At Uncommon Schools, we believe every student deserves opportunities to discover, develop, and pursue their passions and talents as part of their rigorous high school education. As the Manager, HS Student Talent - Operations, you will play a critical role in creating those opportunities for more than 3,200 high school students across nine campuses and five cities. Reporting to the Senior Director of High School Student Talent, you will lead the operations behind student showcases, competitions, career exploration experiences, scholarship programs, and team-wide initiatives. Through exceptional project management, operational planning, and cross-functional collaboration, you will help deliver meaningful experiences that support students in building expertise, exploring future pathways, and preparing for success in college and beyond.

Responsibilities

Student Events & Program Operations

• Lead the planning, execution, promotion, communication, budgeting, and procurement for 15–20 student and team events annually.
• Coordinate career exploration experiences hosted by Uncommon Schools and external corporate partners.
• Manage logistics and operations for student competitions, including debate, chess, and other talent-based events.
• Support large-scale student experiences such as talent showcases, community events, and cross-regional competitions.

Budget Management & Scholarship Administration

• Support campus-based Student Talent Managers with budget monitoring, financial processes, and quarterly budget meetings.
• Process team expenses, purchase orders, and procurement requests.
• Monitor team budget progress and partner with Finance and Accounting teams to ensure effective budget management.
• Manage the Uncommon Summer Program Scholarship process, including administration, communications, tracking systems, and continuous improvement efforts.

Communications, Data & Reporting

• Prepare materials and presentations for board meetings, staff meetings, and external partners.
• Create and distribute quarterly newsletters and other team communications.
• Manage biannual student and staff survey processes.
• Analyze survey data and develop reports and presentations that support program improvement and decision-making.

Team & Partnership Support

• Coordinate team travel, space reservations, and operational logistics.
• Serve as a liaison for external student talent partners, supporting ongoing relationship management and contract renewals.
• Facilitate regular communication and coordination with cross-campus and cross-regional partners.
• Perform additional duties and projects in support of Student Talent team priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3–4 years of relevant experience in operations, program management, event management, project coordination, or related work.
• Experience managing projects, events, or operational workstreams from planning through execution.
• Experience supporting budgets, financial tracking, procurement, or related operational processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with leaders, staff, students, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong time and task management skills with careful attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• K-12 school operations experience is a plus 
• Experience supporting secondary school programs, school operations, student activities, or youth-serving organizations.
• Experience leading large-scale events, programs, or student-facing initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during events and program activities.
• Ability to set up equipment or materials and carry moderately heavy objects (20–40 pounds).

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply—we're excited to learn what you bring.

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. 

Compensation: The full compensation range for this role is $91,300–$107,400. Typically, new hires who fully meet the qualifications and experience expectations for the role will start at or near $94,000. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.

Compensation determinations consider relevant experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.

Work Environment: Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least three days each week at our Central Office in downtown Manhattan (100 Church Street). This role also includes occasional local travel, including quarterly school visits and other routine travel in support of Student Talent programs and events.

Benefits

• Regional staff will have the same holidays and sustainability days as school-based staff in their region, and flexible summer PTO
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. 

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].