Managing Director of Strategy

Application Deadline:

Priority deadline for applications is April 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students-regardless of background-have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

For more information on Ascend's model, approach, and core values, please visit our website.

About the role

The Managing Director of Strategy will play a critical role in shaping and executing a comprehensive multi-year strategic plan that translates Ascend's value proposition into measurable impact. This leader will be responsible for ensuring that strategic priorities align with the organization's mission and that progress is continuously measured and refined. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Managing Director will facilitate strategic decision-making through rigorous analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication of key milestones.

This is an ideal opportunity for a systems-level thinker who thrives in complexity, is energized by change, and is committed to ensuring every student at Ascend receives an education that opens them to boundless opportunity.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Implementation

• Drive long-term and annual strategic planning and organizational priority-setting for Ascend Schools, ensuring alignment with its value proposition.
• Architect, construct, and document Ascend's multi-year strategic roadmap to drive measurable impact across the network.Translate Ascend's vision into a multi-year strategic roadmap that drives measurable impact across the network.
• Oversee accountability and progress monitoring processes to ensure Ascend meets its strategic organizational goals.
• Continuously evaluate potential action steps against overarching organizational goals to ensure the highest-leverage efforts receive focused attention.
• Provide regular updates on strategic progress to the executive team, board of trustees, and broader organization.
• Identify risks, challenges, and opportunities within the strategy and proactively recommend solutions. Identify risks, challenges, and opportunities within the strategy and proactively recommend solutions, leveraging change management principles to navigate resistance, build stakeholder alignment, and ensure successful implementation of strategic shifts.

Performance Monitoring & Analysis

• Conduct strategy performance analysis with strong attention to detail, organization, and a relentless desire to optimize systems for maximum impact.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and other organizational tools to track progress toward strategic goals.
• Evaluate ongoing network operational and financial health. Monitor the organization's operational and financial health, identifying trends, gaps, and opportunities for course correction.
• Ensure oversight of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure team performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.
• Surface critical insights from data to inform leadership discussions and drive continuous improvement.

Research & Synthesis for Decision-Making

• Conduct in-depth research on complex topics that influence Ascend's strategic direction and operational effectiveness to inform strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Synthesize findings into clear, concise recommendations for the executive leadership team.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, best practices, and policy changes that may impact strategic direction.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication

• Ensure strong stakeholder management and effective cross-functional input and communication of strategic decisions.
• Partner with key stakeholders across the organization to drive alignment around shared goals and execution of strategic initiatives that enables action and forward momentum.
• Communicate effectively across levels of the organization, ensuring clarity and transparency in strategic efforts.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement through data-driven insights and reporting.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring the following experiences, skills, and mindset/values:

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, or a leadership role within a mission-driven organization.
• Extensive experience driving change management within complex, rapidly evolving organizations, ensuring successful adoption of new initiatives and processes.
• Strong track record of managing large-scale strategic initiatives with measurable impact.
• Expertise in data analysis, performance measurement, and dashboard development to drive decision-making.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Proven experience in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and executive-level communication.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in business, public policy, or a related field preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills and ability to apply them to make high-stakes decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet/exceed ambitious goals.
• Capacity to develop strong relationships with all staff, based on mutual trust, respect, effective communication, and common goals.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication, with strong active listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize data insights to drive high-impact action.
• Well-developed emotional intelligence and receptiveness to feedback.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary will range between $135,000 - $180,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.

This full-time, exempt position 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

Location & Work Arrangement

Based in our Brooklyn, NY office

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week.

Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community through its hiring practices and focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into their approach to educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities-opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. Ascend Charter Schools welcomes all applicants who share their mission and vision. To learn more about Ascend's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism please visit: https://www.ascendlearning.org/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-anti-racism