Founding Director, Innovative Early Learning & After-School

JCC Association of North America; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer  

Paid time off

Employee discount

Complimentary JCC membership

Job summary

The Stamford Jewish Community Center is expanding with a new licensed early learning center in Wilton, opening Sept 2027. Founding Director will lead licensing, build a diverse teaching team, and shape an inclusive, play-based curriculum grounded in child development and Jewish values.

The role requires strong leadership, community outreach and strategic program development to meet enrollment goals and pursue NAEYC accreditation. This is a full-time, on-site leadership position in Stamford, CT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field.
• 8+ years in early learning, camp, or school settings with classroom teaching.
• 3+ years in an administrative or leadership role.
• Record of opening a new program or significantly growing enrollment.
• Experience with inclusive classrooms.
• Meets Connecticut OEC program director requirements, including 3 credits in EC or educational admin (or will complete within 1 year).
• CPR and First Aid certification, or obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Background checks required by Connecticut law for child care staff.
• Experience directing a licensed child care center.
• Experience with NAEYC accreditation.
• Experience with school-age after-school programs.
• Connections to the Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield communities.
• Ability to supervise indoors and outdoors, sit on the floor, move quickly and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Willing to work at the Wilton site and the Stamford campus as needed; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead OEC licensing and local approvals, and open the center on schedule in September 2027.
• Work with architects and contractors so classrooms meet licensing, accessibility and accreditation standards.
• Hire and train a founding team that meets OEC and NAEYC staff qualifications.
• Build an inclusive, play-based curriculum grounded in child development and Jewish values.
• Meet a founding enrollment goal through outreach in Wilton, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston and surrounding towns.
• Set tuition and manage the budget with Finance, and prepare for Care 4 Kids and state-funded programs.
• Lead the center through NAEYC accreditation.
• Plan and launch the licensed K-5 after-school program.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Curriculum development

Staff training

Licensing compliance

Program development

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education

Master's degree

Job description

The Stamford Jewish Community Center is expanding with a new licensed early learning center in Wilton, opening Sept 2027. Founding Director will lead licensing, build a diverse teaching team, and shape an inclusive, play-based curriculum grounded in child development and Jewish values.

The role requires strong leadership, community outreach and strategic program development to meet enrollment goals and pursue NAEYC accreditation. This is a full-time, on-site leadership position in Stamford, CT.