Senior Director, National Program Operations

What We Do

At Leading Educators (LE), we know that excellent teaching is the most important driver of student success. The moment a student steps foot in the classroom, their opportunity to learn depends on how prepared their teacher is to translate complex content knowledge, standards, and their knowledge of that student into lessons that help them learn deeply and apply their thinking to the real world.

That’s a big lift, and it often happens alone. As a national nonprofit, we partner with school systems to overcome persistent instructional challenges, foster intentional collaboration and adult learning by design, and ignite new possibilities through systemic solutions at the intersection of teaching, talent, and technology.

We work shoulder-to-shoulder with educators at every level of the education system to strengthen their instructional and leadership practices, bring a vision for excellent instruction to life with consistency, and ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Through direct support, strategic advising, innovation pilots, and best-in-class research, we help educators work toward a future where every student is ready to thrive. Learn more about our work at leadingeducators.org

Internal Candidate Application Deadline: April 23, 2025

External Candidate Application Deadline: April 23, 2025

Position

We are seeking a strategic, systems-minded, and people-centered Senior Director of National Program Operations to lead the operational engine behind our national program portfolio. This is a pivotal leadership role focused on enhancing organizational effectiveness and ensuring seamless coordination across teams including finance, HR, data and research, development, and network support.

You will play a key role in aligning program operations with our FY25-27 strategic plan—driving operational excellence, supporting strategic planning, and leading the implementation of a shared service model that empowers program teams with streamlined and efficient systems. As a trusted thought partner to the Senior Vice President, Programs, you’ll also spearhead cross-functional planning, budget alignment, and evaluation integration.

Do you have expertise in…

• Designing and implementing centralized/shared services operations in mission-driven environments?
• Budget planning, financial oversight, and funder reporting that aligns with strategic priorities?
• Leading operational transformation to enhance cross-functional alignment and performance?
• Coaching, developing, and managing high-performing teams to sustain excellence and growth?

Do you enjoy…

• Building the systems and structures that enable program teams to thrive and scale their impact?
• Working across departments to align people, processes, and technology for operational success?
• Using data-driven insights to continuously improve service delivery and program execution?
• Playing a behind-the-scenes role in ensuring student success through excellent operations?

If you've answered affirmatively to these questions and meet the following prerequisites, we urge you to seize this opportunity. This role calls for the following:

• 10+ years of experience in program operations, project management, or nonprofit leadership
• Proven experience managing and coaching teams with a focus on collaboration and performance
• Expertise in budget management, reconciliation, and aligning expenditures with funder goals
• Experience in centralized/shared service models supporting multiple programs or departments
• Proficiency in data analysis tools like Google Sheets, Excel, and knowledge management systems
• Experience in the education, nonprofit, or mission-driven sector preferred
• Strong strategic thinking, cross-functional planning, and decision-making abilities

Travel Requirements

This is a remote position that requires up to 25-40% travel

• National travel for org retreats, team retreats, programming, job related travel or professional development
• Outside of the above-mentioned travel, this person will work from a home office that must be located anywhere within the U.S. 

Why Work at Leading Educators? 

Imagine being part of an organization where your ideas and perspectives are highly valued. At Leading Educators, we believe in fostering individual strengths, encouraging personal growth, and embracing innovative ideas. If you thrive in a remote working environment, with the added excitement of travel, we're the perfect fit for you. By joining us, you become part of a powerful community of peers nationwide. Regardless of your location, you possess the power to make a significant impact on both students and teachers who rely on us daily. Join Leading Educators and become an integral part of driving progress in education. 

Learn About Our Mission & Values:

Mission: Leading Educators partners with school systems to sustain the teaching, leadership, and conditions for every student to succeed in school and in life.

Values:

• Build on strengths: We affirm and begin with the unique and collective talents, experiences, and wisdom of ourselves and others.
• Continuously learn: We develop ourselves and others. We apply new learning and deepened self-awareness to our relationships and practices.
• Prioritize people: We build trust and reflect on the impact of different perspectives and experiences.
• Champion success for all: We re-imagine structures, habits, and mindsets to ensure every learner has access to evidence-based learning opportunities.

Benefits

• Compensation: 
  • The compensation range for this position is between $104,695, with a midpoint of $136,103, and a maximum of $167,511 annually. Candidates, either newly hired or new to the role, can typically expect a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications and internal alignment.
• Benefits:
  • 100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for individual employees. Additional premium costs are covered 60% by Leading Educators for partners and dependents on medical, dental, and vision plans.
  •  4% matching 401k plan, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, childcare and commuter expenses, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Benefits are valued at or above $9,000 for employees.
• Time Off: 
  • First three years of employment, full time staff accrue 22 days a year. 
  • Five additional days are accrued after the third and sixth year of employment.
  • Leading Educators also offer 16 additional paid days off for various holidays, including three floating holidays staff may use at their discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employment 

Leading Educators is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Apply: https://leadingeducators.org/careers/opportunities