Culture Operations Associate (Immediate)

About the Organization

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing nearly 1,700 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization, we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

About You

Explore Schools seeks a dedicated school professional to join our team as a Culture Operations Associate. This critical role requires flexibility and the ability to wear many hats to help the school meet its cultural and non-instructional goals and objectives. Our ideal candidate will have:

• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated track record of navigating challenging demands swiftly, thoughtfully, and in a detailed manner
• Dedication to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Commitment to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
• A willingness to go above and beyond to support our mission
• Strong technical computer skills
• A steadfast commitment to collaboration and teamwork
• Professional integrity, flexibility, and a reflective attitude
• The ability to execute tasks efficiently and with a sense of urgency and attention to detail
• The ability to work with and manage others up, down, and sideways
• The ability to execute and communicate in a direct and sensitive fashion

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree, prior related experience, Spanish or Haitian Creole fluency, and familiarity with Crown Heights, Canarsie, or Flatbush neighborhoods.

Responsibilities

The Culture Operations Associate will ensure the smooth operations of the school's Culture Office, serving as a liaison between the Culture and Operations teams. Key responsibilities include:

• Tracking and reporting on culture data
• Attendance tracking and follow-up with families and students
• Coordinating parent/guardian communication regarding behavioral expectations, uniform and attendance policies, consequences, and interventions
• General support of the school, main office, and culture office, including:
  • Coordinating and creating materials for weekly student assemblies
  • Scheduling and planning for meetings and events
  • Creating, printing, and distributing materials
  • Monitoring arrival, lunch, recess, dismissal, and detention
• De-escalating students through pick-ups, returning them to class, 1:1 conversations, student mediations, and information gathering
• Monitoring the dean’s office and ensuring all dean’s office systems are upheld
• Assisting the school dean and other school leadership team members with various tasks and student-related needs
• Ensuring the safety of students at all times
• Assisting with non-instructional supervision of students, such as arrival/dismissal, hallway monitoring, substitute teaching, lunch & playground duty, or supervision of detention/extracurricular activities
• Keeping accurate and organized records of student information
• Collaborating with colleagues throughout the Explore Schools network
• Actively engaging in identity work and necessary conversations to dismantle white supremacy culture

Pay

The salary range for incoming Culture Operations Associates is $55,000 to $63,000. This is our good faith range at the time of posting. Incoming salaries are determined based on experience and internal equity. Because we value staff members staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges. This range applies to incoming staff members only and does not include additional compensation opportunities, such as signing bonuses, overtime pay, stipends, leadership opportunities, and additional pay for specialized certifications and advanced degrees.

Benefits

• A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families
• Dental and vision plans
• Employer-paid disability and life insurance
• Parental leave benefits
• Flexible spending account options
• Generous vacation time and paid holidays
• Professional development and continuing education scholarships
• Referral bonuses
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Childcare assistance
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning

School-based staff also receive:

• Weekly professional development, year-round retreats and trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• Continued education support: scholarship funds towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition
• A flexible work environment with the ability to choose your work location during non-student hours 1-3 days a week when possible, all within a structured 45-hour work week

Schedule

The standard workweek is 45 hours, though at times you may work more. For non-exempt roles, employees are eligible for overtime for any work over 40 hours. This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime.

Location and Physical Requirements

Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in the Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. This position requires in-person work. Physical requirements include:

• Ability to stand for at least 5 hours a day
• Ability to take multiple trips up and down the stairs in a day
• Ability to move quickly in an emergency
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds