Director, Special Projects

Relay Graduate School of Education; United States; Remote; USD 96,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

An education-focused organization is seeking a Director of Special Projects. This role involves leading complex initiatives, managing project delivery, and facilitating communication among senior leaders. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, 8+ years of experience, and strong skills in project management and data analysis. The position is based in the United States with a salary range of $96,525 - $135,135, plus comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years supporting senior leadership.
• Experience in planning and executing cross-functional projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects, managing planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Manage scope and design of executive team meetings to ensure efficiency.
• Provide insights and data analysis to support decision-making.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Relay Graduate School of Education (Relay) is an accredited not-for-profit institution of higher education serving educators nationwide. Our mission is to ensure that all students are taught by excellent educators, enabling a more just world where every student has a clear path to a fulfilling life.

Role overview

The Professional Education (PE) team designs and delivers learning experiences for PK–12 educators and leaders. The Director, Special Projects supports the CPLO and the PE executive team by providing cross-functional project management and communications support. This role leads complex initiatives that advance organizational priorities and partners with senior leaders to drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Project Management (60%) – Lead cross-functional projects assigned by the CPLO, managing planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure on-time, on-scope, and on-budget delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Partnerships, Research, Finance) to align projects with priorities.
• Provide project and administrative support to the PE Executive Team, including data analysis, progress tracking, and cross-team coordination.
• Support the Manager, PE Executive Support to ensure operational excellence and effective project execution.
• Synthesize and communicate data and insights to support equitable outcomes, measure program impact, and inform continuous improvement.
• Design and implement project plans, tracking systems, and surveys to assess impact and inform improvements.

• Internal Communications (25%) – Manage the scope, sequence, and design of executive team and senior leader meetings, including monthly all-team meetings, retreats, and sub-team check-ins; ensure meetings are efficient and aligned with goals.
• Maintain consistent, timely, and clear communication with staff and team leaders to facilitate informed decision-making and alignment with Relay’s values.
• Refine systems for streamlined communication, resource sharing, and progress tracking across the PE team.

• Collaboration with PE Executive Team (15%) – Serve as a thought partner, providing insights, recommendations, and data-informed analysis to support decision-making.
• Support adoption of new protocols, frameworks, and processes within the PE team, providing guidance to staff as needed.
• Prepare findings, presentations, and recommendations for the CPLO on strategic projects and operational needs.
• Analyze employee satisfaction data and other team metrics to develop actionable plans that address staff needs and enhance team effectiveness.

Qualifications

Relay seeks candidates who share our commitment to improving student growth and achievement through diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. The role requires, at minimum, a combination of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years supporting or collaborating with senior leadership.
• Experience planning, executing, and monitoring cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines; ability to lead through influence and establish shared accountability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparing presentations for diverse audiences.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization (preferred).
• Experience collaborating across teams, functions, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Experience with or knowledge of K–12 education and professional learning for educators (preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and maintain accuracy and follow-through.
• Experience handling confidential information appropriately.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Relay is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist environment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and will consider candidates who meet a majority of the qualifications.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $96,525 - $135,135. New hires will start at the lower end of the range with room for growth. Relay does not negotiate salary offers. All staff salaries are capped at the maximum of the range. Relay offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including health insurance, disability and life insurance, retirement plan, professional development, and PTO, among others. To learn more about Relay’s benefits, please visit our benefits page.

Work Location Policy

Employees must have a primary work location within the United States and be legally authorized to work. Relay is a registered employer in several states; NYC-based operations apply for headquarters-related withholdings. Relay’s headquarters are in New York City.

Equal employment opportunity Relay Graduate School of Education provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.