Founding Director, JCC of Wilton/Weston/Redding/Ridgefield Early Learning and After-School Programs

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

Location and Job Title:

Founding Director, JCC of Wilton/Weston/Redding/Ridgefield Early Learning Center and After-School Pr
JCC of Stamford
1035 Newfield Ave
Stamford, CT 06905

Principal Responsibilities:

Position Summary

The Stamford JCC will open a new licensed early learning center in Wilton in September 2027, on the campus of Temple B'nai Chaim. The center is designed for inclusion, with a fully accessible wing, a purpose-built classroom for JumpStart (the JCC's program for two-year-olds with physical and cognitive needs) and an accessible playground. It will pursue NAEYC accreditation in its first year. The JCC also plans a licensed K-5 after-school program for Wilton and Redding families.

The Founding Director starts in January 2027 and builds both programs from licensing through opening day and beyond. We are looking for an entrepreneurial educator and leader who wants to open and grow a school.

Key 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

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in early childhood education, child development or education
• At least 8 years of experience in early learning, camp or school settings, including significant classroom teaching experience
• At least 3 years in an administrative or leadership role
• A record of opening a new program or site, or significantly growing enrollment
• Experience with inclusive classrooms
• Meets Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) program director requirements, including at least 3 credits in early childhood or educational administration (or completion within one year of hire)
• CPR and First Aid certification, or obtained within 30 days of hire
• Employment is contingent on all background checks required by Connecticut law for child care staff
• Master's degree
• 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 children indoors and outdoors, sit on the floor, move quickly and lift up to 40 pounds
• Before opening, work at the Wilton site and the Stamford campus as needed; valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Full-time, Monday through Friday, with a long program day and occasional evening family events

Preferred

Physical Requirements and Schedule

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 annually

Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; employee discount; complimentary JCC membership.

Salary:

$95,000 - $105,000

Agency Information:

The Stamford Jewish Community Center is a cultural, educational and recreational center, offering exceptional programs, classes and special events designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit. While we are driven by the Jewish values of welcoming guests, kindness, respect, and communal responsibility, we warmly welcome people of all ages, faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds.