Career Center

Who we are?

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. Fieldston Lower, located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, is comprised of approximately 270 students Pre-K through 5th Grade and 60 faculty members.

What is essential about working at our school?

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of equity and inclusion deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace diversity of ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs and seek a student body and faculty that reflect the pluralism and socio-economic diversity of metropolitan New York. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self. 

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality. 

Position Summary

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School Office of Admissions is seeking a mission-driven, dynamic, people-person who is passionate about progressive education and social justice to fill the role of Assistant Director of Admissions, Fieldston Lower. The successful candidate will be creative, eager to learn, and a team player, with professional integrity and a good sense of  humor. The person filling this role will report to the Director of Admissions for Fieldston Lower and will join a team of committed and collaborative colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as one of the primary, outward-facing representatives of the Fieldston Lower Admissions team to prospective families, peer and feeder school colleagues, faculty, and current students and families
• Lead assessments for PreK-5th prospective students and submit detailed narrative evaluations
• Interview prospective families and submit detailed reports of these meetings
• Serve on the Fieldston Lower Admission Committees and attend all relevant committee meetings
• In collaboration with the Director of Fieldston Lower Admissions, manage the Parent Tour Guide Program, including assisting in recruitment, selection, training, and scheduling tour guides
• In collaboration with the Director of Fieldston Lower Admissions, schedule and facilitate online admissions events, including virtual tours, preschool director visits, and other programming as needed
• Assist in creating a buddy matching program for all newly enrolled families in collaboration with the Director of Fieldston Lower Admissions and the P&T
• Respond to prospective family and applicant phone and email inquiries
• Guide prospective families through complete admissions process from inquiry to enrollment in an efficient, transparent, friendly, and informative manner
• Assist in the planning and execution of all prospective and newly admitted family events
• Participate in establishing new and maintaining existing relationships with students, families, faculty, administrators, ongoing schools, educational consultants, and other various educational and partner programs 
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with students, families, faculty, administrators, and other members of the ECFS community
• Represent ECFS at all relevant school fairs, meetings, and panels (some evenings and weekend days required) 
• Attend ISAAGNY meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 2+ years of previous admissions and/or educational experience, with a preference for early childhood/elementary experience
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential situations and materials with discretion
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• The ability to improvise, stay calm during stressful situations, and to laugh at oneself

All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. We will be accepting applications until the position is filled.  

 EEO

ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. ECFS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.