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

Stamford JCC; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 1

Paid time off

Employee discount

Complimentary JCC membership

Job summary

The Stamford JCC is opening a new licensed early learning center in Wilton (Sept 2027). The Founding Director will lead licensing, staff recruitment, curriculum development rooted in Jewish values, and enrollment growth while overseeing budget and state/federal program readiness.

The role requires extensive leadership experience in early childhood settings, plus the ability to supervise, travel between Wilton and Stamford, and obtain CT program director credentials as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
• At least 8 years of experience in early learning, camp or school settings with significant classroom teaching.
• At least 3 years in an administrative or leadership role.
• Experience opening a new program or site or growing enrollment.
• Experience with inclusive classrooms.
• Meets Connecticut OEC program director requirements, including 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.
• 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 Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield communities.
• Ability to supervise indoors/outdoors, sit on floor, move quickly, lift up to 40 pounds.
• Before opening, work at Wilton site and Stamford campus as needed; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead licensing and local approvals; open center on schedule (Sept 2027).
• Hire and train founding team meeting staff qualifications.
• Build inclusive, play-based curriculum grounded in child development and Jewish values.
• Meet founding enrollment goal through outreach in Wilton, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston.
• Set tuition and manage budget with Finance; plan for Care 4 Kids and state programs.
• Lead the center through NAEYC accreditation.
• Plan and launch licensed K-5 after-school program.

Skills

Leadership

Licensing

Curriculum design

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development or education

Job description

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
• 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

Position Requirement

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
• 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

95,000 - 105,000

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

JCC Info

• 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.