Open Center for Children - Preschool Director

NRG Consulting; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401k with employer contribution

3 weeks vacation

12 paid sick days

12 major holidays

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

The Open Center for Children in Massachusetts near Tufts University is seeking an experienced Early Education Director to lead our small, play-based program serving up to 29 children aged 2.3 to 5 years. This full-time role requires strong leadership, collaboration with families, and a commitment to our mission.

Preferred candidates hold MA EEC Director I certification (Director II preferred) and have at least 3 years of teaching or supervisory experience in play-based settings; salary ranges

Qualifications

• Massachusetts EEC Director I Certification is required.
• Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience in early childhood play-based curriculum or 3 years supervisory experience.
• Experience working with diverse groups and families.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Center staff including scheduling, professional development, and recruiting/hiring; supervise and support curricular and other program activities.
• Communicate and partner with families to establish understanding of Center policies and build community and engagement; manage enrollment and retention.
• Manage day-to-day operations and budget with the parent advisory board to support future Center success.

Skills

Staff leadership

Family engagement

Budget management

Play-based curriculum understanding

Diversity & inclusion experience

Education

MA EEC Director I Certification

Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Director II Certification (preferred)

Job description

The Open Center for Children is Seeking a New Director

Founded in 1972, the Open Center for Children is a small, independent, Early Education and Care program located near Tufts University and convenient to public transportation. Serving up to 29 children ages 2.3 through 5 years of age, we foster social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

We believe that children have strong motivation to learn and we provide them with a variety of hands‑on materials for exploration and creativity. Through our play‑based curriculum, we help children develop the tools necessary for living in a diverse world by being able to resolve conflicts peacefully and challenge stereotypes. Our teaching staff is highly educated, experienced and dedicated.

We are seeking an experienced Early Education Director to lead our school. Ideal applicants will have a love of children, be passionate and enthusiastic about leading a motivated group of Early Childhood educators, and be compassionate and collaborative in working with families. They will be grounded in our play‑based philosophy and will take a leadership role in promoting the mission and values of the school.

This full‑time position is available now and we will consider candidates on a rolling basis with preference given to those who apply by August 7th. While we are flexible on the starting date for the right candidate, we would like to fill the role as soon as possible in the fall of 2026.

Job Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Staff Leadership & Development: Oversee the Center staff including scheduling, professional development, and recruiting and hiring as needed; supervise and support staff in implementing curricular and other program activities.


• School Community & Culture: Communicate and partner with families to establish understanding of Center policies and build community and engagement. This includes managing enrollment and retention.


• Operations & Financial Stewardship: Manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Center, ensuring a caring and safe environment; and partner with the parent advisory board to set and manage a responsible budget that supports the future success of the Center.

Job Requirements

• Massachusetts E.E.C. Director I Certification required, Director II Certification preferred


• Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field


• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience at the early childhood level within a play‑based curriculum and/or 3 years supervisory experience at an early childhood program


• Experience and demonstrated sensitivity in working with groups and/or families from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Job Benefits

The Open Center offers an annual salary of $78,000-88,000 based on the applicant’s experience and qualifications, Health/Dental Insurance, 401k with 5% employer contribution, 3 weeks vacation, 12 paid sick days, 12 major holidays, and reimbursement for professional development.

The Open Center for Children does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability.

Job Type: Full-time, salaried

In addition to the full‑time position, we are considering an interim director role from late August through November. This role involves being the on‑site director of the center, and sharing administrative responsibilities with the assistant director. We are happy to consider candidates exploring this role for the full‑time position as well or to consider candidates for the interim role only.

Pay: $78,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)


• Dental insurance


• Health insurance


• Paid time off


• Professional development assistance


• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• MA EEC Director (Preferred)

Work Location: In person