Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Gems – prepares our youngest scholars to succeed in K-12 and
beyond by building a strong academic foundation and starting them on the path to college and
career.

The Harlem Gems Education Director serves as the instructional leader for the early childhood program, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across all classrooms. This role oversees curriculum implementation, staff development, classroom quality, and compliance with educational standards and licensing requirements. In collaboration with the Program Director, the Education Director also helps guide the overall vision and operations of the center—and assumes responsibility for daily program operations in the Program Director’s absence.

The ideal candidate is not only a skilled instructional leader, but also deeply aligned with Harlem Gems' philosophy of early childhood education, which emphasizes whole-child development, family partnership, and culturally responsive practice. At Harlem Gems, we intentionally introduce both preschool and kindergarten concepts to ensure our scholars enter elementary school with a strong foundation and equitable opportunities for success. We value creative, high-quality instruction that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and nurtures each child's potential. A strong cultural fit includes a commitment to educational equity, collaborative teamwork, and service to the Harlem community.

Requirements

- Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (required)

- Certification in Special Education (preferred)

- Minimum 6 years of teaching experience in early childhood education

- Kindergarten teaching experience (preferred)

- At least 2 years of supervisory, coaching, or teacher leadership experience

- Strong knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and assessment

- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

- Commitment to inclusive and equity-driven practices

- Demonstrated alignment with Harlem Gems’ and philosophy of early childhood education, including whole-child development and culturally responsive teaching

- Strong cultural fit with the values of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and service to children and families in Harlem

- Must meet all health and safety clearance requirements (e.g., background check, TB test)

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include: 

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off 
• Employee referral bonus 
• Career advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting on our careers page. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone does not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship for work authorization in the United States.

Harlem Children’s Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.