ROLE SUMMARY

Bank Street College of Education seeks an energetic, purposeful, and accomplished Dean of Children’s Programs & Head of the School for Children to partner with the president of Bank Street College of Education and his cabinet, as well as the exceptional teachers and staff of the Children’s Programs, to build upon our history and reputation for providing a well-rounded and excellent educational experience for children. 

As Dean of Children’s Programs, the role includes supervising the School for Children, a NYSAIS accredited school offering a dynamic academic program that serves children ages 3 through 14; the Family Center, an inclusive early childhood program for children ages 6 months through 5 years; Liberty LEADS, a high school completion and college access program; and Auxiliary Programs, which include the After School Program for School for Children families and Bank Street Summer Camp, a child-centered camp that mirrors the philosophy of the School for Children and serves a wider swath of New York City families.

The dean, who is supervised by the president rather than Bank Street’s Board of Trustees, will also work closely with the dean of the Graduate School of Education and the vice president of the Education Center to ensure a solid foundation between the programs and further the mission of Bank Street College. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader to embrace all that Bank Street stands for, to continue its legacy of more than 100 years as a leader and innovator in progressive education, to propel social justice and equity initiatives forward, and to share with others a vision for its development, growth, and effective and sustained service to the larger community and world.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission and Program Leadership

• Champion Bank Street’s progressive, child-centered developmental-interaction approach across the School for Children, Family Center, Liberty LEADS, and Auxiliary Programs
• Strengthen curriculum and programs that balance rigor and joy, centering equity, anti-racist practice, social justice, and civic engagement
• Collaborate with College partners to ensure Children’s Programs continue to reflect and advance Bank Street’s mission and values

Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Growth

• Supervise and coach divisional and program leaders (including division heads and directors), setting clear goals for coherence, student support, and instructional quality
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a diverse, mission-aligned faculty and staff
• Lead reflective practice and continuous improvement using multiple forms of evidence—student work, developmental benchmarks, and climate data
• Encourage thoughtful integration of technology and AI that enhances rather than replaces relational and experiential learning

Student Experience and Well-Being

• Maintain a safe, inclusive environment where every child feels known, valued, and supported in their learning and identity development
• Work with diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders, as well as student support leaders, to deepen anti-bias and anti-racist practices, restorative approaches, and programs that promote belonging and well-being
• Ensure smooth, developmentally responsive transitions across divisions and programs

Community Partnerships and Communication

• Be a visible, trusted presence with students, families, faculty, and alumni; listen with openness and communicate with clarity
• Engage and partner with families as co-educators, honoring their voices and perspectives
• Share the story of Bank Street’s Children’s Programs with warmth and conviction—within the College, across New York City, and beyond

Enrollment and Financial Sustainability

• Guide the Admissions and Enrollment teams in building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive student body that reflects the values of Bank Street
• Work with College leaders to align budgeting, tuition, and financial aid with the goal of expanding access to our programs

Philanthropy

• Collaborate with the Development and Alumni Relations Office to cultivate philanthropic partnerships that expand access and sustain innovation
• Represent Bank Street’s Children’s Programs externally, sharing its progressive vision

Operations, Risk, and Compliance

• Ensure smooth daily operations—staffing, scheduling, safety, and facilities—in partnership with Facilities and Operations leadership
• Lead NYSAIS accreditation and ongoing compliance; cultivate a culture of reflective self-study and institutional learning

College Collaboration and Institutional Leadership

• Serve as a member of the president’s cabinet, contributing to College-wide planning and decision-making
• Partner closely with the dean of the Graduate School of Education, vice president of the Education Center, and other cabinet colleagues to strengthen collaboration across divisions
• Engage actively with the Board of Trustees by attending meetings and leading the Children’s Programs Committee, representing the needs and priorities of Children’s Programs

For a complete position profile, we invite you to visit our website.  

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possesses a master’s degree in education, child development, or a related field aligned with Bank Street’s progressive philosophy
• Demonstrated experience leading in early childhood, elementary, middle school, or high school settings—preferably within a progressive or independent school
• Deep knowledge of developmental and inquiry-based learning, with experience applying progressive approaches to curriculum, teaching, and school leadership
• Proven record of advancing equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice through curriculum design, faculty development, and community culture
• Experience building and sustaining cultures of belonging and trust through transparency, empathy, and shared purpose
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, enrollment, and staffing with clarity and care; brings experience balancing financial stewardship with mission alignment and innovation
• Experience leading within complex organizations and partnering across departments to align vision, share resources, and strengthen collective impact
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to engage and speak meaningfully with a wide range of internal and external partners—including children, families, colleagues, trustees, and community stakeholders—with warmth and clarity
• Experience engaging in fundraising, development, or advancement initiatives
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing faculty and staff