Director of Strategy and Engagement, DECE

Position Type:

Administrative and Central Office

Office Title/Functional Title:

Director of Strategy and Engagement, DECE - 26409

Civil Service Title:

Educational Management Associate (Board of Education)

Level:

G5

Division/Office:

Division of Early Childhood Education

Borough:

Manhattan

Posting End Date:

05/13/2026

Description:

Position Summary: The Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) supports the operational and programmatic functions of early childhood education programs for New York City children in elementary schools, Pre-K Centers, and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) contracted settings including Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Family Childcare (FCC) programs. DECE provides families with access to high-quality, inclusive early childhood programs for children birth to five in diverse settings, supporting children’s growth and development. By working in partnership with families and programs, DECE ensures that children are engaged, nurtured, and supported.

The Director of Strategy and Engagement will lead the execution of communications and stakeholder engagement strategies across DECE’s early childhood portfolio. This role is responsible for overseeing messaging systems, managing key partnerships, and supporting field-facing initiatives that advance the division’s outreach and engagement priorities. Performs related work.

Reports to: Senior Director of External Affairs

Direct Reports: External Affairs Manager

Key Relationships: Cross-divisional teams, Office of School Enrollment, NYCPS Press Office, NYCPS Communications Office, external partners, philanthropic organizations through The Fund for Public Schools, Agency counsel, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Messaging and Communications Execution

• Draft and manage internal and external communications, including newsletters, division-wide updates, and public-facing content across digital platforms.

• Coordinate with the NYCPS Press Office, Communications team, and internal partners to ensure alignment of messaging with DECE’s voice and vision.

• Maintain and update critical communications platforms, including the DECE InfoHub, and lead the development of reference materials and support guides for internal and field-facing use.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Lead the DECE Connections initiative, managing outreach and coordination with programs, schools, community partners, and city agencies.

• Support the planning and delivery of professional learning opportunities for early childhood leaders and staff in alignment with engagement priorities.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including advocacy and philanthropic partners, to enhance the impact of DECE's outreach efforts.

Cross-Functional Project Management

• Manage cross-team project plans related to external affairs priorities, ensuring deadlines, deliverables, and communications are well-coordinated and responsive.

• Track key data, maintain organized documentation systems, and support planning cycles that guide team operations and DECE wide initiatives.

Team Collaboration and Supervision

• Supervise the External Affairs Manager, ensuring project and operational support is aligned to evolving priorities.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of External Affairs to implement vision and drive continuous improvement across all communications and engagement workstreams.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum

• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, education administration, personnel administration, management or a related field and four years of satisfactory, responsible, full-time experience in any of the above areas or in another area of

specialization applicable to the position, at least 18 months of which must have been in an administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or

• Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must possess the 18 months of administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as described above.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, outreach, and public engagement within a large organization.

• Proven ability to develop and execute outreach strategies that engage diverse communities.

• Familiarity with early childhood education programs and the NYCPS system.

• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills; strong detail orientated; works collaboratively and cross-functionally and is interested in many aspects of early childhood education policy.

• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills, as well as an established level of comfort when analyzing and presenting data to senior leaders.

• Strong presentation skills; able to organize and present facts and figures in a clear, concise and logical manner, both spoken and written.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; experience in building relationships with diverse constituencies.

• Experience working in government and/or liaising with Intergovernmental Affairs and Press offices; keen political sensitivity and awareness, especially within New York City.

• Ability to develop strategic plans that meet organizational objectives and goals.

• Flexible, optimistic approach committed to overcoming obstacles; thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit; able to work independently when given clear goals and timelines.

• Experienced team manager.

Salary : $130,151 - $145,000

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

* New York City Residency is NOT Required *

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy
The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION - APPLICANTS


Any prospective employee (applicant) who is a qualified individual with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to assist in the application process. If an applicant for employment believes that they have a qualifying disability and are in need of a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process on an equal basis as applicants who do not have a disability, they should request an accommodation with their interview team or contact ODA by emailing [email protected]. The determination of the accommodation request will be communicated to the applicant in writing.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.