Manhattan Country School (MCS) is a pre-K – 8th elementary school in NYC recognized for its strong academic program, racial and economic diversity, and an environmental literacy program that features a working farm in the Catskills. Committed to principles of equity and multiculturalism, Manhattan Country School is unique among NYC independent schools. MCS’ educational philosophy relies on educators who have strong knowledge of child development and can apply it to effective pedagogies of inquiry and learning, enjoy the exuberance and curiosity of children, want to help build a community where diverse perspectives are valued, and appreciate the life-long impact of working together for social and environmental justice.

Manhattan Country School (MCS) is a progressive PreK-eighth grade, independent, co-ed school located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that features a 160-acre working Farm in the Catskills, 150 miles northeast of NYC in Roxbury, NY.

Founded in 1966, MCS has an academic program grounded in racial and economic diversity, social justice, activism, and sustainability education. Committed to the principles of equity and multiculturalism, MCS is an authentic and intentionally diverse community that is unique among New York City independent schools. Our educational philosophy relies on a deep knowledge of child development that can be applied to effective pedagogies of inquiry and learning.

Through multiple trips to the Farm each year, beginning in second grade, MCS students learn invaluable lessons about community and interdependence, nature and the natural sciences, and the regenerative use of our resources, with special emphasis on food, energy, fiber arts, and climate.

The Farm Director leads the Farm-based Education program and farming operations, combining a passion for farming, nature, and developing a long-term relationship with the land with a love for teaching, learning, and working with children. In keeping with MCS’s values, we are seeking a Farm Director who appreciates and supports a community where diverse perspectives are valued, who enjoys the excitement and curiosity of children, and who is committed to the life-long impact of working together for social and environmental justice.

Role and Responsibilities

• Upholds the values and the mission of MCS
• Serves as a key member of the Leadership Team to innovate and implement shared curricular priorities, support admissions and enrollment, collaborate on marketing and communications, and be a key member of the fundraising team
• Leads the Farm staff and curricular program, balancing tradition with innovation and new opportunities
• Takes an active leadership role in the newly planned Reimagining STEAM project, centering the Farm as a unique resource for experiential learning, problem solving, and systems thinking
• Works with the Farm teachers, Lower and Upper School Directors, and Curriculum Coordinator to ensure students make rich connections between lessons learned in the classroom and lessons, experiences, and applied knowledge at the Farm; manages student assessment
• Works closely with the MCS finance office to create, implement, and track the annual operating budget
• While living near the Farm, the director maintains an ongoing presence at MCS’s NYC campus, working with staff, attending key events, and developing relationships with students, current families, and alumni
• Manages current Farm partner schools and works with 85th Street to promote new partner schools
• Leads the Farm Summer Camp Program
• Advocates for the Farm with the surrounding community, building generative and collaborative relationships
• Participates in the professional development network centered on farm-based, place-based, sustainability, and progressive education
• Works with Farm staff to manage the ongoing internship program
• Manages Farm personnel, including hiring and evaluating about eight locally-based, full, and part-time staff
• Supervises Farm operations to include facilities and regulatory compliance
• Ensures a safe, positive community environment at the Farm for students and staff. Prioritizes equity, social justice, and anti-racism
• Additional duties as needed to run the Farm program and as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Ability to teach and work on a farm
• A minimum five years experience farming and/or teaching farm-based education to second through eighth grade students
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree; Degree in Education or Sustainability/Environmental Science a plus
• Experience in diverse communities and/or training in practices to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Experience with STEAM-based education is a plus
• Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative farming practices
• Proven administrative capabilities to include competencies in budget creation and management, technology competencies to include Google Workspace and managing databases
• Proven ability to set priorities and to follow-through with timely implementation
• Excellent verbal and writing skills
• Committed work ethic

This position has a salary range of $85,000-$110,000.

Manhattan Country School is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. MCS does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, veteran, or disability status.