Description
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 Board of Education 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 (Superintendent Support, Initiatives, Events, and Engagement) is a non-union management position responsible for the strategic planning, operational coordination, and successful execution of major district-wide initiatives, Superintendent-led priorities, and student-centered events. The Director serves as the district's lead coordinator for the operationalization of large-scale events and activities, ensuring seamless collaboration among schools, departments, external partners, and community stakeholders.
This position provides executive-level operational support to the Superintendent while overseeing the planning and implementation of high-profile district events, including graduations, student recognition ceremonies, school openings, district celebrations, community engagement initiatives, academic competitions, cultural programs, and other district-sponsored activities. The Director ensures that all events and initiatives are executed with excellence, efficiency, safety, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with district goals.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Education Leadership, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- Minimum of three(3) to five(5) 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.
Key Responsibilities – District-Wide Event Operations and Student Activities
- Lead the operational planning, coordination, and execution of all major district-wide events and student-focused activities.
- Develop and maintain a district-wide master calendar for major events, ceremonies, celebrations, student programs, and Superintendent-led engagements.
- Serve as the district's central coordinator for commencement exercises, promotional ceremonies, student showcases, academic competitions & awards, district-wide convocations, employee recognition events, and community celebrations.
- Establish and implement district standards, protocols, timelines, and operating procedures for event planning and execution.
- Coordinate with school leaders to ensure consistency and operational readiness for student events occurring across the district.
- Oversee event logistics including facilities, transportation, security, custodial services, food services, parking, accessibility accommodations, translations & interpretations, permits, emergency planning, and audiovisual requirements.
- Develop comprehensive operational plans, run-of-show documents, contingency plans, and post-event evaluations for major district events.
- Collaborate with Chief of Staff, Office of Academic Services, School Leadership Teams, Office of School Business Administrator, Communications, Facilities, Security, Transportation, Food Services, Athletics, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution.
- Monitor event performance metrics and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve the quality, efficiency, and impact of district-sponsored activities.
- Ensure all district events comply with applicable safety regulations, district policies, risk management requirements, and accessibility standards.
- Coordinate and support district emergency response planning related to large-scale events and public gatherings.
- Provide direct operational leadership for special projects and initiatives assigned by the Superintendent that require cross-departmental coordination and execution.
- Serve as the Superintendent's designee for operational oversight of major district events and activities when appropriate.
- Align staffing, facilities, budget, and operational resources to support Superintendent-led priorities.
- Support external engagements involving elected officials, community partners, higher education institutions, foundations, and other organizations.
- 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.
- Troubleshoots and supports school-based operations.
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: $140,000 - $165,000
2. Employment period: Twelve(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 to https://nboehrs.com/
How To Apply:
Newark Board of Education is only accepting electronic applications.
Open and Close Dates:
Opening Date: June 3, 2026
Closing Date: June 16, 2026 or until filled.
*UPDATED: 06/05/2026
THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER