Field Educational Director

Imagine Early Learning Centers; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP retirement plan

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

Life Insurance

Commuter benefits

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Imagine Early Learning Centers is seeking a Field Educational Director to lead and mentor teams across 11 NYC centers (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx). You’ll travel to centers, ensure quality programming, mentor staff, and support leadership with regulatory and DOE compliance.

New York State Birth-2 years certification and a NYS Director credential are required, with a strong background in Developmentally Appropriate Practice and NAEYC standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and NYS Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary, or Special Education.
• 1+ years of leadership/supervisory experience in an education setting.
• 3+ years of experience as an Early Childhood educator.

Responsibilities

• Mentor center teams and provide coverage for Director absences across multiple sites.
• Drive joyful center programming and collaborate with upper management on company-wide initiatives.
• Recruitment and community outreach to support enrollment and talent; foster family relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Travel

Education

Master's degree

NYS Certification (B-2)

4 Year Degree

Job description

• Location 101 Willoughby Street,Brooklyn, NY, 11201,United States
• Base Pay $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Education Director, Childcare, Early Childhood Education
• Employee Type Full-Time Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others Yes

Ready to inspire, lead, and grow? Join the vibrant teaching team at Imagine Early Learning Centers — a proud, 100% Employee-Owned Company where every team member has a voice and a stake in our shared success!

$500 Sign-On Bonus! (Taxable, paid after 3 months of successful employment)

Position: Field Educational Director

Imagine Early Learning Centers is looking for a passionate, dynamic NYS Certified B-2 Director to bring energy, vision, and leadership to our full-day NYC educational childcare centers! Serving children from 2 months to 5 years old — including Department of Education Pre-K For All 3K and 4K preschool programs — this exciting full-time role connects you with 11 vibrant centers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. As Field Director, you'll travel to mentor center teams, provide coverage for Director absences, drive joyful center programming, and collaborate with upper-level management on transformative company-wide initiatives such as:

• Championing our ESOP program and cultivating a thriving Employee-Ownership culture
• Upholding highest-quality Article 47, DOHMH, and DOE regulatory standards
• Inspiring creative curriculum development, implementation, and collaborative staff training
• Building warm, meaningful, and lasting family relationships
• Driving passionate recruitment and community outreach for enrollment and talent

You won't step into this journey alone — you'll be warmly mentored by and partner with an exceptionally skilled team of long-tenured early childhood leaders who are dedicated to your professional growth!

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative professional who is genuinely excited about providing world-class, nurturing childcare for working families. In this dual role, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds: staying connected to the classroom while rapidly accelerating your expertise in educational administration! New York State Teacher Certification Birth-2 years (or actively in progress) is required.

We love leaders who connect effortlessly with educators, families, colleagues, and the wider community! Strong familiarity with Developmentally Appropriate Practice and NAEYC standards is preferred. Previous experience in NYC Department of Education Pre-K For All programs is a huge plus!

At Imagine, we empower bold, creative leadership and celebrate the magical synergy of teamwork and collaboration.

Lead and participate in designing and delivering dynamic, Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum that sparks curiosity and wonder.

Uphold continuous compliance with DOH licensing, DOE guidelines, and NAEYC principles with excellence and care.

Foster warm, open, and supportive communication with families, staff members, and advisory boards.

Demonstrate exceptional written communication skills to inspire and inform our community.

Embrace the requirements of active early learning — including lifting children, pushing strollers/buggies, sitting floor-level, and leading fun outdoor activities year-round!

Travel seamlessly across our vibrant multi-site centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Requirements

What You'll Bring (Qualifications):

Master's degree and NYS Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary, or Special Education.

1+ years of leadership/supervisory experience (Program Director, Assistant Director, Program Coordinator, Supervising Lead Teacher).

3+ years of dedicated experience as an Early Childhood educator.

Competitive Salaries & Incredible Employee Benefits:

ESOP Retirement Plan: Become an owner! Eligible team members receive this valuable retirement benefit at zero cost to you.

Generous Paid Time Off: Full-Time employees accrue 22 Vacation Days and 7 Sick Days annually!

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for you and your family.

Prudential Life and AD&D Insurances - 1x annual salary, at no cost

Commuter - Transit (Subway, Bus, Train, Parking)

Voluntary Insurances: Short-Term Disability, Accident, Hospital

Tuition Reimbursement/Degree Incentive Reward

Wellness Focus: Mental health support including 3 fully covered therapy visits per year.

Childcare Discount where available

Continuous Professional Development & career advancement paths.

TicketsatWork

$500 Sign-on Taxable Bonus

Summary

The Imagine Ownership Ethos

In 2026, Imagine officially became a 100% employee-owned company through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We don't just talk about team culture — we embody it! Every qualified team member receives a real financial stake in our success at no personal cost, fueling an empowering environment where every voice matters and collective growth is celebrated.

Who We Are

Imagine Early Learning Centers operates fourteen state-of-the-art, licensed, and NAEYC-accredited centers across the NY metro area for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Rooted in an vibrant ownership mindset, abundant promotion opportunities, and a collaborative, supportive community, Imagine is a place where teachers, children, and families thrive together. Join a passionate team where your individuality is celebrated, your career is supported, and your work truly makes a difference every day!

Additional information

Imagine Early Learning Centers is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value a diverse, inclusive workforce and celebrate the unique differences of our employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] .