Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty‑fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission‑aligned Managing Director, Core Operations to lead the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) Operations Team.
The Managing Director will bring a passion for the mission of HCZ: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on‑the‑ground programming that builds opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.
HCZ seeks a proven leader to serve as Managing Director, Core Operations to lead the organization’s Facilities, Food Services, Safety and Information Technology teams (Core Operations), which support HCZ’s departments, programs, and schools spanning 20+ physical locations across Central Harlem. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Managing Director of Operations will directly manage the four Core Operations department Directors and work closely with senior leaders across the organization to ensure that Core Operations are run efficiently and effectively for HCZ’s scholars, families, and staff.
Core Operations Teams
Facilities: Ensures HCZ’s 20+ physical locations remain compliant, structurally sound, clean, and welcoming; fosters effective partnerships with external building entities and their teams.
Food Services: Operates three full‑service kitchens in HCZ’s K‑12 HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools, preparing 1M meals a year.
Safety: Ensures HCZ’s 20+ physical locations remain safe spaces to work and learn, supports safety initiatives, and fosters ongoing partnerships with local NYPD precincts.
Information Technology: Manages a complex technology environment, supporting both enterprise and school‑based applications across Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android platforms. With a focus on innovation and customer service, the department delivers secure and reliable solutions that empower staff to effectively serve the children and families in our community.
Serving as a key member of HCZ's Senior Leadership Team, the ideal candidate will have significant experience managing multi‑site operations within a complex organization, be a strong coach, manager, and people leader, and possess technical expertise in project and risk management.
Bachelor's degree in facilities management, engineering, business administration, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred
3 or more years of experience in a senior‑level operations role within a complex, multi‑site organization
Who you are
Familiarity with building infrastructure systems and local, state, and federal (e.g., NYC Department of Buildings, NYC Department of Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance and regulatory standards and Building Management Systems
Excellent project management skills with an aptitude for proactively identifying risk
Demonstrated financial acumen and strong budget management skills
Strong people leadership skills and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders
Excellent communication and organization skills and effective prioritization and time management skills
What you’ll do Overall Leadership
Serve as a leader and thought partner to the COO and organization
In partnership with the COO, lead, design and implement short‑ and long‑term operations goals influenced and aligned to the organization’s mission/vision
Architect and orchestrate strategy and execution plans for diverse portfolios with multi‑site operations
Ensure efficient oversight and leadership across portfolios and areas of responsibility
Ensure operational excellence leading to growth, scalability, innovation, and sustainability
Core Operations
Oversee Core Operations departmental budgets totaling $9M annually and develop a 3‑5‑year capital expenditure plan in partnership with Finance
Maintain working knowledge of building infrastructure systems (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, security, communication), best practice policies, procedures, and operations
Manage professional services contracts and oversee the scheduling and execution of all periodic facility inspections, including, but not limited to, kitchen systems, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, mechanical systems, boilers, elevators, security alarms, and sanitation systems
Identify and manage vendors and contractors for major capital expenditure projects (e.g., upgrades to the building infrastructure systems, environmental health projects, building security systems, and fire alarm systems)
Oversee and refine all Core Operations policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, custodial maintenance protocols, safety protocols, incident reporting and response, cooking and food serving requirements, and all related and required and relevant training
Develop and maintain robust and comprehensive inventory tracking and management systems to ensure Core Operations has and maintains adequate equipment, products, supplies, and materials to provide effective and high‑quality services
Meet and communicate regularly with organizational leaders and other key stakeholders to understand and support their Core Operations needs
Talent Management
Lead, manage, and develop the Core Operations Directors and a team of 200+ full‑ and part‑time operations staff
In partnership with Human Resources, ensure hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes are executed efficiently and equitably
Regularly assess staffing needs (i.e., department headcount and schedules) to identify any operational gaps and develop contingency plans as needed
Establish a strong, positive team culture and performance‑driven mindset rooted in our organizational mission
Project and Risk Management
Serve as internal project manager for our portfolio of buildings to help extend the useful life of building systems, equipment, and infrastructure
Oversee the response to safety incidents and collaborate with all stakeholders
Periodically inspect the structural integrity of buildings, building systems, and grounds to proactively identify and address any compliance or safety issues
Oversee food service risk management, ensuring compliance with health regulations through regular kitchen audits and safe food handling practices
Conduct cost analyses and regular risk assessments across the Core Operations portfolio for greater operational efficiencies
Schedule
Must be available to work in person/on‑site 5 days a week, and some weekends as needed
As a member of the Harlem Children’s Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.
Our exceptional full‑time benefits include:
Highly competitive base salaries
Paid time off
Year‑end bonus
Career advancement
No‑cost health insurance
Life Insurance
Short‑and long‑term disability
Additional voluntary benefits
Wellness discounts
Commuter benefits
Financial wellness perks
Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)
The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $190,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools will not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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The Managing Director will bring a passion for the mission of HCZ: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on‑the‑ground programming that builds opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.
HCZ seeks a proven leader to serve as Managing Director, Core Operations to lead the organization’s Facilities, Food Services, Safety and Information Technology teams (Core Operations), which support HCZ’s departments, programs, and schools spanning 20+ physical locations across Central Harlem. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Managing Director of Operations will directly manage the four Core Operations department Directors and work closely with senior leaders across the organization to ensure that Core Operations are run efficiently and effectively for HCZ’s scholars, families, and staff.
Core Operations Teams
Facilities: Ensures HCZ’s 20+ physical locations remain compliant, structurally sound, clean, and welcoming; fosters effective partnerships with external building entities and their teams.
Food Services: Operates three full‑service kitchens in HCZ’s K‑12 HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools, preparing 1M meals a year.
Safety: Ensures HCZ’s 20+ physical locations remain safe spaces to work and learn, supports safety initiatives, and fosters ongoing partnerships with local NYPD precincts.
Information Technology: Manages a complex technology environment, supporting both enterprise and school‑based applications across Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android platforms. With a focus on innovation and customer service, the department delivers secure and reliable solutions that empower staff to effectively serve the children and families in our community.
Serving as a key member of HCZ's Senior Leadership Team, the ideal candidate will have significant experience managing multi‑site operations within a complex organization, be a strong coach, manager, and people leader, and possess technical expertise in project and risk management.
Bachelor's degree in facilities management, engineering, business administration, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred
3 or more years of experience in a senior‑level operations role within a complex, multi‑site organization
Who you are
Familiarity with building infrastructure systems and local, state, and federal (e.g., NYC Department of Buildings, NYC Department of Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance and regulatory standards and Building Management Systems
Excellent project management skills with an aptitude for proactively identifying risk
Demonstrated financial acumen and strong budget management skills
Strong people leadership skills and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders
Excellent communication and organization skills and effective prioritization and time management skills
What you’ll do Overall Leadership
Serve as a leader and thought partner to the COO and organization
In partnership with the COO, lead, design and implement short‑ and long‑term operations goals influenced and aligned to the organization’s mission/vision
Architect and orchestrate strategy and execution plans for diverse portfolios with multi‑site operations
Ensure efficient oversight and leadership across portfolios and areas of responsibility
Ensure operational excellence leading to growth, scalability, innovation, and sustainability
Core Operations
Oversee Core Operations departmental budgets totaling $9M annually and develop a 3‑5‑year capital expenditure plan in partnership with Finance
Maintain working knowledge of building infrastructure systems (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, security, communication), best practice policies, procedures, and operations
Manage professional services contracts and oversee the scheduling and execution of all periodic facility inspections, including, but not limited to, kitchen systems, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, mechanical systems, boilers, elevators, security alarms, and sanitation systems
Identify and manage vendors and contractors for major capital expenditure projects (e.g., upgrades to the building infrastructure systems, environmental health projects, building security systems, and fire alarm systems)
Oversee and refine all Core Operations policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, custodial maintenance protocols, safety protocols, incident reporting and response, cooking and food serving requirements, and all related and required and relevant training
Develop and maintain robust and comprehensive inventory tracking and management systems to ensure Core Operations has and maintains adequate equipment, products, supplies, and materials to provide effective and high‑quality services
Meet and communicate regularly with organizational leaders and other key stakeholders to understand and support their Core Operations needs
Talent Management
Lead, manage, and develop the Core Operations Directors and a team of 200+ full‑ and part‑time operations staff
In partnership with Human Resources, ensure hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes are executed efficiently and equitably
Regularly assess staffing needs (i.e., department headcount and schedules) to identify any operational gaps and develop contingency plans as needed
Establish a strong, positive team culture and performance‑driven mindset rooted in our organizational mission
Project and Risk Management
Serve as internal project manager for our portfolio of buildings to help extend the useful life of building systems, equipment, and infrastructure
Oversee the response to safety incidents and collaborate with all stakeholders
Periodically inspect the structural integrity of buildings, building systems, and grounds to proactively identify and address any compliance or safety issues
Oversee food service risk management, ensuring compliance with health regulations through regular kitchen audits and safe food handling practices
Conduct cost analyses and regular risk assessments across the Core Operations portfolio for greater operational efficiencies
Schedule
Must be available to work in person/on‑site 5 days a week, and some weekends as needed
As a member of the Harlem Children’s Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.
Our exceptional full‑time benefits include:
Highly competitive base salaries
Paid time off
Year‑end bonus
Career advancement
No‑cost health insurance
Life Insurance
Short‑and long‑term disability
Additional voluntary benefits
Wellness discounts
Commuter benefits
Financial wellness perks
Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)
The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $190,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools will not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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