Center Director Jobs in New York
Center Director jobs in New York are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in early childhood education, healthcare administration, community nonprofits, and workforce development programs at every level from assistant director through senior executive director. The heaviest hiring is in New York City, Buffalo, and Albany, where organizations like NYC Health + Hospitals, the YMCA of Greater New York, and Catholic Charities maintain large, ongoing center operations. The most sought-after specializations include early childhood program leadership, federally funded community service centers, and behavioral health day programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 99+ Center Director jobs
Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.
Our teachers, center staff, and field leaders are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you’ll be directly supporting children and their education every day and experiencing the trials and triumphs that come with that responsibility. But you’ll never be alone. You’ll do it all with a village of dedicated and passionate humans who care as much about helping kids reach their highest potential as you do. The best part? Seeing the positive impact you’re making on the lives of young learners and their families—and knowing that your work matters.
If you’re passionate about positively impacting the lives of others and making waves in the world of early childhood education, the Center Director role might be for you!
With KinderCare’s world-class curriculum, center accreditation process, and dedicated teaching staff, our Center Directors are changing the world one achievement at a time. Center Directors educate parents, teachers, and community leaders on the incredible value of early childhood education and make that value come to life for the children in their center.
When you join our team as a Center Director, you will:
- Hire, engage and develop a team of “best in class” educators to be passionate and committed professionals
- Partner with parents with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children
- Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners
- Use your business, sales, and marketing savvy to grow KinderCare’s presence in the community, leading to the growth of new families and children in our centers
Required Skills and Experience:
- At least one year of solid leadership experience with the ability to develop, engage, and inspire a team
- Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and multi-task and handle multiple situations effectively.
- Budget and financial accountability with revenue generation experience preferred
- NAEYC/NAC and state licensing knowledge preferred
- Meet state specific guidelines for the role
- Able to use a computer with basic proficiency, lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors.
- Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity.
- Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English
- This role requires the ability to work on-site at the center daily
- Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits. - Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
- Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
- Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
- … and much more.
We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people.
.
KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.
Our teachers, center staff, and field leaders are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you’ll be directly supporting children and their education every day and experiencing the trials and triumphs that come with that responsibility. But you’ll never be alone. You’ll do it all with a village of dedicated and passionate humans who care as much about helping kids reach their highest potential as you do. The best part? Seeing the positive impact you’re making on the lives of young learners and their families—and knowing that your work matters.
If you’re passionate about positively impacting the lives of others and making waves in the world of early childhood education, the Center Director role might be for you!
With KinderCare’s world-class curriculum, center accreditation process, and dedicated teaching staff, our Center Directors are changing the world one achievement at a time. Center Directors educate parents, teachers, and community leaders on the incredible value of early childhood education and make that value come to life for the children in their center.
When you join our team as a Center Director, you will:
- Hire, engage and develop a team of “best in class” educators to be passionate and committed professionals
- Partner with parents with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children
- Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners
- Use your business, sales, and marketing savvy to grow KinderCare’s presence in the community, leading to the growth of new families and children in our centers
Required Skills and Experience:
- At least one year of solid leadership experience with the ability to develop, engage, and inspire a team
- Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and multi-task and handle multiple situations effectively.
- Budget and financial accountability with revenue generation experience preferred
- NAEYC/NAC and state licensing knowledge preferred
- Meet state specific guidelines for the role
- Able to use a computer with basic proficiency, lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors.
- Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity.
- Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English
- This role requires the ability to work on-site at the center daily
- Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits. - Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
- Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
- Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
- … and much more.
We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people.
.
KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
See All 99 Center Director Jobs in New York
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Find Center Director JobsCenter Director Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Center Director Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Mount Sinai Health System12
- KinderCare Learning Companies4
- 92nd Street Y3
- Cornell University3
- The Learning Experience3
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in center director jobs across New York.
- Active New York State Office of Children and Family Services director approval or equivalent credential required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in education, social work, public administration, or a related field
- Minimum number of years of supervisory or program management experience in a relevant setting
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, grants, and compliance reporting for a New York program
- Strong knowledge of New York State regulations governing licensed child care or community center operations
- Experience leading staff hiring, training, and performance management in a unionized or nonprofit environment
Center Director Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a center director in New York?
Becoming a center director in New York typically starts with a bachelor's degree in education, social work, public health, or a related field, often supplemented by a master's for senior roles. Directors of licensed child care programs must meet approval standards set by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, including specific education and experience requirements. Many candidates build toward the role through positions as program coordinators, assistant directors, or case managers at nonprofits or city agencies.
Which companies hire center directors in New York?
Employers hiring center directors in New York right now include Mount Sinai Health System, KinderCare Learning Companies, and 92nd Street Y, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New York's dense network of nonprofit human services agencies, city-contracted community organizations, and large healthcare systems makes it one of the most consistently active states for this role.
Which New York cities have the most center director jobs?
New York, Brooklyn, and Queens have the most center director openings in New York. New York City dominates because of its sheer concentration of nonprofits, federally funded Head Start programs, and city agency contracts, while Buffalo and Albany generate steady demand through state government offices, regional healthcare systems, and long-established human services organizations that anchor those metro areas.
Are there remote center director jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're rare. Center director roles are fundamentally on-site positions requiring direct oversight of staff, facilities, and program participants, so most openings expect full in-person presence. About 13% of center director openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in policy, grant management, or multi-site oversight roles where physical presence at a single location is less critical.
How can I get hired as a center director in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is to start as a program coordinator, site supervisor, or assistant director at a New York nonprofit or city-contracted agency and build toward the director role from within. Large operators like the YMCA of Greater New York, NYC Administration for Children's Services contractors, and regional Head Start grantees regularly promote from entry-level program staff. Earning a Child Development Associate credential or completing a New York State-recognized early childhood director credential strengthens candidacy considerably for anyone without a graduate degree.
Where can I find and apply to center director jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to center director jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 99 Center Director Jobs in New York
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