Executive Director

Help Shape a Child's Future. Lead a School Into Its Next Century.

For 97 years, Princeton Nursery School has believed that where a child begins should not limit where that child can go. Every day, children ages 2–5 build a foundation that shapes everything that follows: a love of learning, confidence, caring relationships, and the chance to discover what they can do.

Princeton Nursery School's mission is to empower children through exceptional early education and supportive family services that are affordable for all. Now, as PNS approaches its 100th anniversary, we are searching for the leader who will carry that promise forward, inheriting a school with a proud history, dedicated staff, deeply engaged families, and a place in the Princeton community earned over generations.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director leads all aspects of PNS, including educational programs, family support services, staff, finances, enrollment, operations, fundraising, and community engagement, and manages an annual operating budget of approximately $1.2 million.

This is not a desk job. The ideal candidate will be present in the school, known to children, teachers, and families, engaged with donors and community partners, and an active voice for PNS throughout Princeton. We're looking for a warm, engaged leader who values what generations of families and educators have built while bringing fresh thinking and a clear vision forward, and who is drawn to PNS because of its service to children and families in the Princeton area. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field (relevant teaching credentials/licenses preferred or required as applicable)
• Demonstrated leadership, staff management, and financial management experience; nonprofit or educational leadership strongly preferred
• Strong financial, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience working collaboratively with a governing Board
• Fundraising, development, or grant writing experience highly desirable
• Spanish fluency preferred but not required

Key Responsibilities

Educational and Service Leadership

• Uphold high standards for early childhood education and ensure a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and joyful environment for every child.
  • Recruit, lead, develop, and retain talented teachers and staff.
  • Build a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and respect.
  • Continually strengthen wraparound support programs to meet the needs of children and families.

Organizational and Financial Leadership

• Oversee staffing, enrollment, facilities, administration, and daily operations.
  • Develop and manage the approximately $1.2 million annual operating budget.
  • Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible stewardship of PNS resources with strong financial controls and administrative systems.
  • Ensure compliance with licensing, health, safety, employment, and regulatory requirements, including NAEYC Certification and 4-Star rating with Grow NJ Kids.

Fundraising and Community Engagement

• Lead fundraising in partnership with the Board and Development Committee.
  • Build relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
  • Expand individual giving, grants, sponsorships, and other sources of support, including opportunities related to our upcoming 100th anniversary.
  • Strengthen PNS’s visibility and relationships throughout the Princeton community.

Families

• Build trusting relationships with parents and caregivers by ensuring families feel welcomed, respected, informed, and heard.
  • Support programs that address the educational, health, wellness, and broader needs of PNS families.

Board Partnership

• Build a strong, collaborative partnership with the Board of Trustees.
  • Work together to identify priorities, address challenges, and pursue opportunities that advance PNS’s mission.
  • Partner with the Board on strategy, governance, financial stewardship, fundraising, and the long-term vision for PNS.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following as PDF attachments in one email to View email address on click.appcast.io (a dedicated search inbox; please don't send other inquiries here),

• Cover letter
• Current resume
• Statement of educational and leadership philosophy
• Three professional references, including name, phone number, and email address. We will contact references only with the candidate’s approval.

Applications received by Monday, September 7th at 11:59 pm will receive priority consideration. Applications after September 7th will be reviewed on a rolling basis as needed.