UPK Director (Early Childhood Education)

Job Details: Job Location: Headquarters

• Jackson Heights, NY, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $80000.00 - $100000.00Salary/year, Full-Time
• $80,000 - $100,000 (depending on experience) + Benefits About 82nd Street Academics 82nd Street Academics (82SA) is a growing, mission-driven nonprofit advancing educational equity and preparing students and families for success from early childhood through adulthood. With multiple sites across Queens, we deliver innovative academic programs and wraparound family and youth services that bridge opportunity gaps and empower families through holistic education and community partnerships. Vision & Mission Our vision is a Queens where every child—regardless of language, background, or income—has equitable access to joyful, high-quality learning experiences that unlock their fullest potential. Our mission is to equip students and families with the academic, social, and emotional foundations to thrive in school and in life. We do this by building inclusive programs that integrate rigorous instruction, CASEL-aligned social-emotional learning, and family empowerment, ensuring that each learner is seen, supported, and celebrated. The Opportunity 82nd Street Academics seeks an experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as Early Childhood Programs Director, overseeing program quality, development, and staff support across Early Childhood, Afterschool, Summer, Youth Leadership, and Family Engagement programs. This senior leadership role provides direct oversight of the UPK program while driving organizational consistency, compliance, professional learning, and strategic innovation across all sites.

Key Responsibilities

Early Childhood (UPK) Leadership Direct all UPK program quality, compliance, operations, and DOE/NYS standards. Supervise and coach teachers, instructional leads, and support staff. Lead family engagement, enrollment, attendance, and community outreach. Ensure an inclusive, high-quality learning environment that meets DOE and DOH expectations.

Professional Learning & Staff Development Lead the design and execution of organization-wide training, coaching, and staff evaluation systems. Strengthen staff culture grounded in equity, joy, and continuous improvement. Cultivate emerging leaders and ensure pathways for growth and retention. Partnerships, Compliance & External Relations Serve as a primary liaison to DOE, DOH, DYCD, school partners, and community organizations.

Lead site visits, audits, and reporting requirements for all programs. Represent 82SA in external forums, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen visibility and impact.

Compensation

& Benefits Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (commensurate with experience) Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities Work Environment Full-time, primarily on-site in Jackson Heights, Queens, with periodic travel to other sites. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for family events, audits, or training sessions.

Bilingual candidates (English/Spanish or other Queens-community languages) are strongly encouraged to apply. Strategic Joy EEO & Inclusion 82nd Street Academics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff and families. Individuals from historically marginalized communities and those with lived experience in Queens are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field (master's preferred). NYS certification in Early Childhood, School Building Leadership, or School District Leadership. Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in early childhood or K–12 settings. Strong organizational, communication, and coaching skills.

Knowledge of NYC DOE UPK operations and compliance standards preferred.