Director of Manhattan Preschool

Job Title:  Director of Manhattan Preschool

Department:  Language Center

Reports to:  VP of Education 

Designation : Exempt / Full Time

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Start Date : July 1 st , 2025.

Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00. 

L'Alliance New York is a multi-disciplinary educational and cultural organization with locations in midtown Manhattan and Montclair, NJ. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, L'Alliance New York is committed to providing our audience and students with engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world. We are a welcoming and inclusive community for all ages and all backgrounds, where people can meet, learn, and explore the richness of our heritages and share discoveries. We strive to amplify voices and build bridges from the entire francophone world to New York and beyond. L'Alliance New York has an extensive Language Center offering hundreds of French classes for all ages, a French Library, and year-round cultural programs ranging from cinema and performing arts to visual arts and social event programs.

L'Alliance New York's Preschool is part of the Language Center, the largest language school dedicated to teaching the French language in the tri-state area. With more than 5,000 registrations annually, French instruction is offered in two locations: Manhattan's Upper East Side and Montclair, NJ to toddlers (ages 1-4), kids (5-10) and teens (11-17) from beginner to advanced levels.

L'Alliance New York's Preschool consists of a full-day and half-day French immersion program for toddlers ages 2½ to 5 in two separate classes/classrooms. It has operated continuously since 2012.

Position Summary

The director of the Manhattan Preschool, a full-time position, is responsible for the pedagogical leadership and day-to-day operations of L'Alliance New York's preschool in Manhattan, coordinating with the Montclair, NJ Preschool.

Working hours are 8:30am-4:30 pm.

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

The Director is responsible for the pedagogical leadership and day-to-day operations of the Manhattan preschool, currently consisting of two classrooms, including supervising teaching staff, managing substitutions, organizing preschool events, communicating with parents, handling admissions and exmissions, among other duties.

The Director is under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Education and works with the other departments within L'Alliance New York.

Pedagogical Responsibilities

· Develop and enrich the class offerings based on the French curriculum and educational best practices for early childhood, staying current with the latest methodologies, pedagogical resources and technology.

· Organize and lead teacher training sessions.

· Evaluate and improve teacher performance through classroom observations and coaching.

· Occasionally conduct placement tests.

· Organize and lead weekly meetings with the preschool staff.

· Fine-tune the preschool's curriculum and evaluations.

· Substitute teach as needed.

Teachers Management

· Manage a team of four full-time teachers and teachers' assistants.

· Advise teachers on pedagogy and available pedagogical resources.

· Identify the training needs of the pedagogical team.

· Recruit, onboard, train, and assist new teaching staff.

Administrative tasks

· Ensure that classes run smoothly (supply orders, snacks, etc).

· Recruit new students/families and organize observation days for the preschool.

· Communicate with parents via email regularly.

· Create the school year calendar.

· Make sure the preschool complies with New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's rules and regulations.

· Coordinate the yearbook with the Marketing Team.

Business Development

· Communicate program content and updates to parents and answer inquiries.

· Be visible and connect with parents regularly to ensure their satisfaction and re-enrollment.

· Seek out prospective students and ensure enrollment (fairs, open houses… etc).

· Foster a positive relationship among students, parents and instructors.

· Stay current with the class offerings of our competitors for young French learners as well as with their marketing strategies (web content, etc) in order to establish L'Alliance New York as a leader in the field.

· Participate, in collaboration with the Programming team, in the elaboration and implementation of L'Alliance New York's cultural programs for children

· Collaborate with L'Alliance New York as sponsors (children programs).

The job description above is not an exhaustive list of duties. The person in this role will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by the role and the overall business objectives of L'Alliance New York.

Qualifications/Requirements

· NYS Certification in early childhood required.

· French teaching certification not required but a plus; e.g. Diplôme de Professeur des Écoles, Master's degree (Level 1 or 2) in Teaching French as a Foreign Language, or DAEFLE.

· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Passion for Francophonie and Francophone cultures.

· Minimum of two years' experience teaching French and/or early childhood.

· Minimum of two years' experience managing people.

· Solid knowledge and understanding of the French Ministry of Education curriculum for preschool a plus

· Expertise in French language pedagogy for toddlers and young children a plus.

· Proficient in using educational technologies, including Smart Board technology, for language instruction.

· Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

· Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, with strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to meet deadlines effectively.

· Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required.

L'Alliance New York's Preschool is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Our mission is to provide a joyful entry into the French language and culture, combining the best of the  école   maternelle and American preschool experience to help each child reach his/her full potential. 

Generous Benefits

· Generous vacation package.

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans with shared employee-employer contributions

· 403(b) Savings Plan (L'Alliance New York is matching up to 5% after 2 years).

· Complimentary L'Alliance New York Membership and Discounts. 

· Free French Classes.

· Pre-tax benefits, including Commuter Benefit Plan (CBP) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

TO APPLY :

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 2 references to  Emelyne Maroufi , People & Culture Business Partner at emaroufi@lallianceny.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the large number of applicants we receive, we will only be able to contact those that we would like to meet for interviews. 

L'Alliance New York is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, citizenship status protected veteran status or any other characteristic   protected by law.