Position Summary: The Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) supports the operational and programmatic functions of early childhood education programs for NYC children in elementary schools, Pre-K Centers, and DOE-contracted settings, including Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Family Child Care (FCC) programs and networks (FCCNs). DECE provides families access to high-quality, inclusive early childhood options, supporting children's growth and development in diverse settings.
The Chief of Data, Systems, and Expansion Planning leads and directs the strategic planning, implementation, and reporting of all DECE structures and systems, including data and analytics, systems integration, portfolio planning, and overall program planning. The Chief sets DECE's long-term data and technology strategy and directs modernization, data governance, forecasting, and analytical work to support policy and investment decisions. This individual ensures equitable, community-responsive service models through the use of data-informed practices, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and cross-functional collaboration. The Chief oversees the development of reports and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring alignment with citywide priorities, compliance with Chancellor's regulations, and state and federal requirements.
The Chief of Data, Systems, and Expansion Planning collaborates with internal and external partners to address fluctuating priorities and stakeholder interests while advancing the Deputy Chancellor's vision for early childhood education. This individual employs strategic leadership to create efficient, impactful systems that deliver equitable outcomes for children and families. Performs related work.
Reports to: Deputy Chancellor, Early Childhood Education
Direct Reports: Senior Director of Data Systems and Analytics , Senior Director of Portfolio Planning
Key Relationships: Deputy Chancellor of Early Childhood Education, Chief of Staff, Chiefs and Senior Directors throughout the Division, Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT), Division of Human Resources (DHR), Research Policy Support Group (RPSG), Division of the First Deputy Chancellor (FDC), Division of Financial Operations (DFO), Division of Contracts and Purchasing (DCP), Office of School Enrollment, other Central DOE offices, city, state, and federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and consultants.
Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Set division-wide priorities for data systems, analytics, and reporting; oversee execution through senior leaders; and ensure that findings inform decision-making across all DECE operations and support compliance with internal and external requirements.
- Direct portfolio planning efforts, including seat type and contract configuration for early childhood education across New York City, informed by enrollment forecasts, capacity and utilization analyses, and assessments of community need.
- Oversee enrollment and seat projections, predictive tools, and scenario planning to assess future demand and the effects of proposed changes in early childhood programs and capacity.
- Collaborate with the Office of Student Enrollment to streamline and enhance eligibility and enrollment processes.
- Lead strategic childcare subsidy administration to meet family and community needs equitably.
- Guide data-informed program planning to establish scalable, impactful early childhood education programs citywide. Translate analyses into policy recommendations for the Deputy Chancellor, assessing the operational, financial, and equity implications of proposed program changes.
Systems Integration and Reporting
- Establish DECE's data and technology roadmap and governance structure, including data ownership, common definitions, and standards for integrating data systems, ensuring consistency and appropriate accessibility for stakeholders.
- Establish consistent processes for collecting, validating, reconciling, and maintaining data across program settings and systems, with clear accountability for data quality and timely issue resolution.
- Oversee the development of reports, dashboards, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and communicate progress on DECE goals and provide actionable findings to senior leadership.
- Oversee responses to data requests and FOIL inquiries, in coordination with the responsible central offices, ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent reporting consistent with applicable disclosure requirements.
- Direct assessments of gaps in existing systems and business processes; establish business requirements with program and technology partners; evaluate technology options; oversee implementation plans, milestones, and outcomes to improve systems interoperability, efficiency, and data utility.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work cross-functionally to address the priorities and interests of multiple stakeholders, ensuring alignment with DECE's mission and objectives. Coordinate business, technology, and administrative workstreams across offices, resolving discrepancies and aligning project priorities, timelines and deliverables.
- Build strategic partnerships with city agencies, advocacy groups, and community organizations to advance equitable service models.
- Engage with internal teams to align operational goals with data-driven insights and broader citywide initiatives. Build staff capacity to interpret and apply data through common tools, guidance, and professional learning.
Integration with Finance and Operations
- Utilize knowledge of contracts, purchasing, and financing to guide strategic planning and resource allocation. Oversee the data infrastructure and analyses supporting RFP evaluation and awards, contract configuration, renewals, and provider readiness, in partnership with the responsible contracting and program teams.
- Collaborate with the Chief of Finance, People, and Culture to ensure accurate budget forecasting and alignment of financial resources with program needs. Direct financial and policy scenario analyses to assess the costs and resource implications of proposed changes in seats, enrollment, and program models.
- Leverage data and analytics to inform operational practices and ensure adherence to funding requirements at city, state, and federal levels.
Quality Assurance and Equity
- Employ quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate and refine operational practices, ensuring equitable service delivery for diverse communities. Direct geographic analyses of program supply, family demand and provider distribution, and service gaps to inform equitable access and portfolio decisions.
- Develop and oversee equitable service models that are responsive to community needs and aligned with DECE's goals for accessibility and inclusivity.
- Lead efforts to ensure continuous quality improvement across all operational functions.
Qualification Requirements: Minimum A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, education administration, personnel administration, management or a related field and four years of satisfactory, responsible, full-time experience in any of the above areas or in another area of specialization applicable to the position, at least 18 months of which must have been in an administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or
Education and/or experience equivalent to "1"above. However, all candidates must possess the 18 months of administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as described above. Preferred - Demonstrated expertise leading data strategy, systems integration, analytics, and technology modernization through senior managers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience directing complex projects across business and technology teams, including requirement development, project governance, implementation, and management of multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Experience directing enrollment forecasting, geographical analysis, and financial or policy scenario analysis to guide planning and resource allocation.
- Experience establishing data governance and quality standards across multiple systems and organizational units.
- Familiarity with contracts, purchasing processes, and program financing within a government or educational context.
- Knowledge of Chancellor's Regulations, state and federal policies, and early childhood education best practices.
- Strong executive leadership, project management, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex analyses into clear policy and investment recommendations and build consensus across teams.
Salary : $192,701 - $211,972
(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding. * New York City Residency is NOT Required * We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply. 
