Associate Director of Operations

Educational Alliance
Educational Alliance

Operations

New York, NY, USA

Posted on Jul 28, 2026

Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is an inspired, responsive and progressive preschool serving children ages 0-5 years old, built on the following principles: all children are competent, capable, and curious; all families have something to contribute; we are stronger together. Our pioneering blended-funding model incorporates Head Start, Early Head Start, Universal Pre-K and tuition funding to serve all families on the Lower East Side and beyond.

Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia and the Creative Curriculum, our classrooms are joyful and nurturing learning environments that foster inquiry, exploration and reflection. With the support and supervision of our Education Admin team, our teachers work collaboratively with children to draw inspiration from the children’s interests and the world around us.

Our ADE works to advance the vision of our school, ensuring that all children are welcome and teachers feel supported to carry out their roles daily. Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is helping to build a vision for progressive education on the Lower East Side. We believe that all children make meaning through inquiry, exploration and play in the context of strong relationships and a sense of belonging.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create the daily coverage schedule for all classrooms (absences, lateness, lunch coverage and aftercare)

• Supervise all FT and PT floaters and per diem employees

• Approve timecards for floaters and per diem staff

• Support all classrooms by completing the required daily checks each morning and providing coverage if necessary

• Be an admin presence in the parks, lobby and at opening and closing of program on a rotating basis

• Sign incident reports and support the directors in assessing children who may get hurt or ill while in school

• Collaborate with the operations team, specialized services and educational arms of the program

• Build relationships with community members to establish Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center as a dynamic, responsive and inclusive community

Program Development and Classroom Support

• In partnership with Educational and Operations leadership team, support teacher’s professional development by planning/participating in staff meetings, dialogue groups and professional development

• Participate in parent meetings as needed

• Participate in interviewing, recruitment, training and development of teachers, assistant teachers and additional support staff. Provide orientation to welcome new staff into our approach and philosophy

• In Partnership with leadership, work collaboratively with the Early Childhood Parent Policy Council and assist with planning and delivery of family events and projects as necessary

• Collaborate with other programs and departments within Educational Alliance and Manny Cantor Center as appropriate

Administration

• Assist program staff, teachers, students and parents with questions, concerns, and information

• Assist classrooms to maintain compliance for DOH, DOE and other regulatory requirements

Other

• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned

• Any other job duties that are relevant to the role

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required

• Outstanding written and oral communications skills

• Organized with strong attention to detail and ability to develop efficient, internal systems and workflow

• Able to work a flexible schedule as needed

• Team player with a passion for building relationships and fostering partnerships, both internal and external to Manny Cantor Center

• The ideal candidate will be a passionate and warm collaborator, excellent communicator with proven success connecting and relating with students, parents, staff, and the community.

• Minimum 2 years of classroom teaching experience preferred

• Understand developmental milestones, appropriate practice and assessment for all age groups in the school.

• Self-motivated, highly efficient, and able to problem solve

• Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations in a professional, warm and friendly manner

• Conversational in Spanish and/or one or more Chinese dialects preferred

BENEFITS

  • Generous PTO Policy
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • 403b Retirement Plans
  • Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
  • Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14th Street Y Gym
  • Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Reward

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.