SY 26 - 27 Assistant Principal of Operations

Ascend Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits (health, vision

403(b) retirement plan with employer‑匹

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Ascend Schools in Brooklyn is seeking an Assistant Principal of Operations to build and sustain exceptional operational systems that enable teaching and learning to thrive. In close partnership with the Principal, the APO sets the bar for operational excellence, ensuring a safe, smooth, and efficient day‑to‑day school experience.

The APO oversees non‑academic operations including facilities, compliance, budgeting, operations staff management, and day‑to‑day systems execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or higher
• Three to five years of experience in education or school operations
• Proven ability to design and improve complex operational systems

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve school operations systems
• Oversee facilities, compliance, budgeting, and staff management
• Partner with Principal and network operations to align school and district goals
• Lead with an equity-centered mindset to support students and staff

Job description

Ascend is Brooklyn’s premier K–12 public charter network, committed to graduating high‑achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their future—not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives.

Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students’ brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long‑term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture‑building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.

At Ascend, adults are held to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.

Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.

About the Role

The Assistant Principal of Operations (APO) is a school‑based leader responsible for building and sustaining exceptional operational systems that enable teaching and learning to thrive. In close partnership with the Principal, the APO sets the bar for operational excellence, ensuring that the school runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently every day.

The APO oversees all non‑academic operations, including facilities, compliance, budgeting, school operations staff management, and day‑to‑day systems execution. This role requires strong judgment, urgency, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced school environment.

APOs report directly to the Principal and receive coaching support from the Senior Director of Operations. As a core member of the school leadership team, the APO plays a critical role in shaping school culture, supporting staff and students, and ensuring financial and operational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management & Systems Design

• Design, implement, and continuously improve systems and processes that support daily operations and long‑term school goals.
• Own and execute all operational workflows, ensuring smooth, predictable, and high‑quality day‑to‑day functioning of the school.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, emergency preparedness, and state and federal regulations.
• Oversee facilities management, space usage, and vendor relationships.

Strategic Leadership & Continuously Improvement

• Partner with the Principal to lead the school’s operational vision and execution.
• Use data to evaluate operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Anticipate risks, identify root causes, and proactively address operational challenges.
• Support school‑wide initiatives that advance student outcomes and staff effectiveness.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, manage, coach, and develop school‑based operations staff.
• Set clear expectations, provide actionable feedback, and hold team members accountable for results.
• Build strong, collaborative teams grounded in trust, clarity, and continuous growth.

Equity & Inclusion

• Embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti‑racism principles into operational systems and decision‑making.
• Build staff capacity to lead operations with an equity‑centered mindset.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with network operations, finance, HR, and academic teams.
• Ensure alignment between school‑level execution and network‑wide systems.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the School Principal.
• Receives coaching support from the Senior Director of Operations.
• Supervises school‑based operations staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree (MPA, MBA, or equivalent experience) preferred.
• Three to five years of professional experience, preferably in an educational organization or a school.
• Demonstrated success managing complex systems and leading teams.

Skills and Traits

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of school‑based operations, including facilities, scheduling, compliance, and resource management.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and refine systems that drive smooth daily operations and long‑term school success.
• Strong people management and coaching skills, with a clear focus on accountability and professional growth.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills in fast‑paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with a racial equity lens and embed DEI and anti‑racist practices into operations.
• Clear, effective communicator who collaborates well with school leaders, staff, families, and network partners.
• High level of ownership, adaptability, and follow‑through.
• Strong alignment with Ascend’s mission, values, and commitment to educational equity.

Compensation

• Salary range: $90,000 - $115,000, based on experience and education level.
• Full‑time, exempt position offering comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and additional benefits.