Special Projects 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 to NYC

Wellness stipend

Therapy sessions

MacBook Air

Snacks & coffee

Job summary

Zeta Charter Schools in New York City is hiring for a Special Projects Associate or Manager to drive operational excellence across assessments, student programs, and schoolwide initiatives. The role is on-site in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens with a starting salary of $66,500 to $78,000 and reports to the Operations Director.

The role emphasizes building scalable systems, leading cross-functional projects, and ensuring timely execution.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of project management, operations, or data analysis experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.
• Systems-minded approach with proactive communication and process building.
• Comfort using detailed information and learning new assessment and student-information systems.
• Leadership experience or potential for supervising a team (manager level).
• Ability to thrive in a fully in-person environment in NYC.

Responsibilities

• Execute the Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan to maintain a score of 90% or higher.
• Own and strengthen core operational systems enabling student success (assessments, after-school clubs, programming).
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects from planning through execution.
• Plan and execute all student assessment operations across grade levels (scheduling, materials, proctor coordination, communication, data analysis).
• Design, implement, and improve systems for after-school clubs and specialist programming.
• Plan and lead family- and student-facing events to strengthen school culture.
• Develop proactive communications for families and staff on assessments and programming, upholding Zeta’s Family Wow.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with families, colleagues, and staff.
• Create scalable processes and tools to support growth across schools.

Skills

Project management

Operations

Data analysis

Organization

Google Sheets/Excel

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team supervision

Tools

Google Sheets

Excel

Job description

Special Projects 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: Special Projects 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 a Special Projects Associate or Manager who is excited to drive operational excellence across assessments, student programs, and other high-stakes schoolwide projects by building strong systems and executing plans with accuracy, urgency, and exceptional attention to detail. 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 project management, operations, or data analysis within a fast-paced environment is required. Recent college graduates with relevant internship experience will also be considered
• Exceptional organization, project management, and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and ensure accuracy from planning through execution
• A systems-minded approach, with the initiative to anticipate needs, identify gaps, ask thoughtful questions, and build clear processes and trackers
• Comfort working with detailed information and technical tools, including proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel and the ability to learn new assessment and student-information systems
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fully in-person environment and approach high-stakes work with urgency, grit, proactive communication, and consistent follow-through
• A strong work ethic 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 Special Projects Associate or Manager role, you will:

• Execute the school’s Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE) Action Plan to maintain a score of at least 90%, tracking progress, completing action items, and partnering closely with the Operations team to drive consistent follow-through on schoolwide priorities.
• Own and strengthen core operational systems that enable student success—specifically assessment administration and after-school club and specialist programming.
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects from planning through execution, leveraging strong project management and people leadership to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Plan and execute all student assessment operations across grade levels, including scheduling, materials preparation, proctor coordination, family communication, and the organization and analysis of assessment data in partnership with Academic teams.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve systems for after-school clubs and specialist programming, ensuring high-quality, equitable access and smooth daily operations.
• Plan and lead key family- and student-facing events, strengthening school culture, engagement, and a sense of belonging within the Zeta community.
• Develop clear, proactive communications for families and staff—particularly related to assessments and after-school programming—delivering Zeta’s standard of “Family Wow” at every touchpoint.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with families, colleagues, and staff, serving as a reliable, responsive partner across the school community.
• Create scalable, replicable processes and tools that support consistency and growth across schools, with a focus on assessments and student programs.

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