Senior Director, Strategy & Operations for a 100+ employee (and growing) remote education non-profit providing professional learning to K-12 educators nationally
Type of Vacancy: Salaried, full-time
Start date: January 2025
Location: Remote/home office anywhere in the continental United States
Report to: Managing Director, Teaching Lab Ventures
Supervises: N/A
Compensation: The full salary range for this position is $125,000 - $189,074 annually. There are two types of experience being considered for this role: Experience that is directly relevant to the role and Total Working Experience, in all fields. This includes: internships and consulting work. In collaboration with the hiring manager, the People and Culture team calculates experience based on the candidate’s most current resume. When calculating the offer, consideration is given to candidates that possess additional qualifications (i.e., desired qualifications). Teaching Lab will generally cap salaries for new employees at 105% of the midpoint to allow for continued growth in the role over time.
Teaching Lab is an equal-opportunity employer committed to reflecting the diversity of the students we serve. We pursue equity as both a means and an end and enthusiastically welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this role.
WHO WE ARE
Teaching Lab Studio incubates high-impact ideas made possible by the dramatic progress in generative AI. We believe that AI-enabled supports and tools can unlock the potential of both educators and learners in ways that haven’t been imagined, especially for those furthest from opportunity. To learn more about Teaching Lab Studio, explore our website at https://www.teachinglabstudio.com.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Senior Director, Strategy & Operations co-creates and articulates the strategic direction of the Teaching Lab Studio’s internal operations and strategy alongside the Managing Director (MD), the executive leadership team, and members of the Studio community. The Senior Director, Strategy & Operations is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and updating the structure, systems, strategies, tools, and processes to increase the effectiveness of internal operations and contribute to our mission; training, supporting, and providing guidance to team members to implement these systems, strategies, tools, and processes to meet the organizational goals. In addition, the Senior Director, Strategy & Operations will research, develop, and manage a strategy for partnerships, incubations, acquisitions, integrations, or mergers with other organizations in pursuit of greater programmatic impact. This role is critical in ensuring that Teaching Lab Studio embraces an inclusive and equitable approach to supporting every team member to do their best work every day.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESPrimary responsibilities for the Senior Director, Strategy & Operations include:
Organizational Operations, Controls, and EffectivenessIn collaboration with the MD, establish strategic direction and high-level initiatives in operations to improve and standardize all aspects of operations in alignment with organizational strategic initiatives and directionProvide vision, direction, and support to staff to ensure excellent internal operations in the following areas:Project Management: project management support; centralized staffing to project teams; develop project management skills across the organizationTechnology: maintain and support use on all Teaching Lab Studio tech platforms; enhance functionality and interoperability of all internal technology platform in partnership with the Senior Director, Research & Engineering; optimize data flow between various technology platforms in partnership with the Senior Director, Research & EngineeringContracting, Procurement, and Internal Controls: manage client contracting processes and procedures; ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are documented, up-to-date, easily accessible, and regularly utilized; ensure that the organization runs with legality and compliance to established regulations to minimize risks Lead coordination and integration of efforts between Teaching Lab Ventures and Teaching Lab among Shared Operations, Finance & Strategic Growth, Strategy & Communications, Program, People and Culture, and Innovation divisions to produce smoother workflows and more cost-effective business processesIn collaboration with other business function leads, identify operational and/or project management needs across the organizationIn collaboration with other business function leads, establish quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identify opportunities for improvementCreate a vision and implementation plan for providing operational and/or project management support across the organization to increase efficiency and equity Create, build buy-in for, and implement or oversee the implementation of policies and procedures that will improve day-to-day operations to increase efficiency and equity Propose, build buy-in for, and implement or oversee the implementation of policies and procedures to improve customer service and satisfaction through policy and procedural changesCollaborate with the MD, Teaching Lab Studio and the Managing Director, Finance & Strategic Growth to create organizational budgets
Complex and Special ProjectsMake effective decisions when presented with multiple options for how to progress with the projectServe as a point of contact for teams when multiple teams or team members are assigned to the same project to ensure team actions remain in synergyCommunicate with MD or other leaders to keep the project aligned with organizational goalsPerform quality control on the project throughout development to maintain the standards expectedCollaborate with Studio leadership to develop fundraising and business development strategies, and execute on those strategies with the support of the broader team
Cross-functional Collaboration Collaborate with team members at every level of the organization to generate ideas, strategies, and systems to meet organizational goals in staff development and continuous improvementSolicit input and feedback from staff members on existing and new operational policies or procedures to ensure inclusiveness in our operationsCommunicate and explain new operational policies or procedures to Home Managers and/or all staffEngage in additional work as needed to meet organizational business needs and priorities
Continuous LearningStay abreast of key research and guidance in the field, attend learning experiences to build skills and competencies in strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and nonprofit management and venture capitalEngage in personal and organized learning opportunities as a team member at an organization that aspires to be antiracist and champions racial justice
Perform other duties as assigned by the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer.STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND KEY SUCCESS INDICATORS (KSIs)The Senior Director, Strategy & Operations is accountable for achieving goals set in collaboration with their manager, aligned with Teaching Lab’s Annual Goals, and especially, Key Success Indicators (KSI) for their function specific goals. Additionally, if assigned direct reports, this role would have Home Manager goals. Additional information will be shared with candidates during the recruitment and selection process.
As applicable, within the role, model the radical commitments for our values. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in business administration or relevant field Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business operations in both nonprofit and for-profit spacesTen (10) or more years combined experience directing operational projects and leading teamsExperience creating the strategy for a team or business functionFive (5) or more years combined experience planning and implementing projectsTrack record of effective people management aligned to equity valuesFive (5) or more years combined experience working with partners outside of their organization to manage workflow or deliver servicesExperience setting goals, creating the systems and processes for meeting the goals for increasing organizational effectiveness and risk managementHighly skilled in data analysis and performance/operation metricsExperience managing relationships with clients and stakeholders in an educational contextOutstanding communication and people skillsExperience working with investors and philanthropic fundersDESIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree in business administration or relevant fieldExperience leading at a scaling organizationWORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTSAbility to work a flexible schedule to support operational needsAbility to perform the essential project, duties and responsibilities with or without accommodationAll team members are expected to support program/project needs which could mean that you play multiple roles at Teaching Lab Ventures (i.e., project lead, support, subject matter expert, etc.). Travel could be required for the role. Travel is determined based on business needs and can vary depending on partnership/contract requirements.TEACHING LAB’S VALUES AND COMPETENCIESTeaching Lab seeks to fundamentally shift the paradigm of teacher professional learning by reaching more educators every year with the highest impact programming.
Teaching Lab’s ultimate goals are:
Educators learn more than they would without usStudents learn more than they would without us, in a way that cannot be predicted by race, gender, or family incomeEducators we serve say they love our approach, and they want to keep doing it to advance educational equity
All employees are expected to embrace Teaching Lab Values, which are necessary to develop Teaching Lab Competencies, which help us to achieve our Ultimate Goals.
Collaboration & Responsive ServiceResilient Solution-FindingResearch & Learning With HumilityAccountable ExcellenceEquity & JusticeREVIEW DATEThis position opened on November 1, 2024 and will remain open until filled. All applications received between November 1, 2024 and November 11, 2024 will be reviewed by the hiring team. Any applications received after November 11, 2024 will be reviewed as needed. Application Terms & Conditions:
I understand that any falsification or omission of information from this Employment Application can disqualify me from employment (includes rescinding an offer of employment or if hired, employment termination).
I understand that this Employment Application is not an offer of employment. If employed, employment is at will, and either party can terminate the employment relationship at any time.
I understand that if I am offered a conditional offer of employment, it would be contingent upon successful pre-work checks, which include references and verifications/checks for a social security number, education, employment, criminal records search (national and county), global watch list, and sex offender status. Depending on a specific partnership/contract requirement, the criminal background check process could include fingerprinting. At Teaching Lab’s discretion and with an individual’s signed consent, other checks could be completed based on the nature of the position. Moreover, I understand that Teaching Lab participates in a background monitoring service that provides updates for criminal records and sex offender status.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, I will be required to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9), and provide supporting documents within three days of my hire date. Non-compliance will result in termination of employment. Teaching Lab participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Teaching Lab is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before any action is taken against you, including terminating your employment. Teaching Lab can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. EVerify and Right to Work posters.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, if I have a need for an accommodation related to a disabling (medical) condition that the request must be communicated to People & Culture for review and approval. All requests will be considered as part of the Americans with Disabilities Interactive Process.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, Teaching Lab has an expectation to be the primary employer for all employees. Specifically, having another full-time employer in addition to full-time employment at Teaching Lab is not permitted, and no other employment or outside contracting relationship of any kind is permitted unless otherwise disclosed on the Outside Work Disclosure form and approved by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Employees who are found in violation of this expectation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including separation from employment.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, I must undergo a 90 day introductory period. During this time, appropriateness for the role and performance are evaluated. At the end of the 90 day introductory period, Teaching Lab and/or the employee can end the employment relationship at will.
Teaching Lab has a payroll direct deposit program. I understand that if I am employed, I am not required to enroll in Teaching Lab’s payroll direct deposit program, and I would be paid via a paper check.
I understand that if I am employed, all work materials/resources that are provided by Teaching Lab are considered property of Teaching Lab, and are solely for the use of work for Teaching Lab.
I understand that if I am employed, I will be required to sign acknowledgment of receipt and abide by all policies and procedures, requirements, and expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
In relation to the position that I am applying for, I voluntarily give Teaching Lab consent to make a thorough investigation of my background, and release from liability all parties in connection with the supply and use of such information.
The submission of my application serves as acknowledgment and agreement to the above terms and conditions.
