Director

MEDICAL CENTER NURSERY SCHOOL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Benefits

Job summary

Medical Center Nursery School (MCNS) in Washington Heights seeks an experienced Director to lead the educational program, supervise staff, and strengthen family partnerships. You will partner with the Board to manage finances, payroll, benefits, and DOHMH compliance, ensuring a nurturing, play-based curriculum aligned with Reggio Emilia-inspired practices.

The role requires NYS certification in Early Childhood Education, a BA (Master’s preferred), and 3–5 years of administrative experience in

Qualifications

• NYS certification in Early Childhood Education required.
• BA in early childhood or an acceptable related degree per DOHMH Article 47; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in administrative leadership and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a teaching staff of nine, including observation, coaching, evaluation and professional development.
• Oversee enrollment, family communications, and external partnerships with Columbia University and other organizations.
• Manage annual operating budget, payroll, benefits, and HR compliance; ensure DOHMH Article 47 compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

HR & payroll

Regulatory compliance

Education

NYS certification in Early Childhood Education

BA in early childhood or related degree

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

DOHMH licensing knowledge

DOE program familiarity

Job description

Since 1955, MCNS, a Columbia University affiliated Early Learning Center, has provided a progressive, play-based early learning community for children aged 2–5 in Washington Heights. Our classrooms honor the fundamental power of play, where children learn through extended, uninterrupted time exploring open-ended materials, collaborating on projects, and building relationships with dedicated teachers. Grounded in the theories of John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky and enriched by Reggio Emilia-inspired practices, MCNS creates spaces where children's questions drive learning and their creativity shapes the curriculum. We are committed to an inclusive community where families of all backgrounds thrive together.

Position Overview

The Director is the heart of MCNS: an experienced early childhood educator-administrator responsible for the educational program, teaching staff, family partnerships, and communications. Alongside the Associate Director, the Director also manages the business side of the school including budget, payroll and benefits through the school's PEO, insurance renewals, retirement plan oversight, and vendor contracts, in direct partnership with the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership

• Lead and mentor a teaching staff of nine, including observation, coaching, evaluation, and professional development
• Support staff credentialing and training to meet DOHMH teacher qualification standards
• Maintain the school's reputation for progressive, play-based early education in the community

Families and Community

• Manage enrollment and admissions and the kindergarten transition process
• Oversee the school's family communication app: post announcements, and review classroom-to-family messaging for accuracy, tone, and professionalism
• Serve as the school's primary liaison to Columbia University's Office of Work/Life and affiliated offices, community organizations, and fellow independent schools
• Oversee the school website and social media presence, keeping content current with enrollment, events, and school life
• Evaluate opportunities within the city's evolving early childhood funding landscape alongside the Board

Business and Financial Operations

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget; monitor cash flow and report clearly to the Board
• Administer tuition, billing, payment plans, and financial aid with discretion
• Oversee payroll, benefits, and HR compliance through the school's PEO
• Manage insurance renewals (liability, umbrella, D&O, workers' compensation), banking relationships, vendor contracts, and the retirement plan, coordinating with brokers, accountants, and counsel as needed
• Lead preparation for the annual financial review
• Along with the Associate Director, maintain full compliance with DOHMH Article 47 regulations

Qualifications

• NYS certification in Early Childhood Education; BA in early childhood or an acceptable related degree as defined by DOHMH Article 47; Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in early childhood settings, including significant administrative and supervisory experience
• Demonstrated budget management and comfort handling finance, insurance, and compliance functions
• Working knowledge of NYC DOE early childhood initiatives (U3K/UPK) and DOE documentation and compliance requirements
• Strong knowledge of DOHMH licensing and NYC early childhood regulations
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia principles and emergent, child-driven curriculum design
• Excellent communication; warmth and skill with families, teachers, and young children
• Organized, practical, and calm — someone who builds systems while keeping joy in the school

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience, in the range of $120,000, plus health insurance and benefits. The selected candidate may work alongside the current Director part-time in May and June before assuming the full-time role on July 1; transition-period compensation will be discussed during the offer process.