Senior Director of Academic Operations 2025-2026

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Salary

$100,000-$130,000 What is the opportunity?

Foundation Academies is seeking a Senior Director of Academic Operations (SDAO) to lead and scale academic excellence across our network of K–12 schools. This strategic leadership role drives student achievement by overseeing curriculum, instruction, assessment, and academic systems, while partnering with Principals, executive leadership, and Talent teams to ensure every classroom reflects our rigorous and equitable academic vision. The SDAO is responsible for building systems that deliver measurable results and supporting school leaders in achieving ambitious academic goals for all students. Are you ready to make an impact with us?

What is in it for you?

• Merit-based pay increases annually 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefit plans
• Tax-deferred 403b retirement account with 25% matching up to a certain amount 
• Free financial wellness advising through our Financial Advisor Service
• Optional short or long-term disability benefits through Aflac
• Regular strategic professional development and coaching
• Career advancement opportunities
• Smartphone and fully paid wireless plan through T-Mobile
• Windows-based laptop 
• Regular team-building activities and outings
• 10 sick days and 3 personal days that roll over annually 
• 30 paid holiday observances
• A rewarding career that positively impacts the lives of our amazing students

What will you be doing?

• Lead the implementation of Foundation Academies’ academic vision and instructional priorities, translating strategic goals into actionable systems that drive measurable results. (Strategic Leadership, Accountability & Execution)
• Build and manage academic systems, including curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention programs, to improve student outcomes and ensure consistency across schools. (Instructional Expertise, Data-Driven Decision Making)
• Partner with Principals, executive leadership, and Talent teams to align professional learning and talent development with instructional priorities. (Change Management, Equity Leadership)
• Monitor student performance data, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and lead data-informed decision-making to continuously improve outcomes. (Data-Driven Decision Making, Accountability & Execution)
• Define and operationalize the network’s instructional quality standards, establishing and sustaining best practices across schools. (Instructional Expertise, Strategic Leadership)
• Oversee curriculum development and alignment, ensuring standards-based, rigorous, and culturally responsive instruction at all grade levels and subject areas. (Equity Leadership, Instructional Expertise)
• Ensure compliance with state education laws, charter agreements, and federal requirements, and provide actionable reporting for stakeholders. (Accountability & Execution)
• Identify research-based strategies, lead academic initiatives, and coach school leaders to strengthen teaching quality, rigor, and student engagement. (Change Management, Instructional Expertise)

What do we require from you?

• Master’s degree in Education Leadership, Administration, or a related field.
• NJ Principal or Supervisor Certification (or eligibility).
• Significant K–12 leadership experience, including successful roles as a Principal, CAO, or Director of Curriculum & Instruction.
• Proven track record of driving measurable student achievement gains.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Deep expertise in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and data-driven decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead impactful professional development for adult learners.
• Strong commitment to equity and culturally responsive educational practices.
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Want to join our FAmily?

We are Foundation Academies: Trenton, New Jersey’s largest and highest-ranking K-12 free public charter school serving more than 1,000 scholars across three schools on two campuses. Our mission is to ensure that all of our students secure the academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for the nation’s finest colleges, and to instill in them the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We admit students by lottery, irrespective of gender, race, household income, or academic ability. 

Our team of experienced and mission-driven urban educators values growth mindsets, lifelong learners, and individuals who believe that every child deserves an excellent education. We hold ourselves, our students, and our city to high standards because that’s what our families deserve. 

We are conveniently located a quick car ride to downtown Princeton, a 45-minute SEPTA ride to Philly’s Center City, and a hop on the NJ Transit Express to New York City.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Foundation Academies is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Foundation Academies prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All such discrimination is unlawful and prohibited by Foundation Academies. It is also our policy to comply with all applicable state and federal laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.