.
• Serve as the chief steward of a world-class facility , overseeing facilities management, vendor partnerships, emergency preparedness, and building-level relationships (e.g., landlord) to maintain a safe, compliant, and inspiring environment for learning.
• Ensure excellence in financial and compliance operations , including but not limited to credit card and invoice management, DOE billing, ACS and custody compliance, and adherence to all city, state, and federal requirements in partnership with Network Operations, Finance, and Advisory Teams.
• Lead technology operations for staff, students, and the building – ensuring tools and systems are functional, secure, and optimized for instructional and operational needs.
• Manage and develop the School Business Operations Team (SBOT) through coaching, performance management, and targeted professional development, ensuring the team consistently meets or exceeds Zeta's operational goals.
• Own the school's Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan , analyzing data, driving monthly priorities, and ensuring strong communication and alignment with school leadership and network partners.
• Act as the primary liaison between the School Team and Network Operations , proactively surfacing needs, sharing insights, and ensuring smooth coordination on all non-academic school matters.

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. 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 are caring and put team over individual at all times

We are hiring on a rolling basis, as well as for the 2026-2027 school year with a start date of July 6, 2026. The salary range for this position is between $100,000 and $145,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience in operations and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

Zeta offers a relocation reimbursement of up to $2,500 for eligible staff relocating to join our school community.

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

We provide awesome perks:

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts – it's up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC's finest sweet treats
• Books for professional development

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• Clear pathway 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 (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).