About HeartShare

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

HeartShare Human Services of New York is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Education to lead our First Step Early Childhood Center, dedicated to providing high-quality educational services for students with special needs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Education, the Director will oversee staff supervision, team leadership, policy implementation, safety protocols, and effective fiscal management. This is a pivotal role for a dedicated individual passionate about special education, with strong organizational skills and the ability to foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Advocate for staff needs with senior management, fostering an environment of open communication. Lead and set the vision for the school, while staying up to date on developments in the field. Ensure staff coverage and program compliance with DOH and SED standards. Foster professional development and growth. Provide ongoing training and development for all employees and maintain accurate training records. Collaborate with HR to recruit qualified staff, ensuring timely hiring for program vacancies. Conduct regular supervision of direct reports, including timely completion of performance evaluations and feedback in alignment with agency policies and procedures. Facilitate team meetings, ensuring active participation and recognizing team accomplishments. Cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for family members and incorporate them as integral members of the educational team. Ensure adherence to HeartShare’s Code of Conduct and the NAEYC Code of Ethics, creating a culture of dignity and respect for all. Oversee fiscal management, including budgeting, petty cash, and submission of invoices. Collaborate with Quality Assurance to maintain high regulatory standards. Monitor program capacity, ensuring it runs at maximum potential. Supervise facility maintenance and safety protocols, including monthly fire drills and quarterly lockdown drills.