Education Director

At Harlem Children’s Zone, our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and unlock new possibilities for our children, families, and communities. As the K-12 charter school within HCZ’s cradle-to-career pathway, Promise Academy delivers exceptional education alongside holistic support—empowering young minds, inspiring potential, and creating lasting change. By joining, you become part of a transformative movement dedicated to shaping brighter futures and driving extraordinary outcomes for those we serve.

Who You Are

The Education Director will bring a passion for the goal of HCZ Promise Academy: to get all our scholars to and through college. The ideal candidate cares deeply about children, respects the culture of Harlem’s residents, and is eager to make an impact in Harlem and beyond.

The Education Director serves as a key instructional leader responsible for driving academic excellence, strengthening educator effectiveness, and ensuring the successful implementation of curriculum, assessment, and student support systems. This individual collaborates closely with school leadership, instructional coaches, and operations teams to cultivate a high-performing learning environment where scholars achieve exceptional outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and data-driven educational leader with a demonstrated ability to coach and develop educators, improve instructional practice, and foster a culture of continuous learning and achievement.

What You'll Bring

• A proven track record of success in teaching, coaching, and instructional leadership
• Extensive content knowledge and experience in curriculum development, implementation, and instructional fidelity
• Demonstrated success using data to drive instructional decision-making and improve scholar outcomes
• Experience leading professional development and supporting educator growth
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with scholars, families, staff, and stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A commitment to educational equity, scholar achievement, and continuous improvement

What You'll Do

Instructional Leadership & Curriculum

• Ensure teachers are informed of Promise Academy's classroom expectations for instructional delivery
• Collaborate with instructional coaches to research, evaluate, and recommend curricula, instructional methods, and instructional resources
• Support the implementation of rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and instructional best practices
• Monitor curriculum implementation fidelity and instructional effectiveness across grade levels
• Provide supplemental instruction to scholars during extended learning opportunities as needed

Assessment, Data & Academic Achievement

• Oversee the implementation of external assessment systems, including New York State assessments and other standardized testing programs
• Use assessment and achievement data to inform instructional decisions, intervention planning, and strategic initiativesConstruct and oversee the implementation of student rosters and intervention groupings
• Attend grade-level and instructional team meetings to support the development of academic strategies and action plans
• Monitor grade-level progress and scholar achievement against established benchmarks
• Collaborate with instructional coaches and school leaders to prepare for and facilitate data meetings
• Oversee the completion and quality assurance of report cards and progress reports
• Partner with the Director of Operations to coordinate testing logistics and ensure the security of assessment materials, including Regents, NYSESLAT, and New York State exams

Educator Development & Talent Management

• Conduct formal classroom observations and provide timely, actionable feedback to teachers
• Coach educators through individualized development plans focused on improving instructional practice and scholar outcomes
• Support teacher growth through ongoing coaching conversations, goal-setting, and performance management
• Collaborate with instructional coaches to design and facilitate professional learning opportunities
• Assist with planning and executing summer staff orientation and curriculum development initiatives
• Oversee the development and support of Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows
• Contribute to school-wide talent development, retention, and succession planning efforts

Student Support & School Culture

• Facilitate student circles and restorative practices when needed
• Partner with Deans and school leadership to support the implementation and refinement of PBIS systems
• Monitor scholar progress and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure appropriate academic and behavioral supports
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented school culture that promotes scholar success and belonging
• Support school-wide initiatives that strengthen family engagement and community partnerships

School Leadership & Operations

• Collaborate with school leadership teams to establish and achieve annual academic goals
• Support strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives aligned to school priorities
• Assist in developing systems and structures that improve operational efficiency and instructional effectiveness
• Serve as a key member of the school leadership team and contribute to school-wide decision-making

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree required
• 6+ years of experience working in education
• 3+ years of experience in an administrative or leadership capacity
• Valid New York State Teaching Certification
• Demonstrated success as a classroom teacher and/or school leader
• Experience with curriculum development, instructional coaching, educator evaluation, and data analysis preferred

Schedule

• 12-month school year
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be accessible for emergencies and critical school-related matters outside of regular business hours

Compensation & Benefits

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

Our Benefits Include

• Annual and performance-based bonuses
• Deferred bonus program
• Generous paid time off, including sick and personal days
• No-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Pension plan
• Growth Fund
• Career advancement opportunities
• Employee referral bonus program

We strongly encourage only applicants who meet the qualifications to apply. Responses will only be sent to qualified applicants.

Harlem Children’s Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please note, we do not offer sponsorship for employment visa status for this position.