Senior Director of Early Childhood Education

California Association for the Education of Young Children; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director of Early Childhood Education to lead their innovative preschool programs. This role emphasizes strategic leadership, program development, and community engagement, ensuring a nurturing environment for over 300 children. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for early childhood education, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive community. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape the future of early education in a vibrant setting.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in early childhood education with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience in developing strategic visions and managing large teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term vision for the ECE program.
• Supervise and mentor Preschool Directors to enhance program quality.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Analytical Skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education

Educational Leadership

Job description

Senior Director of Early Childhood Education

JCCSF - San Francisco, CA

SALARY RANGE

$185,000 - $195,000 - Annually

The JCCSF’s play-based preschools, inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach and guided by Jewish values and culture, allow children to learn and understand their world through play.

We embrace diversity and believe that every child deserves a welcoming, supportive environment to learn and grow. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community where all families, regardless of culture, family structure, language, racial identity, gender, religious beliefs, or economic class are welcome.

Our three preschool sites feature spacious classrooms, outdoor play areas, garden spaces, and art studios. The Early Childhood Education department serves over 300 children and employs a dedicated, high-performing team of over 80 educators and specialists.

The Senior Director of Early Childhood Education is a dynamic leader who guides our early childhood program toward a bright future. This role involves fostering a nurturing and innovative environment, ensuring high-quality care and education. The ideal candidate will have experience establishing best practices and a spirit of innovation, aligning with JCCSF’s goal to offer the best preschool experience in San Francisco. Candidates should have a passion for early childhood education, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to inspire staff, children, families, and stakeholders.

Initially reporting to the CEO, the Senior Director will work closely to establish vision and priorities for the ECE program. Long-term supervisory arrangements will be considered after the initial period.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term vision for the ECE program aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Create a strategic business plan to position JCCSF as a leader in the competitive preschool marketplace.
• Assess and enhance educational programs to meet and exceed early childhood development standards.
• Define metrics to monitor business health, operations, and staffing.
• Stay informed on trends, research, and best practices in early childhood education; engage with the community.
• Collaborate on marketing and outreach strategies to maintain enrollment and visibility.
• Build partnerships with other schools for successful kindergarten transition.

Program Development

• Design and oversee a curriculum that promotes creativity, critical thinking, social, and emotional growth.
• Encourage innovative teaching methods and use of technology to enrich learning.
• Integrate Jewish values, traditions, holidays, and rituals into the curriculum, making Jewish learning accessible to all families.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor three Preschool Directors.
• Develop hiring and retention strategies to attract top talent in a competitive environment.
• Ensure ongoing professional development and high performance among educators and staff.
• Create a collaborative and supportive work environment that values continuing education and excellence.
• Provide growth opportunities and clear pathways for career advancement.

Community and Family Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families, fostering partnerships in education and development.
• Engage with the community to promote awareness and support for the preschool’s mission.
• Collaborate with the Board, committees, and parent councils.
• Partner with Development to identify funding, grants, and donor opportunities for program growth.

Operational Excellence

• Manage admissions and kindergarten transition processes.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring safety, inclusivity, and engagement.
• Coordinate with Security and Operations on crisis and emergency protocols.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Respond promptly to community needs.
• Manage budgets, resources, and facilities effectively.
• Seek continuous operational improvements.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, regulatory, and accreditation standards.
• Develop and maintain reporting metrics.
• Operate in alignment with JCCSF’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years in early childhood education, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing a large preschool (preferably multi-site, with at least 175 children enrolled).
• Experience in developing and communicating strategic preschool visions and business strategies.
• Experience managing metrics, budgets, and large teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision-making experience.
• Passion for inspiring a love of learning in young children.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of Jewish culture, traditions, and community.
• Experience in Jewish communal organizations or Jewish-focused preschools.
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia and other progressive pedagogies.

Working Conditions

Primarily on-site at JCCSF and preschool spaces, involving regular contact with children, families, and staff. Off-site work may include representing JCCSF at community events.

Status

Exempt, benefited supervisory position.

Hours

Full-time, Monday – Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Location

3200 California Street, San Francisco, CA