Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

DREAM seeks a strategic and execution-driven leader to translate organizational priorities into action as Director of Strategy Operations. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director will serve as an operational anchor for strategy execution—managing critical leadership operations, ensuring effective execution of strategic priorities, and coordinating cross-functional projects. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in detail-rich, fast-paced environments; who can manage complex logistics and translate ideas into action; and who takes satisfaction in ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

Leadership Communications: Plan and prepare materials such as agendas, slide decks, and briefing books for internal and external meetings or presentations (including leadership and board meetings); ensure materials are visually appealing, clear, persuasive, and timely, conducting quantitative and qualitative research and analysis as needed.
Project Management: Partner with organizational leaders to design, operationalize, and manage high-priority cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment, timely execution, and excellence in delivery.
Artificial Intelligence Pilots: Support the AI strategy workstream by managing pilots, tracking milestones, synthesizing research, and creating clear communications and presentations for leadership.
Organizational Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen organizational coordination, meeting effectiveness, and strategic follow - through.
Event Coordination: Support with logistics for specific events and meetings at the direction of the Chief Strategy Officer.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree a plus;
At least 5 years of relevant professional work experience required;
Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects from planning through execution, with exceptional project management and coordination skills;
Skilled in creating high-impact slide decks and executive-level materials;
Proficiency with Google Sheets and Google Slides required;
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent judgment, proactive follow-through, and a track record of completing work with precision and care;
Collaborative and solution-oriented; adept at working across teams, navigating ambiguity, and driving clarity and progress;
Fast learner with intellectual curiosity but willing to own operational detail rather than just high-level vision;
Comfortable in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment; adaptable, proactive, and resilient under pressure.

Compensation

DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Benefits and Paid Time Off

We offer comprehensive benefits including:
Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
Dental and vision plans;
Disability benefits;
Life insurance;
Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;
Flexible spending account options;
Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
Fitness and entertainment discounts;
A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
403(b) retirement plan with employer match starting at 4% after one year, with increases tied to DREAM tenure;
Referral, performance, and tenure milestones bonuses;
Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program;
Tuition reimbursement support;
Access to a professional development fund;
All full-time Network Support Team employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays.
Benefits are subject to change.

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Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.‍

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.

If you are a current DREAM employee, please click here to review our Internal Selection Process before applying.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

DREAM jobs

Director of Strategy Operations