Founding Director: New ELC & After-School Program

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 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.