Network Manager of Operations

Overview

Ascend seeks a dynamic and experienced operations manager, who will be responsible for leading administrative support and operations for the Ascend Learning network office. The network manager of operations will coordinate and support a wide variety of special projects, tasks, and initiatives alongside the network operations and student recruitment and enrollment teams. Reporting to the chief operating officer, the network manager of operations will be uniquely positioned to impact every aspect of Ascend's network office environment, including coordinating and leading reception for the office, developing operational and administrative systems, developing and maintaining systems for shared space use, and ensuring a high quality and productive workspace for Ascend's network teams.

Why extraordinary educators work at Ascend

Ascend is a growing network of K-12 public charter schools serving 5,700 students across 15 schools in Central Brooklyn and offering a new model for public education. Our mission is to lead our students on a great intellectual journey, providing them with an exceptional education and placing them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond.

We guide our students to think critically and independently and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students' natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Even our school buildings are designed to reflect our high aspirations for teaching and learning and the notable accomplishments that occur within our walls.

To create this kind of vibrant learning community, we invest heavily in our faculty by providing ongoing professional training and support, and encourage our educators to collaborate closely and push each other to achieve great outcomes.

Visit our website to learn more about the Ascend approach.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage schools against local, state, and federal compliance and operational data requirements:

• Serve as the compliance contact with the authorizer, SED, and DOE, responsible for addressing and funneling matters to relevant departments as needed
• Oversee the management and troubleshooting of operational systems, Galaxy, ATS, OPT, Famis, IC, and Schoolmint
• Maintain network operational information systems, including collecting, inputting, analyzing, and reporting on data as required
• Oversee operational data systems and compliance requirements, ensuring that ATS and state-level data systems are up-to-date and accurate
• Conduct data entry and analyze and report on operations data, including data required for school, board, and regulatory reporting

Serve as central project manager for Network Operations:

• Lead, execute, and support critical projects and initiatives across all operational areas, including managing operations aspects of HS transition, COVID testing in schools, and creating Network Operations yearly calendar
• Support key network initiatives across the Network Operations team, including supporting professional learning, a framework for ops data and metrics, ad hoc initiatives, and others

Manage key vendor relationships and escalation protocols between schools, network, and external parties:

• Create and maintain a culture of exceptional customer service from the network (AL) to the schools across all operational practices and ensure that this culture infuses all operational business activities and external vendor relationships
• Quickly identify and manage roadblocks or bottlenecks, working closely with the NDOs and chief operating officer to improve school operations

Staff and reporting relationships

The network manager of operations reports to the network director of operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree OR relevant experience in a similar role preferred
• Five or more years of operational or hospitality experience preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Deep understanding of customer service and escalation protocols to achieve outcomes on behalf of schools
• Ability to self-manage in a highly professional work environment requires interfacing with constituents at the network and schools and working under pressure and tight timetables
• Experience with data management systems, similar to Infinite Campus, Illuminate DNA, Automate The Schools (ATS), preferred
• Outstanding computer skills, including fluency with Microsoft Excel, and preferably experience with Microsoft Access
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with data analysis
• Creativity and a solutions mindset-ability to recognize areas for improvement and develop initiatives to move the organization dramatically forward operationally
• Systems-thinking and project planning; capacity to envision, plan and implement new systems and practices that better support school operations
• Capacity to develop strong relationships with staff based on trust, respect, effective communication, and shared goals
• Passion and commitment to urban education and our mission of closing the achievement gap
• Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend

Diversity at Ascend

Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities-opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.

Compensation

Ascend offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.