Senior Director of Academic Operations 2025-2026
About The Position
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?
Requirements
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation of Foundation Academies’ academic vision and instructional priorities, translating strategic goals into actionable systems that drive measurable results.
- Build and manage academic systems, including curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention programs, to improve student outcomes and ensure consistency across schools.
- Partner with Principals, executive leadership, and Talent teams to align professional learning and talent development with instructional priorities.
- Monitor student performance data, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and lead data-informed decision-making to continuously improve outcomes.
- Define and operationalize the network’s instructional quality standards, establishing and sustaining best practices across schools.
- Oversee curriculum development and alignment, ensuring standards-based, rigorous, and culturally responsive instruction at all grade levels and subject areas.
- Ensure compliance with state education laws, charter agreements, and federal requirements, and provide actionable reporting for stakeholders.
- Identify research-based strategies, lead academic initiatives, and coach school leaders to strengthen teaching quality, rigor, and student engagement.
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
