Executive Director

North American Reggio Emilia Alliance; Hilton Head Island, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life & disability insurance

Dental & vision coverage

Pension plan

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

First Presbyterian Day School in Hilton Head Island, SC seeks a Director to provide visionary and strategic leadership for all aspects of the school for children ages 2–5, ensuring a nurturing, faith-centered learning environment. The role oversees educators, enrollment, budgets, and works closely with First Presbyterian Church.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of early childhood teaching or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations and ABC Quality rating requirements.
• Proven leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia approach.
• Experience with budgeting, grants, and nonprofit program administration.
• Membership in professional organizations such as NAEYC and/or NAREA.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership for all aspects of the school.
• Oversee educators and staff and manage enrollment and budgets.
• Foster family partnerships, community engagement, and church relations.
• Ensure developmentally appropriate practices and school administration.
• Support educators and sustain lifelong learning environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving

Reggio Emilia

Budgeting

Grant Writing

Nonprofit Admin

NAEYC/NAREA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Administrative software

Record-keeping systems

Job description

First Presbyterian Day School | Hilton Head Island, SC

Start Date: February 3, 2025

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

Job Summary

The Director provides visionary and strategic leadership for all aspects of the school,
ensuring a nurturing, inclusive, faith-centered learning environment for children ages 2–5
and their families. This role ensures high quality early childhood education aligned with our
mission; oversees educators and staff; manages enrollment and budgets; and fosters strong
family partnerships, community engagement, and a close relationship with First
Presbyterian Church.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, communication, organizational, and
problem-solving skills, as well as expertise in developmentally appropriate practices and
school administration.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
  (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5+ years of early childhood teaching or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations and ABC Quality rating requirements.
• Proven leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with a warm,
  faith-rooted approach to working with families, staff, and the church community.
• Proficiency in administrative technology and record keeping systems.
• Preferred Attributes
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia approach and experience implementing it.
• Passion for nurturing young children and supporting their unique learning journeys.
• Collaborative leader with strong decision-making skills and the ability to inspire and
  support educators.
• Commitment to building community among families, children, and church members.
• Creativity and flexibility in problem solving and planning.
• Experience with financial record keeping including budgeting, grant writing, and nonprofit
  program administration.
• Commitment to ongoing professional and program growth; membership in professional
  organizations such as NAEYC and/or NAREA.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage includes health, life, and short-term disability as well as
  dental and vision options.
• Employer sponsored pension and employee retirement savings plans.
• Enjoy work-life balance with a flexible work schedule, generous paid time off, and holidays
  aligned with the Beaufort County School District calendar.
• Paid continuing education opportunities and membership in professional organizations to
  foster growth.
• Complimentary hot lunch provided each day.

First Presbyterian Day School is a Reggio Emilia inspired community where educators
nurture a child led, natural environment that helps children grow into capable, competent,
lifelong learners. Our curriculum emerges from children’s interests through a long term,
project based approach and flourishes through strong relationships among children,
educators, families, and the environment. We operate year round from 7:45 AM–5:15 PM,
with our school year beginning each August. The Day School is licensed by the South
Carolina Department of Social Services and maintains an A+ Quality rating through South
Carolina’s statewide quality rating scale for early care and education providers.

Your support will help us advance the quality of every child's one childhood.

Together, we are empowering exceptional education.