Director of Convening Operations

DREAM; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & vision

Parental leave

401(k) matching

Job summary

DREAM seeks a Director of Convening Operations to lead planning, logistics, and execution of in-person Convenings and online webinars for partner schools. You will manage multi-track events, ensure high-quality experiences, and coordinate curriculum resources for distribution.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in operations and events, with a track record of handling large, multi-stakeholder programs in educational settings. Start-up mindset and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 6+ years of experience in operations and large-scale event management, required.
• K-12 education event/ops experience highly preferred; others considered.
• Led large-scale, complex events for 100+ participants with multiple vendors.
• Excellent operational, organizational, and project-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to coordinate multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of two-day in-person Convenings per semester for 100+ participants.
• Create detailed project plans, show flows, and processes with vendors, space, catering, and programming.
• Organize monthly webinars and partner-focused events for NYC DOE audiences.
• Oversee packaging and distribution of AI curriculum and resources for partners.

Skills

Project management

Operations

Communication

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Written materials

Time management

Adaptability

Data-informed decisions

Startup mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools - growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, the Director of Convening Operations will lead the planning, logistics, and execution of in-person Convenings, online webinars, and other learning experiences that support DREAM’s AI partner schools. The Director will manage large-scale, multi-track events, virtual gatherings, and the operational coordination of implementation activities.

The Director will also oversee the packaging and distribution of curriculum, playbooks, and other resources, ensuring partners receive polished, ready-to-use materials. This role requires a highly organized, hands-on operations leader who can translate complex plans into well‑executed experiences for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

Large-Scale Events Operations

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of two-day in-person Convenings held once per semester for all partner schools, serving as the primary driver and project manager;
• Create and manage detailed project plans, show flows, and operating processes to coordinate contributors, vendors, space, catering, rentals, programming, etc., ensuring readiness across all event components;
• Coordinate multiple learning tracks for 100+ participants including network leaders, school leaders, teachers, and data and technology teams within the Convenings;
• Ensure seamless event logistics, participant communications, materials, and on-site execution, anticipating needs and creating an excellent experience for all participants;

Webinars and Implementation Support

• Organize monthly virtual gatherings and webinars for partners, managing scheduling, invitations, session logistics, and participant materials;
• Own the planning and operational execution of thought leadership events and webinars for NYC Department of Education audiences;
• Lead the planning and logistics associated with the Program Implementation Team’s onsite coaching visits and meetings;
• Manage invitations, prework, learning materials, and branded items for coaching visits, meetings, and other program activities;
• Maintain clear schedules, processes, and communications so internal teams and partners understand expectations, deadlines, and next steps.

Publishing

• Oversee the preparation and packaging of AI curriculum, playbooks, guides, and other partner-facing resources, ensuring clear formatting, consistent presentation, and readiness for digital and/or physical distribution;
• Organize digital resources so partners can easily locate and use materials;
• Manage printing, assembly, and distribution of physical resources.

Other responsibilities related to the role as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, required, advanced degree preferred;
• 6+ years of experience in operations and large-scale event management, required;
• Experience in events and operations in K-12 education highly preferred; candidates with substantial event and operations experience in other settings will also be considered;
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale, complex events for more than 100 participants and coordinating multiple vendors, including creating show flows, project plans, and repeatable processes;
• Superb operational, organizational, and project-management skills, with exceptional attention to detail, strong follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to keep colleagues, partners, and participants informed and prepared;
• Ability to produce polished, well-organized written materials, coordinating the work of multiple stakeholders to create;
• Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Resourcefulness and sound judgment in resolving logistical challenges and adapting plans while maintaining a high-quality participant experience;
• Start-up mindset: demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach, ready to build something from the ground up;
• Ability to stay up-to-date on AI as it evolves and to use data to inform decisions and improvements;
• Deep commitment to DREAM’s mission, values, and graduate vision, with a strong belief in the power of families as partners and leaders.

Benefits and Paid Time Off

• Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment;
• Access to a professional development fund;
• Referral bonuses;
• All full-time Network Support employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays;
• Benefits are subject to change.

Compensation

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience. The incoming annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All regular employees receive annual compensation increases and have the opportunity to earn both performance- and tenure-based bonuses. Because we value tenure in each role, our salary ranges are not capped.

Commitment

• Ideal Start: Immediate
• The Director of Convening Operations is part of the Innovation Team, which currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote per week, with some weeks requiring more in-person work.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.