Job Type: Officer of AdministrationBargaining Unit:Regular/Temporary: RegularEnd Date if Temporary:Hours Per Week: 35Standard Work Schedule:Building:Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

　　Position Summary

　　Reporting to the Senior Associate Provost for Administration and Planning, the Director of Tompkins Hall Nursery and Childcare Center is a visionary leader responsible for cultivating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment grounded in progressive pedagogical approaches and experiential learning for young children. This multifaceted position requires a dynamic individual with a deep understanding of educational philosophies, strong leadership skills, a keen eye for administrative detail, and the ability to quickly develop a firm understanding of the larger University context.

　　Tasked with the daily management of operations, the Director oversees the design and implementation of curriculum strategies that align with the Center's core pedagogical values. Effective supervision of and collaboration with staff, ensuring adherence to licensing standards and University policies, and building strong partnerships with parents/guardians and University partners are essential elements of this role. Recruitment of applicants and maintenance of a fully enrolled roster of students are also crucial responsibilities. The Director consistently models professionalism and exhibits leadership with the administrative and teaching team; provides opportunities for learning and participation to parents and guardians; and actively fosters an atmosphere of curiosity, creativity, and respect for students.

　　Tompkins Hall Nursery and Childcare Center is a unit within the Office of the Provost at Columbia University and located close to Columbia's Morningside campus. Founded by faculty in the 1930s, Tompkins Hall is a progressive learning environment for children aged three months through five years, with deep roots in constructivist curricular approaches and influenced by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, both of which center on children and childhood. Its students grow and learn through interacting with interests of their own choice with the guidance of nurturing facilitation from their teachers. The Center's days are full of art, music, books, and open-ended periods of play as well as extensive outdoor explorations.

　　Responsibilities

　　Pedagogical Oversight and Educational Leadership

　　Plan and oversee the execution of the school's developmental curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, Twos, and Preschool students, integrating constructivist and progressive philosophies into all aspects of the curriculumArticulate school's pedagogical philosophy to teachers, parents/guardians, and the communityOversee all communications: develop messaging and seek out forums for applicant recruitment; supervise teachers' regular, structured reports to parents/guardians on individual student progress; maintain school-wide communication system (currently Bloomz)Supervise Associate Director in staff development, training, and supervision of Child Care Workers (substitute teachers) and student workers (may include interns, work study candidates, volunteers, and student teachers)Conduct and organize all staff development, including during scheduled professional development days and on an as needed basis, identifying areas of pedagogical and administrative training needsDevelop and support teachers in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring access to the center's programs and services in the least restrictive environment possibleConduct weekly parent workshops on child development and other relevant topicsCoordinate, in conjunction with the Class Parents, all parental volunteer obligationsMaintain the school's rooftop gardenAdministrative Leadership

　　Supervise all teachers and administrative staff. Conduct annual performance reviews and set professional goals. Cultivate leadership among Lead Teaching team and delegate supervisory responsibilities as appropriateWork closely with Office of the Provost Human Resources on recruiting, hiring, and onboarding all teachers and administrative staffConduct annual orientation for new and returning teachers to ensure pedagogical, regulatory, and policy consistency and to build team cultureCollect and maintain data on all aspects of applications and enrollment to analyze trends and inform policiesEnsure compliance with all New York City and New York State regulations and with Columbia University policiesExplore, pursue, and maintain accreditation and membership with professional and accreditation organizations such as ISAAGNY and NYSAISWork closely with the Columbia University Office of the Provost and other central units on strategic and financial planningOversee center finances, including the annual school budget and day-to-day financial operations of the school. Work with Columbia central offices on annual budget processDetermine strategy and execute on core human resources functions for the center, including employee relations and performance evaluations, working in consultation with the Office of the Provost and Central Human Resources for more complex needsApplication, Admissions, and Enrollment Processes

　　Conduct application, admissions, and enrollment processesEstablish and conduct tour dates and Open House events; add different types of applicant recruitment events as needs evolvePrepare and distribute marketing materials for schoolPrepare acceptance and waitlist lettersDevelop and maintain application tracking systems and historical data; analyze trends; respond in real time to applicant demand to bolster poolEnroll, staff, and run annual six-week summer programCreate, maintain, and distribute school contracts and tuition billsMaintain relationship with external financial aid assessment vendor. Support parents/guardians in financial aid application process, including complying with all requirementsChair financial aid committee for review of awards; create and distribute award lettersEx-missions

　　Maintain ex-missions process in alignment with ISAAGNY calendarConduct ex-mission meetings with current families, including follow-up meetings with individual families as neededSupervise teaching staff's ex-missions related responsibilities, including adherence to deadlines and production of school reportsStay informed of public and independent school admissions policies and opportunitiesSupport parental compliance with deadlines and expectationsPerform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

　　Minimum Qualifications

　　Master's Degree in Early Childhood EducationNY State Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2)Eight years of experience in a play-based school environment, including at least three years working in a faculty supervisory position and/or in administration of a childcare center, preschool, or related setting and at least three years of teaching experience with babies, toddlers, and/or young children in a centerDemonstrated understanding of developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and young childrenExperience with core human resources functions, including employee relations and performance evaluationsExcellent interpersonal, analytical, and organization skillsDemonstrated excellence at follow-throughFlexibility, diplomacy, collegiality, professionalism, ability to remain unflappable in high-pressure situationsAbsolute discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of all invested parties at all timesDemonstrated excellence at understanding of administrative and operational servicesPassion for excellent customer service; commitment to exceptional quality; attention to detailKnowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel; experience and comfort synthesizing and presenting dataAbility to quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of Columbia University's financial systemsExperience developing a budgetPreferred Qualifications

　　Experience interfacing with government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and timely issuance of operating permitsExperience interfacing with government and non-government agencies providing services and support for children with special needs including Early Intervention and NYC Committee for Preschool Special Education. Familiarity with kindergarten application and admissions processes for both public and independent schoolsExperience working in a university, school system, or other large institutional settingGrowth mindset and dedication to lifelong learningOther Requirements

　　Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample.

　　Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

　　Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

　　Minimum Salary: 31200.00Maximum Salary: 31200.00Salary Unit: Yearly