School Operations Associate or Manager (2027-2028)

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 67,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Wellness stipend

Headspace access

MacBook Air

Snacks and coffee

Professional development resources

Job summary

Zeta Charter Schools in New York City seeks an Operations Associate or Manager to drive operational excellence across our Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens campuses. The role focuses on safety, facilities, and day-to-day operations so teachers and students can thrive in a fully on-site environment.

Start date is July 2027 or sooner, with the title depending on experience. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth within Zeta’s expanding school network.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of relevant, hands-on experience in facilities, operations, or safety.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through reliably
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fully in-person environment and respond to challenges with urgency, professionalism, and solutions-oriented judgment
• A hands-on, systems-minded approach, with the initiative to identify gaps, improve processes, and take ownership of results
• A strong work ethic, service-oriented mindset, and genuine openness to feedback and growth
• Candidates considered for the Manager level are preferred to have experience supervising a team, though candidates who have trained or developed teammates will also be considered, and should demonstrate a proven track record of owning complex operational projects, managing stakeholders, building systems, and driving strong results through others

Responsibilities

• Execute the ZOE Action Plan to maintain a score of at least 90%, including tracking progress and ensuring follow-through on monthly priorities.
• Support and strengthen efficient, scalable operational systems across the school building, in close partnership with the Operations Director.
• Manage day-to-day and long-term purchasing and inventory systems, using data, forecasting, and best practices to steward school resources responsibly.
• Assist with vendor relationships and negotiations, particularly in support of food service programs, facilities needs, and school renovations.
• Collaborate closely with school leaders and teammates to maintain a safe, organized, and high-functioning school environment where students and staff can thrive.
• Plan, manage, and execute school-wide systems and projects, including enrollment processes and student record maintenance.
• Serve as a welcoming ambassador of Zeta’s mission and growing brand, ensuring warmth, professionalism, and Family Wow for all.
• Own front office operations, serving as the primary point of contact for visitors and families and delivering world-class service.
• Plan and execute school-wide events and communications, including maintaining the events calendar and weekly family newsletters.
• Build and sustain strong, authentic relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Model ownership, attention to detail, and problem-solving to contribute to a culture of operational brilliance and joyful community.

Skills

Operations experience

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Team supervision

Stakeholder management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Job description

School Operations Associate or Manager (2027-2028)

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.

The role at a glance

Role: Operations Associate or Manager
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: $66,500 - $78,000 starting salary
Reports to: Operations Director

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. Candidates hired at the Associate level can generally expect to fall toward the beginning to midpoint of the posted salary range, while candidates hired at the Manager level can generally expect to fall toward the midpoint to upper end.

Who you are

We are searching for Operations Associates or Managers who are excited to help drive operational excellence across a Zeta school by ensuring school safety, maintaining exceptional facilities, and delivering seamless day-to-day operations so students and educators can thrive. Candidates bilingual in English and Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply. The position title will be commensurate with candidate experience relative to Zeta’s organizational levels.

You bring:

• 1+ year of relevant, hands-on experience in facilities, operations, or safety within a fast-paced environment is required. Recent college graduates with relevant internship experience will also be considered
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through reliably
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fully in-person environment and respond to challenges with urgency, professionalism, and solutions-oriented judgment
• A hands-on, systems-minded approach, with the initiative to identify gaps, improve processes, and take ownership of results
• A strong work ethic, service-oriented mindset, and genuine openness to feedback and growth
• Candidates considered for the Manager level are preferred to have experience supervising a team, though candidates who have trained or developed teammates will also be considered, and should demonstrate a proven track record of owning complex operational projects, managing stakeholders, building systems, and driving strong results through others

What you’ll be doing

In the Operations Associate or Manager role, you will:

• Execute the school’s Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan to maintain a score of at least 90%, including tracking progress, completing action items, and ensuring consistent follow-through on monthly priorities.
• Support and strengthen efficient, scalable operational systems that maximize effectiveness across the school building, in close partnership with the Operations Director.
• Manage day-to-day and long-term purchasing and inventory systems, using data, forecasting, and best practices to steward school resources responsibly.
• Assist with vendor relationships and negotiations, particularly in support of food service programs, facilities needs, and school renovations.
• Collaborate closely with school leaders and teammates to maintain a safe, organized, and high-functioning school environment where students and staff can thrive.
• Plan, manage, and execute school-wide systems and projects, including student enrollment processes, student record maintenance, and long-term operational initiatives.
• Serve as a welcoming ambassador of Zeta’s mission and growing brand, ensuring all students, families, staff, and visitors experience warmth, professionalism, and “Family Wow.”
• Own front office operations, serving as the primary point of contact for visitors and families and delivering consistently world-class service.
• Plan and execute school-wide events and communications, including maintaining the school events calendar and producing weekly family communications and newsletters.
• Build and sustain strong, authentic relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders so every member of the school community feels informed, supported, and included.
• Model strong ownership, attention to detail, and problem-solving, contributing to a culture of operational brilliance and joyful community across the school.

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.

• 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

How does Zeta invest in you?

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.