Founding Director: Open & Lead a New Early Learning Center

Jcc-of-Stamford; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; 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 in Stamford, CT is seeking a Founding Director to open and lead a new licensed early learning center and after-school program. The role starts January 2027, overseeing licensing, staffing, curriculum, and accreditation to launch in September 2027.

Founding responsibilities include collaborating with architects, hiring and training staff, budgeting, and ensuring OEC/NAEYC compliance while engaging Wilton, Redding, Ridgefield and surrounding communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership experience

Early childhood education

Curriculum development

Hiring and training staff

Administration and licensing

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education

3 credits in early childhood or educational administration

Job description

The Stamford Jewish Community Center in Stamford, CT is seeking a Founding Director to open and lead a new licensed early learning center and after-school program. The role starts January 2027, overseeing licensing, staffing, curriculum, and accreditation to launch in September 2027.

Founding responsibilities include collaborating with architects, hiring and training staff, budgeting, and ensuring OEC/NAEYC compliance while engaging Wilton, Redding, Ridgefield and surrounding communities.