Executive Director of Operations

ABOUT LITTLE LEGACY VILLAGE PRESCHOOL

Featured in The New York Times, Little Legacy Village Preschool is a mission-driven, community-rooted early childhood program serving families in Harlem, NY. Founded by Harlem native Erica Forte, LLVP provides a nurturing, dual-language, child-centered Pre-K education grounded in five core values: Community, Opportunity, Innovation, Joy, and Gratitude. We use active listening to deliver tailored, enriching learning experiences that set children up for lifelong success -- and we are growing.

POSITION OVERVIEW

LLVP is seeking a visionary and operationally strong Executive Director to lead our growing two-facility organization. As our first Executive Director, you will work in close partnership with the Founder to translate LLVP's mission into sustainable, high-quality operations across both campuses. You will oversee all aspects of the organization -- administration, finance, compliance, enrollment, staff development, family engagement, and community partnerships -- while stewarding a culture that reflects LLVP's values in everything we do.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter of a celebrated Harlem institution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Founder to develop and execute LLVP's strategic vision for a two-facility organization. Establish operational systems, policies, and procedures that support consistent, high-quality programming across both sites.
• Represent LLVP externally -- with community partners, funders, real estate stakeholders, and city/state agencies. Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, new funding, and expanded community impact.

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day operations across both facilities, ensuring compliance with NYC/NYS childcare licensing, ACS, DOH, and DOE regulations.
• Manage facility relationships, vendor contracts, and operational budgets.
• Ensure all health, safety, and facility standards are consistently met.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Founder.
• Oversee tuition billing, voucher management (HRA/ACS), and financial reporting.
• Identify and pursue grant funding and alternative revenue opportunities.

Little Legacy Village Preschool | Harlem, NY | llvpnyc.com Page 1

Staff Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and support all administrative and leadership staff.
• Build a cohesive organizational culture across both campuses rooted in LLVP's core values. Develop and implement performance management and staff retention strategies.
• Supervise site-level Education Directors, providing coaching and accountability.

Family & Community Engagement

• Deepen relationships with enrolled families and the broader Harlem community.
• Serve as a visible, trusted organizational leader for LLVP families and partners.
• Strengthen existing partnerships with K-12 schools, housing developers, and community organizations.

Enrollment & Marketing

• Oversee enrollment strategy, goals, and processes for both facilities.
• Collaborate on marketing, communications, and community outreach to maintain full enrollment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership/management experience, ideally in an early childhood education, school, or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, compliance, and multi-site or multi-program operations. Knowledge of NYC/NYS early childhood education landscape, including ACS, DOE Pre-K programs, and HRA/voucher systems.
• Strong people manager with experience leading diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Deep commitment to LLVP's mission and to the Harlem community.

Preferred

• Experience working with or within NYC childcare or Pre-K provider networks.
• Familiarity with childcare licensing requirements (Article 47/43).
• Experience with grant writing or fundraising.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

COMPENSATION

Salary commensurate with experience. LLVP is committed to offering competitive compensation that reflects the critical importance of this role. Typical NYC range for comparable positions: $85,000 - $120,000.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Executive Director - [Your Name]. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Little Legacy Village Preschool is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Pay: $84,995.94 - $102,360.70 per year

Work Location: In person