Director of Operations and Special Activities (NBOE)

Director of Operations and Special Activities (NBOE) JobID: 2695

Position Type:

Non Instructional - Admin - Central Office

Date Posted:

6/2/2026

Location:

Executive Supt - 400

  Additional Information: Show/Hide

NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION

HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102

ROGER LEÓN, SUPERINTENDENT

Director of Operations and Special Activities

(Superintendent Support, Initiatives, Events, and Engagement)

(Pending availability of funds and Superintendent's approval)

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Director- Operations and Special Activities (Superintendent Support, Initiatives, Events, and Engagement).

Position Overview

The Director of Operations and Special Activities is an unaffiliated management position responsible for overseeing high-impact operational functions, events, and activities that directly support the Superintendent's role and districtwide priorities. The position provides executive-level operational support, ensures seamless coordination of Superintendent-led initiatives, and manages complex events and engagements that require discretion, awareness, and responsiveness to evolving district needs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Education Leadership, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 35 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, event management within complex organizations, or public-sector administration.
• Demonstrated experience supporting executive-level leaders in complex organizations, experience supporting senior executives or superintendents in public-facing roles.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale events, multiple priorities, and high-visibility initiatives.
• Proven ability to exercise judgment, manage sensitive matters, and operate in high-visibility environments.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Superintendent Support & Strategic Operations

• Serve as a trusted operational advisor to the Superintendent, anticipating needs and ensuring alignment between daily operations and district priorities.
• Coordinate logistics and operational support for all Superintendent-led initiatives, meetings, and public engagements.
• Prepare briefing materials, schedules, run-of-show documents, and follow-up action plans related to Superintendent activities.
• Ensure timely execution of Superintendent directives across departments and monitor progress on assigned initiatives.

Events, Activities, and District Engagement

• Plan, manage, and execute superintendent's initiatives and districtwide events such as commencement ceremonies, advisory meetings, school openings, ribbon cuttings, community forums, and staff recognition events.
• Oversee event logistics including venues, permits, security, transportation, vendor coordination, audiovisual support, and accessibility compliance.
• Collaborate with Communications, Legal, Security, School Leadership, and other departments to ensure events align with district messaging, policies, and protocols.
• Develop standardized event planning procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.

Cross-Departmental Coordination

• Act as the central point of coordination between the Superintendent's Office and district departments to support operational readiness for key initiatives.
• Align staffing, facilities, budget, and operational resources to support Superintendent-led priorities.
• Facilitate interdepartmental meetings to ensure clarity of roles and accountability.
• Address operational barriers proactively and resolve issues independently when appropriate.

Community, Government, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support external engagements involving elected officials, community partners, higher education institutions, foundations, and other organizations.
• Coordinate protocol and logistics for visits by dignitaries, governmental agencies, and external partners.
• Support relationship-building efforts that advance district goals and public trust.
• Ensure culturally responsive and inclusive practices in all Superintendent-hosted events and engagements.

Budget Contracts, and Resources

• Develop and manage budgets related to Superintendent operations and district events.
• Oversee procurement processes and manage vendor contracts.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance, efficient use of district resources and cost-effective approaches to large-scale events and ongoing operations.

Staff Supervision & Operational Excellence

• Supervise and develop operations, events, and administrative support staff
• Establish workflows and develop work plans
• Ensure compliance with district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws and regulations
• An ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following and/or have experiences with: Creative and outside-of-the-box thinking
• Managing towards outcomes and ambitious goals despite significant obstacles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to build and cultivate relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Effective research methods and report writing techniques
• Knowledge or willingness to learn laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities
• Strong interpersonal skills including the use of tact, patience, and courtesy
• Knowledge of safety regulations
• Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills - strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal and the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; comfortable with change and ambiguity
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and achievement-oriented environment
• Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education
• Fluency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and basic Web browsers and searches
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and take initiative
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights, up to 30 pounds
• Troubleshoots and supports school-based operations, including, but not limited to, attendance, enrollment, school scheduling, special events, field trips, food services, transportation, graduation, volunteer coordination and maintaining equipment, textbook and supply inventories
• Serves as a liaison with the Office of Facilities as it relates to ensure the proper maintenance, cleaning, and community use of school site when necessary

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong business acumen and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and judgment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by district events.
• Executive judgment and decision-making
• Organizational acumen
• High-level project and event management
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work beyond standard business hours as required

Reports to: Superintendent (or Chief of Staff to the Superintendent)

Salary, Terms & Affiliation:

1. Salary: $155,000 - $171,000

2.Employment period: 12 Month Calendar

3.Union affiliation: N/A

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full-time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12-month employees. For details, please go tohttps://nboehrs.com/

How To Apply:

Newark Board of Education is only accepting electronic applications.

Open and Close Dates:

THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUALOPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER