Job Description
Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming-now across 15 sites-focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

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

We follow an emergent, project-based curriculum inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia. We know that children are competent, capable and curious beings who come to school with real interests, knowledge and questions about their environment. Our teachers create joyful learning environments that foster inquiry, exploration and reflection, and work collaboratively with children to co-construct curriculum that draws inspiration from the world around us. Families are our partners, working together to build a seamless bridge between home and school and to nurture and celebrate children’s complex identities.

EdAlliance “Perks”

• Competitive Salary

• Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays and Personal Days

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym

• 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

• Generous Vacation Package

JOB PURPOSE

Early Childhood at MCC is working to disrupt the model of separate and unequal education. We believe that all children benefit from attending school in integrated classrooms that reflect the diversity and strengths of our communities.

Working within an inspired and dynamic team, our Associate Director for Admissions and Enrollment is helping build a vision for integrated and accessible progressive education in Chinatown and the Lower East Side.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Build relationships and serve as families’ introduction to our school community
• Support families through the application and registration process
• Advocate for and share our educational approach and philosophy with families, visitors and other stakeholders.
• Develop systems and strategies to support full enrollment
• Work with a diverse community, including a significant Mandarin-speaking population
• Partner with the teaching staff and administration in the overall philosophy and direction of the preschool

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Enrollment, Recruitment, Admissions

• Respond to inquiries and answer families’ questions about our school philosophy, funding structure and application/enrollment processes
• Lead regular tours and/or information sessions of our school for families and visitors
• Track families through every stage of the enrollment process, from inquiry to registration, including managing tour sign-ups and helping families determine the funding option that is right for them
• Support families through the application process and follow up as necessary
• Manage waitlists and communicate regularly with families
• Work with Marketing team to develop promotional materials including brochures, flyers and digital outreach campaigns
• Support families to complete 3K/UPK enrollment process through MySchools
• Support kindergarten admissions process, designed to empower families to make informed decisions about kindergarten together
• Manage returning family preference forms and work with school leadership to create intentional classroom placements
• Introduce incoming families to teaching teams and support transition into school

Administration

• Facilitate the financial aid committee and Head Start ERSEA selection committee
• Communicate paperwork requirements for each funding source clearly and transparently. Work with families to complete paperwork and follow up in a timely fashion to collect outstanding documents
• Meet with families to determine and document eligibility for Head Start and Early Head Start
• Maintain live enrollment, waitlist, financial aid and application spreadsheets
• Share offer letters with families and coordinate with Billing Manager to generate tuition contracts
• Manage registration process, including tracking of medical forms, immunizations and emergency contact information

Strategic Planning

• Manage enrollment timelines for different funding sources - Head Start/Early Head Start, 3K, UPK, tuition and financial aid
• With support of school leadership, marketing and research/evaluation teams, develop plans and strategies to support full enrollment
• Revise and update enrollment documents as necessary
• Keep informed about changes to enrollment requirements from DOE, Head Start and other partners

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintaining collaborative and professional relationships with colleagues
• Participating in regular professional development meetings
• Showing professionalism including integrity, ethical conduct and decision making
• The candidate will be reflective, ask questions, be willing to take risks and make mistakes

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge

• BA/MA in education or related field preferred
• Familiarity with early childhood education, progressive approaches and/or the Reggio Emilia approach preferred
• Bilingual Mandarin/English or Spanish/English a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to respond to inquiries, answer questions, describe school philosophy and help families navigate enrolment systems
• Facility with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word and Forms

Role Key Competencies

• Building Trust
• Communication
• Energy
• Adaptability
• Stress Tolerance
• Strategic thinking

EEO Info

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.