Claire Bartkus

About Claire Bartkus

I’m a Chief of Staff–style strategic operator and trusted leadership partner with 10+ years of experience helping mission-driven organizations scale. My work focuses on turning executive vision into clear priorities, aligned teams, and results that actually show up in the lived experience of staff.Most recently, I held senior leadership roles within a high-growth education organization spanning 59 schools and more than employees. I partnered closely with executive leaders to strengthen organizational effectiveness, guide enterprise execution, and lead large-scale change. I operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, people, and delivery, ensuring the right work gets done, by the right people, at the right time.At the core of my leadership approach is a belief that strong leadership exists in service of staff. When executives are aligned, disciplined, and clear, teams are better supported, held to high standards, and set up to succeed. That principle has guided how I design systems, lead change, and partner with leaders.I’m known for: Acting as a right-hand partner to senior leaders, supporting decision-making, prioritization, and follow-through Translating strategy into execution through operating rhythms, planning frameworks, and clear accountability Leading change management efforts that stick by aligning people, processes, and performance Bringing clarity to ambiguity and momentum to complex, fast-moving work Driving cross-functional collaboration and results without relying on formal authorityI’ve overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, led teams at scale, and delivered initiatives impacting thousands of employees, including talent systems, leadership development, operational infrastructure, and enterprise program management.I’m most interested in Chief of Staff, Strategic Operations, or Head of Strategy and Execution roles within EdTech or mission-driven nonprofits, where thoughtful change leadership, strong execution, and people-centered strategy are essential to sustainable growth.If you’re a founder or executive leader looking for a strategic thought partner who can bring rigor, care, and follow-through to complex work, I’d welcome the chance to connect.

Experience

1. Founder Owner

   Claire Bartkus Consulting

   Dec 2025 — Present

   Bright Ideas That Deliver — From Science Instruction to Systems-Level Leadership

Education

• University at Albany

  Master of Science (MSSE), Science Secondary Education

• University at Albany

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology, General

  2003 — 2007

Skills

• Teaching
• Teacher Evaluation
• Public Speaking
• Teacher Training
• Staff Development
• Curriculum Design
• Teacher Development
• Classroom Management
• Lesson Planning
• Middle School
• Microsoft Office
• Tutoring
• Curriculum Mapping
• Educational Leadership
• Teacher Mentoring
• Classroom Assessment
• Management
• Curriculum Development