SY 26 - 27 Assistant Principal of Operations

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.

• Operational Management & Systems: 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 & Continuous 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.
• School Culture & Community: Contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture that reflects Ascend’s values and high expectations. Plan and manage events and systems that strengthen relationships with students, families, and staff. Foster a welcoming, joyful, and well-run school environment for all stakeholders.
• 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 and priorities.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree, with an advanced degree (MPA, MBA, or equivalent experience) is 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.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The Assistant Principal of Operations reports to the principal and supervises the operations staff. Network Directors of Operations (NDOs) have a dotted line coaching relationship with APOs.

Compensation

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000, determined based on experience and education level using an equitable compensation scale. This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits