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: 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
Salary range: $105,000 - $150,000
Reports to: Principal and Network Operational Excellence Leader

We hire for this role on a rolling basis as positions become available. If your experience aligns with our hiring priorities, our team may reach out to discuss current or future opportunities.

Compensation is determined according to Zeta's applicable salary scale, which factors in relevant experience and internal equity. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at or near the start of the above range. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

We are searching for an Operations Director who is excited to lead operational excellence across a Zeta school and build a high-performing team and systems that deliver exceptional safety, facilities, and day-to-day execution so students and educators can thrive.

You bring:

• A Bachelor's degree 
• A minimum of 2 years of experience leading high-performing operations teams, with a proven track record of developing talent, establishing and executing an ambitious vision for excellence, and driving exceptional results
• Strong operational judgment and execution, with experience overseeing complex, high-pressure day-to-day operations and facilities management
• Proven ability in balancing competing priorities, and responding to challenges with urgency, ownership, and solutions-oriented follow-through
• A deep commitment to safety, with experience developing and implementing safety protocols, managing risk, and creating environments where students and staff feel secure and supported
• A relentless bar for excellence, with the ability to identify gaps, anticipate needs, solve root causes, and build simple, effective systems that improve operational performance
• Experience leading K–12 school operations is strongly preferred, along with deep connection to Zeta's mission and a student-centered approach

In the Operations Director role, you will:

• 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 school 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 frequent coaching, performance management, and targeted professional development, ensuring the team consistently meets or exceeds Zeta's operational goals and expectations.
• Own and execute the school's Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan to maintain a score of at least 90%, using data to set monthly priorities and ensuring strong alignment with school leadership and Network-level 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, 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.

To ensure a thoughtful and equitable review process, candidates may submit a maximum of one application for the same position within 30 days.