Executive Director - Institute for Thriving Children and Families

Executive Director – Institute for Thriving Children and Families
Bank Street College of Education
Location: NYC-based, Remote possible
Salary Range: $135,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience

About the New Institute
The Institute for Thriving Children and Families (TCF) at Bank Street Graduate School of
Education brings together the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) and the
Straus Center for Young Children & Families to promote evidence- and equity-informed
policies and programs that benefit young children and families—especially those facing the
effects of poverty, racism, and other forms of systemic injustice.
The TCF Institute’s work spans:
● Research and policy analysis to create more optimal conditions for family well-being,
family economic security, and child development in the early years. Research- and
community-informed technical assistance that centers equity and inclusion
● Research and learning partnerships with states, cities, and local communities to guide
effective, equitable use of resources for improving the lives of young children and
families

About Bank Street College of Education
Founded over a century ago, Bank Street is a national leader in progressive education and a
pioneer in practice-based teacher preparation. Through its Centers’ research, policy, and
practice-focused activities, BSCE integrates graduate education with work to improve broader
societal and community-level conditions for children and families. Bank Street is committed to
education, policies and systems that center equity and social justice.
Position Summary
Bank Street seeks an equity-driven leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director (ED) of
the Institute for Thriving Children and Families. Reporting to the Dean of the Graduate School of
Education, the ED will oversee the Institute’s strategic direction and growth, research and policy
portfolio, and external partnerships. The ED will support and expand the work of NCCP and the
Straus Center and the Institute’s network of national, state, and local partners.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Organizational Leadership 25%
● Work with senior staff to further refine and implement a vision for the Institute.
● Manage overall strategy, operations, and staffing of the Institute and its centers.
External Partnerships and Fundraising 30%

● Build and maintain high-level partnerships with advocacy, policy, and research
organizations; philanthropy and public sector leaders in collaboration with senior staff.
● Cultivate relationships with funders and lead efforts to secure contracts and grants to
support the Institute’s work
● Represent the Institute in national policy and research forums; amplify Bank Street’s
voice in advancing equity in early childhood education and cross-systems supports for
families with young children
Development and Oversight 25%
● Lead the expansion of Institute research, policy, and technical assistance projects
centered on early childhood, family economic security, and child and family well-being.
● Support and provide thought partnership to promote high-quality research, policy, and
partnership activities.
● Support dissemination of policy-relevant research through briefs, reports, presentations,
and cross-sector convenings.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building 20%
● Collaborate with the Dean and institutional departments (e.g., Communications,
Business Office, Advancement) to build transparent systems for:
○ Project management and pre-post award oversight
○ Communication of the Institute’s work to key audiences

Desired Qualifications
● Minimum Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., early childhood education,
developmental psychology, public policy, sociology, social work).
● Significant track record (10+ years) leading and managing policy and/or research
initiatives in early childhood, family economic security, and family well-being.
● Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants and contracts for projects
related to the Institute’s work.
● Strong oral and written communication skills, and ability to use research and policy
analysis to shape recommendations for state and local action.
● Experience working with national, state, and local agencies, advocates, and
policymakers to advance equity-driven reforms.
● Interdisciplinary understanding of early childhood systems, family economic security,
and family well-being.
● Experience building infrastructure in research and policy organizations (e.g., systems,
staffing, operations).
● Bi-- or multi-lingual proficiency a plus but not required
● Strong commitment to racial and economic justice