Akil Lambert
Your City,NY
Summary
Strategic operations executive with 10+ years of experience leading complex administrative, financial, and operational systems in fast-paced, mission-driven organizations. Proven expertise in budget management ($10M+), workforce leadership, compliance oversight, facilities operations, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled at building high-performing teams, implementing scalable processes, and ensuring operational excellence. Adept at leading cross-functional initiatives, crisis response, and strategic planning to drive organizational goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of School Operations
Achievement First
New York, NY
07.2022 - Current
- Strategic partner to the Principal and Regional Director, overseeing all operational, administrative, and service delivery functions.
- Manage a $10M+ annual budget, including procurement, staffing allocations, and monthly forecasting to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Lead human resources operations, including payroll, leaves, onboarding/offboarding, compliance tracking, and employee relations.
- Directly manage a team of operations staff (Student Services Managers, Office Coordinators, and support personnel), providing coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations across operations, HR, and facilities management.
- Oversee enrollment operations, family engagement, and communication strategies to maximize seat occupancy.
- Lead school safety initiatives, including emergency drills, crisis response coordination with local authorities, and monthly building safety walkthroughs.
- Supervise facilities operations, third-party vendor management, and major renovation projects to maintain safe, welcoming, and high-functioning environments.
- Serve as the primary operational contact for families and external stakeholders, managing events, orientations, and community communications.
Associate Director of School Operations
Achievement First
New York, NY
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Supported school leadership in budget management, facilities oversight, HR administration, and operational strategy.
- Coordinated staff recruitment, onboarding, and professional development programs.
- Managed enrollment processes, data integrity, and family communications.
- Oversaw daily operations, including safety protocols, custodial management, and compliance reporting.
- Partnered with leadership on school events, family engagement, and operational KPIs.
Services Manager
Achievement First
New York, NY
07.2017 - 06.2021
- Managed student services operations, enrollment systems, attendance tracking, and records management.
- Led crisis response procedures and ensured safety compliance.
- Conducted weekly facilities walkthroughs to maintain safe and orderly environments.
- Supervised summer programming operations and coordinated staff schedules.
- Served as liaison with families to resolve concerns and support student success.
- Oversaw daily operations, including safety protocols, custodial management, and compliance reporting.
- Partnered with leadership on school events, family engagement, and operational KPIs.
Office Manager
Achievement First
New York, NY
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Oversaw front office operations, ensuring smooth administrative workflows for staff and families.
- Managed enrollment and student records, including compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
- Coordinated facilities, vendor services, and office logistics.
- Provided family engagement support, including communications, scheduling, and documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Medgar Evers College
Brooklyn, NYSkills
- Healthcare / School Operations Leadership
- Financial Planning & Budget Oversight ($10M)
- Human Resources Administration & Employee Relations
- Facilities & Infrastructure Management
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Crisis Response & Emergency Preparedness
- Operational Strategy & Process Improvement
- Enrollment & Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership & Performance Coaching
- Vendor & Contract Management
Timeline
Director of School Operations
Achievement First
07.2022 - Current
Associate Director of School Operations
Achievement First
07.2021 - 06.2022
Services Manager
Achievement First
07.2017 - 06.2021
Office Manager
Achievement First
07.2015 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Medgar Evers College