Executive Director - Early Steps

ABOUT EARLY STEPS

Since the 1980s, New York City independent schools have been striving to create school communities that are reflective of our diverse city. In 1986, the Independent School Admission Association sponsored the formation of EARLY STEPS, and 18 schools became members that year. Today, 55 member independent schools depend on EARLY STEPS to guide families of children of color through the process of applying to their schools for kindergarten and first grade.

EARLY STEPS is a 501(c)(3) hands-on nonprofit organization with a singular, deeply held mission: to promote racial diversity within New York City independent schools by increasing the enrollment of children of color beginning at the kindergarten and first grade levels. Schools look to EARLY STEPS for leadership and vision as they continue the work necessary to build welcoming, diverse communities. Our member schools abide by principles of good practice — such as common notification dates — helping make the process more manageable and less stressful for both families and schools.

At EARLY STEPS, we are dedicated to our mission, our children and their families, and our member schools. Families, children, and schools are treated with honesty and respect as we strive to find the best independent school setting for each child. Our school advisors are both professional and compassionate — trusted by schools and families alike to balance the needs of both parties, always with an eye on what is best for each child.

With an annual budget of $500,000 and a dedicated team of three employees, EARLY STEPS is poised for continued growth under strong, visionary leadership. Since 1986, EARLY STEPS has placed over 4,000 children in NYC independent day schools and currently counsels approximately 625 families annually.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of EARLY STEPS, providing strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, ensuring financial sustainability, and overseeing its programs, staff, and community relationships.

This is a full-time position starting on or about August 3, 2026. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, mission-aligned leader with deep experience in nonprofit management, a passion for educational equity, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

•    Provide visionary, inclusive, and transparent executive leadership that advances the organization’s mission and long-term impact.

•    Establish organizational goals, objectives, and operational plans in collaboration with the Board, staff, and key stakeholders.

•    Apply innovative thinking and performance measurement frameworks to support strategic decision-making.

•    Effectively represent EARLY STEPS externally, cultivating a positive organizational profile within the NYC independent school community and beyond.

Operations & Program Management

•    Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring consistent progress toward the organization’s mission and programmatic goals.

•    Lead, refine, and expand EARLY STEPS’ programs and services for member schools and families.

•    Develop and execute organizational and financial plans in accordance with Board-authorized policies.

•    Identify opportunities to enhance program structures and make data-informed recommendations for improvement.

Financial Management

•    Lead hands-on budgetary development and oversight, ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability.

•    Prepare and present timely financial reports and performance updates to the Board of Directors.

•    Secure Board approval for annual budgets and major financial decisions.

Fundraising & Development

•    Drive fundraising strategy and donor development in partnership with the Development Director, leveraging Board relationships as appropriate.

•    Pursue opportunities to grow organizational funding and programmatic capacity.

Board Relations

•    Attend all Board meetings and provide comprehensive reports on organizational performance, staff updates, and project progress.

•    Equip Board members with timely, accurate information required for informed governance decisions.

•    Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors.

Staff Leadership & Culture

•    Recruit, manage, and mentor staff; oversee hiring, performance management, professional development, and compensation.

•    Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture that supports staff excellence.

•    Champion a results-driven environment that recognizes and rewards positive contributions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate brings a genuine commitment to the EARLY STEPS mission, familiarity with NYC independent schools, and a servant-leadership approach to organizational management. A qualified candidate will demonstrate:

•    Proven nonprofit leadership experience, with a strong track record in organizational management and mission-driven work.

•    Knowledge of and experience within the NYC independent school community.

•    Demonstrated success in fiscal management, including budget development and Board-level financial reporting.

•    Experience designing and executing fundraising strategies and growing organizational capacity.

•    Ability to evaluate programs and structures, and make recommendations that drive measurable impact.

•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust across staff, Board, and community stakeholders.

•    Skill in establishing clear, measurable goals and holding oneself and others accountable to results.

•    Commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

•    Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

EARLY STEPS offers a starting salary in the range of $150,000 to $225,000, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package and a positive, team-oriented work environment. This role presents a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact in the NYC independent school community and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please mail a letter of interest and resume to the email address below. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will be reviewed on a rolling basis and handled on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.

EARLY STEPS

Attention: Search Committee

earlystepssearch@gmail.com

540 East 76th Street

New York, New York 10021

EARLY STEPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage diversity and equity in all facets of our work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.