- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building:
- Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director, Tompkins Hall Nursery and Childcare Center, the Associate Director is responsible for assisting with daily operations as well as pedagogical and administrative aspects of the school. The Associate Director must exhibit professionalism, patience, and “people first” in all interactions with teachers, students, and parents/guardians and assist in maintaining an environment that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the school's internal and external communities. This person will also represent and be the lead administrator of the school in the absence of the Director. As one of only two members of the school’s administration, the Associate Director must be flexible, dedicated to teaching children and developing teachers, a leader in both demeanor and behavior, and a creative problem-solver and thought partner to the Director.
Tompkins Hall Nursery and Childcare Center is a unit within the Office of the Provost at Columbia University and located close to Columbia’s Morningside campus. Founded by faculty in the 1930s, Tompkins Hall is a progressive learning environment for children aged three months through five years, with deep roots in constructivist curricular approaches and influenced by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, both of which center on children and childhood. Its students grow and learn through interacting with interests of their own choice with the guidance of nurturing facilitation from their teachers. The Center’s days are full of art, music, books, and open-ended periods of play as well as extensive outdoor explorations.
Responsibilities
Day to Day Operations
- Serve as Acting Director when required, including managing all details pertinent to the operation of a school, establishing office protocol, resolving issues with staff or families, and overseeing programs and activities
- Manage communications with parents in partnership with the Director
- Maintain an effective customer service approach
- Partner with the Director to develop Standard Operating Procedures to ensure school-wide compliance with University policies and procedures
- Assist in classrooms as needed
- Provide educational leadership, training, and supervision to part time Child Care Workers (substitute teachers) and student workers (may include interns, work study candidates, volunteers, and student teachers)
- Develop and implement a curriculum for Child Care Workers (substitute teachers) in consultation with the Director
- Order and maintain student snacks and supplies
- Manage emails and directories for the school
- Facilitate families’ annual orientation into the school with summer mailings and other communications and activities
- Collaborate with the Director in organizing and communicating about school-wide events
- Update forms as requested by Director
- Support Director in maintenance of the school’s rooftop garden
Contracts and Financial Reporting
- Manage student billing and monitor incoming tuition payments
- Process payroll, including submitting timesheet records for temporary employees, Child Care Workers (substitute teachers) and student workers
- Manage finance operations of the school in compliance with the Accounting and Reporting at Columbia (ARC) system, including processing reimbursements and invoices
- Maintain contracts and other billing documents relative to tuition and ensure collections are in compliance with University policy
- Serve as liaison with key finance and operations personnel and units in the University system including in the Provost’s Office, Accounts Payable, Purchasing Department, and Controller's Office
- Advise and partner with the Director on budget planning, financial projections, and updates
- Prepare financial analyses as needed
- Create and disburse contracts for families
- Provide formal and structured monthly updates on tuition payments and other financial and operational matters to the Director
Regulatory Compliance
- Onboard all new Child Care Workers (substitute teachers) and full time teachers’ records according to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOH”) guidelines and University requirements
- Onboard new students, ensuring creation of complete student files
- Maintain all records for students and staff in compliance with DOH requirements
- Manage necessary teacher certifications and renewals to ensure 100% compliance
- Report Immunization survey annually to DOH
- Provide guidance and support to teachers to ensure compliance with University and DOH procedural and documentation requirements
- Maintain up to date lists of allergies and medical conditions for all students in all classrooms at all times
- Review DOH protocol regarding allergies and medical conditions annually. Share changes in policy with the Director, staff, and parents as needed.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree required; at least 5 years related experience with a background in Early Childhood Education or related field.
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Initial NY State Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2) with acquisition of graduate degree and Professional License in Early Childhood within seven years of the issuance of Initial NY State Certification.
OR
Master’s Degree in in Early Childhood Education and Professional License in Early Childhood Education, birth to 2nd grade and a minimum of 4-6 years of classroom experience in a school environment, including a minimum of two years’ experience as a Lead Teacher.
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Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organization skills.
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Demonstrated fluency in early childhood development, along with the ability to interact with children in a developmentally sensitive manner.
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Demonstrated excellence at follow-through.
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Ability to think and work independently, with multiple tasks and projects, and to identify priorities.
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Flexibility, diplomacy, collegiality, professionalism, ability to remain unflappable in high-pressure situations.
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Absolute discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of all parties at all times.
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Demonstrated excellence at understanding of administrative and operational services.
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Passion for excellent customer service, commitment to exceptional quality, and demonstrated professionalism in school and classroom environments.
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Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
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Ability to quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of Columbia University's financial systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Growth mindset and dedication to lifelong learning
- Familiarity with Columbia University's accounting system or a similar system
**Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample.**
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.