Special Assistant to the Executive Office

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 is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as a Special Projects Manager within the Executive office for its network of rigorous PK-12 public charter schools and out-of-school time programs.  Reporting to the Chief of Staff, and working closely with the Co-CEOs, the Special Assistant to the Executive Office is responsible for the project management and execution of initiatives in a variety of areas, including but not limited to staff events and meetings, board management, advancement, and strategic planning.

The ideal candidate is a results-oriented team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done through proactive problem-solving and the ability to adapt and succeed within changing circumstances. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional project manager with strong interpersonal skills to lead a diverse array of critical executive office initiatives and projects in close partnership with network and school leaders to drive organizational priorities forward.

• Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Executive Office, ensuring smooth functioning and alignment with organizational objectives;
• Execute on specific initiatives and projects, as needed, to meet DREAM’s executive office needs;
• Plan, oversee, and lead projects from ideation through to completion to ensure work stays on track and is done at a high level;
• Anticipate challenges, identify solutions, and resolve issues proactively as needed, to optimize workflows and enhance efficiency for Co-CEOs and Chief of Staff;
• Support Board management, including but not limited to board meeting preparation, execution, and follow-up;
• Plan and execute on logistics for staff and Executive Office events, including but not limited to all-staff retreats, institutes, network meetings, holiday parties, management team outings, tours and fundraising events;
• Develop and refine documents, presentations and written communication for a variety of audiences;
• Prepare materials for internal and external meetings or presentations with extreme attention to detail and accuracy;
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the executive office;
• Conduct research in support of core initiatives and projects, as needed;
• Build relationships and collaborate with organization leaders to operationalize and coordinate projects in need of additional capacity, as needed;
• Other projects and additional responsibilities, as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree, required; 
• Charter school network experience, preferred; 
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience;
• Ability to create clear and precise project plans and drive them forward through collaboration with various stakeholders;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to create and edit error-free and well-designed materials to be presentation-ready for all audiences (internal and external);
• Extremely detail-oriented and well-organized, with the ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Highly resourceful with the ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve issues;
• A positive, upbeat attitude, solutions-orientation, and high level of flexibility;
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trusting and collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies;
• Impeccable integrity, including the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

• This role will work 4 days a week from either the network office or one of DREAM’s school sites, and 1 day remotely. There will be weeks, however, when the person will need to work on-site for 5 days in order to effectively perform purpose-driven work that requires in-person interaction.

• 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);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment;
• Access to a professional development fund;
• Referral bonuses;
• 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.

• 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 $95,000 to $105,000 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.

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.