Director - Medical Center Nursery School (MCNS)

New York, New York, Director — Medical Center Nursery School (MCNS) Location: Upper Manhattan, New York, NY Reports to: Board of Trustees Start Date: Full-time July 1, 2027 About MCNS 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. How to Apply Please submit a resume and cover letter to Educator’s Ally at Leadershipsearch@educatorsally.com indicating “Medical Center Nursery School” in the subject line. In your cover letter please be sure to address why you are drawn to this role and the MCNS community as well as why this is the right moment in your career for this opportunity. About Educator’s Ally Educator’s Ally provides senior leadership retained search services to independent schools throughout the U.S. With 50 years of experience working in support of independent K-12 school hiring, EA runs retained searches with the same personalized approach that has long distinguished our work in the contingency space, resulting in fluid and comprehensive processes and successful appointments.