Chief Program Officer (CPO) & Early Childhood Programs Director

Full-Time $80000 - $120000 (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 childregardless of language background or incomehas 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 Chief Program Officer (CPO) & 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. The CPO partners closely with the COO and CEO to ensure that all programs advance the organizations mission and uphold the highest standards of equity quality and impact.

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.

Organization-Wide Program Leadership

• Oversee program development instructional quality and compliance across all 82SA sites.
• Align all programs with MTSS SEL and 82SAs Strategic Joy framework.
• Support Site Directors and program managers through coaching observation and data-driven improvement cycles.
• Implement consistent systems for curriculum safety documentation and program quality assurance.

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.

Cross-Department Operations & HR Systems

• Partner with the COO to build and refine HR processes onboarding systems and performance management structures.
• Ensure consistency and accountability across workflows policies data systems and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations teams to align staffing and budgetary priorities with programmatic goals.

Partnerships Compliance & External Relations

• Serve as a primary liaison to DOE 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; masters preferred (Education Early Childhood Leadership Nonprofit Management or related field).
• NYS certification in Early Childhood SBL or SDL preferred.
• 57 years of leadership experience in Early Childhood or K12 multi-site program management.
• Deep knowledge of NYC DOE UPK standards compliance systems and quality frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in staff supervision operational excellence compliance management and program innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and coaching skills.
• Commitment to equity inclusion and family-centered education.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80000$120000 (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

To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and commitment to educational equity to Michael Selkis CEO at Include 82SA Chief Program Officer in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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.

• Bachelors degree in early childhood education or related field (masters preferred).

• NYS certification in Early Childhood School Building Leadership or School District Leadership.

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in early childhood or K12 settings.

• Strong organizational communication and coaching skills.

• Knowledge of NYC DOE UPK operations and compliance standards preferred.