Director, City Seats in New Orleans, Louisiana at Agenda for Children, Inc.

About Agenda for Children, Inc.

Agenda for Children works to build a Louisiana where every child can thrive. We support children and families by expanding access to essential resources, promoting healthy development and a strong start in life through high-quality early education and care, and strengthening the people, organizations, and systems that support children.

For over 40 years, Agenda for Children has worked to expand opportunity and support the well-being of Louisiana’s children and families. Our work is grounded in the vision of our founders, shaped by the lived experiences of those we serve, and driven by a commitment to building systems that empower children, families, and educators.

Our Values

Kids Come First: Every decision starts with what’s best for children.Lead with Integrity: We act with honesty, empathy, transparency, and respect in everything we do.Families Matter: We recognize families as the foundation of a child’s healthy development and well-being.Start Strong: We invest early, knowing that strong starts lead to stronger futures.Support People and Partnerships: We champion the growth and leadership of those who care for and work with young children.Collaborate with Communities: We listen, learn, and build with the people we serve.Strengthen Systems: We inform and influence policies, programs, and practices to ensure they are effective and responsive to the people they serve.Learn and Adapt: We use facts, feedback, and real-life stories to guide our work.Steward with Care: We manage resources responsibly and with accountability.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to help lead one of the most distinctive early childhood programs in Louisiana. The Director of City Seats is the primary administrator and relationship anchor for the entire City Seats program, responsible for ensuring that every provider is supported, every child is enrolled and served well, and every partner, from early learning centers to the City of New Orleans, has a trusted point of contact.You will manage a team of four Early Care and Education Specialists, who are practice-based coaches embedded in City Seats centers, and work closely with the Managing Director of City Seats to move the program forward. This is high-touch, high-stakes work that combines instructional leadership, compliance oversight, partner relations, and team development. The right person brings deep knowledge of early childhood education, a genuine love of coaching and building relationships, and the organizational discipline to manage a complex, multi-site program.We are looking for someone who understands that in early childhood, relationships are critical. If you are energized by the challenge of bringing together educators, families, and community partners around the well-being of young children, this role was built for you.

What you'll do

Program Oversight & Compliance (40%)You are the accountability anchor for the City Seats program. You will:Monitor and ensure provider compliance with MOUs, LDOE requirements, and City Seats licensing standards across 40+ sitesConduct regular site visits to observe coaching cycles, build center relationships, and document findingsFacilitate monthly provider meetings and serve as the primary point of contact for all City Seats partnersLead crisis mediation and problem-solving across provider, partner, and family relationshipsPrepare monthly reports to the City of New Orleans and other partners; ensure all reporting is accurate and on timeCoaching & Staff Development (30%)You directly lead a team of four ECE Specialists who coach teachers and leaders at City Seats centers:Reflectively supervise, evaluate, and develop Specialists through individualized support and performance planningManage portfolio assignments, ensuring each Specialist is well-matched and meeting monthly coaching deliverablesDesign and implement team onboarding; build partnerships with professional development providers to strengthen the coaching teamTrack and report all coaching data through Salesforce and Child PlusOperations & Strategic Planning (15%)Develop and maintain SOPs, documentation systems, and operational forms as the program growsMake budget recommendations; track spending and coordinate with finance and the Managing DirectorSupport fiscal year-end close and ensure compliant, timely spend-down of program fundsExternal Partnerships & Communications (15%)Distribute the City Seats newsletter; ensure all partner communications are clear, on-brand, and professionalEngage community partners to identify resources and opportunities for City Seats centers and familiesCollaborate with the ECHO Fund team to ensure grant opportunities are relevant and utilized effectively

What we're looking for

You are likely a strong fit if you bring:Deep early childhood expertise. Knowledge of childcare program administration and quality standards; experience working in or alongside early learning programs, especially infant and toddler settings.People leadership. Experience supervising and developing staff, preferably coaches, instructional leaders, or specialists. You know how to hold people accountable with care.Relationship range. You can move fluently between a center director, a city official, a parent, and a funder, and each of them trusts you.Organizational rigor. You manage complexity without losing detail. Deadlines, documentation, and compliance systems don't rattle you.Mission alignment. You understand why access to high-quality early childhood education is critical, and that shapes how you show up every day.Education & ExperienceMaster's degree in early childhood education, education leadership, public administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered6+ years of experience in early childhood program administration, instructional coaching, or a closely related fieldExperience working with publicly funded programs, government contracts, or MOU-based partnerships is a strong plusProficiency with Salesforce, Child Plus, or similar program management tools preferred

Additional details

Physical Requirements (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.)While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to communicate information and ideas effectively so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).Read, analyze, and interpret data (emails, memos, letters, etc.).Maintain visual attention and mental concentration for significant periods of time.Frequently remains in a stationary position (sitting or standing).Constant use of hands, wrists, and fingers for typing and computer-related tasks.Occasionally lifts or moves objects up to 50 pounds.Regular communication with colleagues and external partners via phone, Zoom, and email.Work EnvironmentDuties are performed primarily in an office environment with occasional off-site meetings.Duties may also require traveling to other facilities using the employee's personal transportation.This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including laptop computers and various digital devices.No exposure to environmental hazards or extreme conditions.This is a full-time position; days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.DisclaimersThis job description is not intended to cover or list in full the activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description shall not constitute or be construed as a promise of employment or as a contract between Agenda for Children and any of its employees.