Associate Director/Director of Operational Excellence

Follow your passion

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? 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.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, and are opening three new elementary schools in Queens for the 2025-26 school year. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a stellar Associate Director or Director of Operational Excellence with a Bachelor's Degree and 4-6 years of experience working in operations, in schools and/or managing projects for a schooling organization. The position title will be commensurate with candidate experience.

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting all school operations work for our growing Pre-K through 8th grade school model. You are an excellent project manager with expertise in building strong operational systems. You’ll work with a team of mission-driven, high-achieving, passionate colleagues to help Zeta succeed in its mission to build and sustain high-performing schools that forge thriving communities of lifelong learners, problem solvers, and innovators.

As an Associate Director / Director of Operational Excellence, you will be responsible for:

• Removing roadblocks and barriers for our Operations Teams through proactive problem-solving
• Project managing the operational components of specific network-wide initiatives in pursuit of operational excellence across our schools
• Leading the charge on piloting new, innovative systems across Zeta with the goal of creating scalable systems across our sites as our organization grows
• Creating strong, scalable, well-documented systems for a variety of other components of school operations
• Contributing to the leadership of the organization-wide Operations team, including leading trainings as requested and contributing to long-term planning for Zeta Operations
• Wearing multiple hats as a part of a lean start-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

Join our purpose-driven community

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• 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
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $100,000 and $145,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position at the Manager level and above is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

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

We provide awesome perks:

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (Gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts – it’s up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace, and a free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air, and specified monthly reimbursement for use of mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC’s finest sweet treats
• Books for professional development

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• Clear pathway 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

Apply Now!

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 (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).