Senior Director, Early Childhood Learning Centers

Job Description

Job Description

JCC Greater Boston seeks a strategic and visionary Senior Director of Early Learning Centers to lead and strengthen a network of early childhood education programs serving families across the region. This senior leadership role provides strategic, educational, and operational oversight for multiple Early Learning Centers (ELCs), ensuring excellence in teaching and learning while supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of the system.

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer and serving as a member of the organization’s Leadership Team, the Senior Director will guide the overall health and success of the Early Learning Centers as a unified system of schools. The role sets and stewards a shared educational vision across sites while supporting Directors in leading their individual programs and responding to the needs of their communities.

The JCC’s early childhood education programs are grounded in the Sheva framework , informed by Reggio-inspired practice and other leading approaches in early childhood education. The Senior Director ensures these principles are reflected consistently across centers while fostering environments that support children, families, and educators.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early childhood leader who combines educational vision, operational expertise, and strong people leadership to guide a thriving network of early learning programs.

This full-time, salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package, a supportive work environment and a competitive starting salary of $110,000 to $120,000 annually. The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity. This is a great chance to join JCC Greater Boston's respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers, which is rapidly growing!

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonates with all.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & System Leadership

Provide vision, leadership, and oversight for the Early Learning Centers across multiple sites.

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for early learning aligned with the JCC’s mission and organizational goals

• Ensure strong, consistent program quality across all centers

• Monitor compliance with licensing regulations, health and safety standards, staffing ratios, and accreditation expectations

• Lead system-wide initiatives and support potential expansion or growth opportunities

• Represent the organization in regional early childhood networks, partnerships, and community initiatives

Educational Leadership & Program Quality

Champion educational excellence across the Early Learning Centers.

• Steward a shared educational philosophy grounded in Jewish values, the Sheva framework, and Reggio-inspired practice

• Ensure alignment in curriculum, teaching practice, classroom environments, and family engagement across sites

• Support professional development and coaching for educators and leaders

• Implement systems for continuous improvement, evaluation, and quality assessment

Operations, Financial Stewardship & Enrollment

Ensure the operational and financial strength of the Early Learning Centers system.

• Oversee departmental performance including enrollment, staffing, operations, and financial sustainability

• Develop and manage budgets and support Directors in site-level financial management

• Partner with Directors to develop enrollment strategies and strengthen retention

• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved operational systems

Leadership & Team Development

Provide direct supervision and support for Early Learning Center Directors.

• Mentor, supervise, and evaluate Directors while building leadership capacity across the system

• Support recruitment, development, and retention of high-quality early childhood educators and leaders

• Foster a collaborative leadership culture focused on accountability, professional growth, and shared goals

Community Engagement & Advocacy

Strengthen partnerships and advance equitable access to early childhood education.

• Build relationships with families, community partners, municipalities, and early childhood organizations

• Represent the JCC in regional and statewide early childhood conversations
• Advance equity, inclusion, and anti-bias practices across programs and community engagement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required; Master’s preferred
• 8–12 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education or related nonprofit sectors
• Experience overseeing multi-site or regional early learning programs
• Minimum of five years of supervisory leadership experience
• Massachusetts EEC Director II qualification required
• Strong financial, operational, and strategic planning skills
• Deep knowledge of early childhood education best practices, licensing, and regulatory systems
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality early childhood practice
• Comfort working within a Jewish values-based educational environment

Physical Requirements: This is an on-site/in-person position that requires local travel to our other JCC locations. Occasional evening and weekend work as needed to fulfill job functions and some administrative duties may be completely remotely. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, child-centered work environment. In the course of regular work, you may need to bend, reach, and lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities. Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly. Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Benefits

Why Work with Us?

At JCCGB, we are proud of our strong, supportive work environment where staff feel valued and connected. Our team is deeply committed to each other reflecting the positive and inclusive culture we’ve built together. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, a collaborative atmosphere, and a sense of community that fosters both personal and professional growth. We take pride in retaining exceptional staff who are passionate about their work and the people they serve. We are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Here, you’ll not only lead, but you’ll have the opportunity to thrive within a team that is dedicated to making a difference every day.

Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.

In addition to a rewarding career within our great work environment, JCC Greater Boston proudly offers full-time employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes :

• Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Deductible Reimbursement Account
• JCC Sponsored/Fully Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
• Generous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balance
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan and ROTH contribution options
• Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
• AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Norton Cyber Security Program
• LegalEase Insurance program

JCCGB Perks! This position is eligible for a free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more! Complimentary individual membership includes:

• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates,
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.