Educational Program Operations SpecialistLead 18528
Cape Town - South Africa
Job Summary
Operations Specialist / Lead
Role: Operations Specialist / Lead
Location: Remote Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Independent contractor
Working Hours: US hours - Sydney/Hong Kong Overlap
Overview
Were hiring a high-ownership Operations Specialist / Lead to run K12 educational programs end-to-end within a fast-growing global EdTech environment.
This is not a task-based role its an ownership role. Youll be responsible for ensuring programs run smoothly materials are accurate and participants (students parents and teachers) have a seamless experience.
Youll work directly with founders in a lean high-performance team that is AI-first moves quickly and values reliability attention to detail and strong execution.
Key Responsibilities
Own end-to-end program operations:
- Manage execution of K12 academic programs from planning through delivery
- Ensure all SOPs timelines and deliverables are followed and completed on time
- Maintain high standards of quality control across all program materials
Live program delivery & support:
- Facilitate live online sessions and events (primarily via Zoom)
- Handle escalated student parent and teacher support queries (AI handles routine tickets)
- Act as the operational point of contact during live programs
Systems & process management:
- Maintain and improve SOPs checklists and workflows
- Identify inefficiencies and help streamline operations
AI-powered operations:
- Use AI tools to assist with data collection content generation and operational tasks
- Work with internal tools and assist in manual platform testing flagging bugs/issues to the tech team
Requirements
- Native or near-native English proficiency (clear neutral accent preferred)
- Background in K12 education (e.g. teaching academic programs or similar)
- Bachelors degree required
- Demonstrated ability to own outcomes end-to-end in a fast-paced environment
- Strong written communication skills
- Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through
- Comfortable interacting with students parents and educators in live settings
Technical Skills
- Comfortable using modern tools (Zoom Google Workspace etc.)
- Experience using or strong interest in AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT AI agents)
- Quick learner of new systems and workflows
- No coding or automation-building required
Work Model
- Remote-first (95% of work conducted via Zoom)
- Must have working hour overlap with Hong Kong and Sydney time zones
- Occasional optional in-person events at US university campuses
- Independent contractor (direct hire) no benefits included
What Success Looks Like
- Programs launch on time with high accuracy and low error rates
- Smooth execution of live events and strong participant experience
- Fast effective handling of escalations
- Ability to independently manage operations end-to-end
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Thrives in startup / fast-moving environments and can figure things out
- Takes full ownership and doesnt rely on step-by-step direction
- Naturally organized and enjoys bringing structure to complex systems
- Proactive reliable and calm under pressure
- Comfortable doing both strategic thinking and hands-on operational work
Not a Fit If You
- Prefer rigid roles with clearly defined narrow responsibilities
- Need constant direction or close supervision
- Dislike operational work quality control or follow-through
- Struggle in fast-changing environments
Why Join
- High-growth opportunity with potential to evolve into a senior operations/COO track
- Direct access to founders and real decision-making exposure
- Global impact support programs reaching ambitious students worldwide
- AI-first environment gain hands-on experience scaling operations with AI
- Work with a lean high-caliber international team
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Somewhere, formerly Support Shepherd. We find you amazing employees who cost 80% less than US equivalents, backed by our 6-month Perfect Hire Guarantee.