Employment Opportunities


Smith Street Maternelle, is an independent French-American preschool in Brooklyn with campuses in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, and Gowanus. Our bilingual curriculum emphasizes a Reggio-Emilia inspired, holistic approach to education with artistic expression as the foundation of a child’s social emotional development. We seek individuals who are passionate about progressive bilingual education for both part-time and full-time employment.

Our current job openings are posted below. Please feel free to email us with resumes or inquires.

Fractional HR Director
(10–15 hrs/week, Contract)

About Us

Smith Street Maternelle and Smith Street Workshop are French-immersion preschools and a tutoring center in Brooklyn, serving more than 1,000 students each year. As we continue to grow, we need HR systems and structures that match our scale while honoring the culture of care and human-centered community that defines our programs.


Role

Part-time (10–15 hrs/week), contract-based. This role leads both the systems side of HR (compliance, policies, compensation structure, onboarding) and the human side (performance, coaching, conflict, terminations). You’ll work directly with the Founder/Head of School and leadership team. Remote is fine, with occasional on-site time in Brooklyn as needed.

Responsibilities

Systems, Compliance & Structure

  • Build a standardized hiring and onboarding process, with clear use of Justworks and organized HR files.

  • Maintain and update the employee handbook — policies, legal compliance, tone, and consistency across roles and locations.

  • Develop and maintain an HR calendar — contracts, evaluations, renewals, training, certification deadlines, legal requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Maintain and update salary scales and job descriptions.

  • Benchmark compensation to ensure we remain competitive and equitable.

  • Review and make recommendations on benefits and total rewards (healthcare, 401K, leave, stipends, wellness programs).

  • Implement compliant leave management systems (maternity, medical, disability, sick leave).

  • Ensure employee records, classifications, pay rates, and terminations are accurate in Justworks. Finance submits payroll; HR ensures accuracy and compliance.

People & Accountability

  • Serve as a confidential HR point of contact for staff — not every issue goes to the Head of School.

  • Write and manage performance documentation and improvement plans; guide managers in delivering clear feedback.

  • Support or lead employee-relations matters with discretion and directness.

  • Oversee resignations and terminations — legally sound, timely, and humane.

  • Coach site directors and admin staff on conflict management, feedback, documentation, and role clarity.

Qualifications

  • 5–10+ years in HR leadership (HR Director, People Ops Lead, etc.). School, nonprofit, or small organizational experience is a plus.

  • Able to build systems and also navigate the interpersonal side of HR.

  • Strong working knowledge of NY/NYC employment law and ability to identify when legal counsel is needed.

  • Skilled in compensation analysis, salary structure design, and benefits evaluation.

  • Values discretion, clarity, professionalism, and accountability — without rigid or punitive HR culture.

  • Organized, steady, and able to bring structure without losing warmth or humanity.

Details

  • Schedule: 10–15 hours/week with recurring weekly check-in

  • Location: Remote, with occasional in-person work in Brooklyn as needed

  • Start Date: ASAP

  • Compensation: Based on experience, typically $65–$95/hour (or monthly retainer)

To Apply

Please send a brief introduction, summary of relevant HR experience, and availability to: hr@ssaetl.org

 
 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of our wonderful community!

 

Smith Street Maternelle is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Smith Street makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.