Preschool Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Preschool Director provides visionary leadership and day-to-day management of the preschool program in partnership with the Church Council, the Preschool Committee, and congregation leaders. This role is responsible for ensuring a high-quality early childhood program that nurtures children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual development in a safe, caring, and Christ-centered environment.

The Director oversees program operations, staff leadership, family engagement, enrollment, and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of learning, creativity, faith, and service. Working collaboratively with preschool and council, the Director also supports opportunities to strengthen connections between the preschool, congregation, and broader church community.

The Preschool Director reports in accordance with the Preschool Continuing Resolutions and works closely with the Pastor, Preschool Committee, and Church Council to advance the mission of the preschool.

Chain of Leadership

• The Preschool Director is directly supported by the Assistant Director and Afternoon Manager with daily duties and responsibilities. The Preschool Director delegates responsibilities at his or her discretion, but is responsible for overseeing the Assistant Director, Afternoon Manager, and all staff of the preschool. 
• The Church Council and the Church Pastor, with the support of the Preschool Committee, are responsible for the supervision of the Preschool Director. 

Preschool Director – Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Ensure compliance with all state, county, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain required licensing records, documentation, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Preschool Committee to establish and implement program policies, enrollment procedures, and tuition structures.
• Serve as the primary liaison between families, preschool staff, Church Council, and committees.
• Communicate regularly with families through meetings, newsletters, email, and other channels.
• Develop and maintain staff and parent handbooks.●     Attend the Preschool Committee, Church Council, and other leadership meetings as required.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Maintain and update the preschool website and other communication platforms.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate preschool faculty and staff.
• Foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Plan and lead staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Address personnel concerns and support staff through established policies and procedures. ● Partner with the Preschool Committee on employee disciplinary actions when necessary.

Curriculum & Program Oversight

• Lead the development and implementation of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool program.
• Support teachers in planning engaging learning experiences for children.
• Observe classrooms regularly and provide coaching, feedback, and formal evaluations.
• Ensure instructional practices reflect current early childhood education standards and best practices.
• Provide classroom support and serve as a substitute teacher when needed.
• Collaborate and communicate with and ensure timely payment of contracted staff, including the Chapel Leader and Music Class Leader.

Health, Safety & Facilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, and secure learning environment for children and staff.
• Oversee routine inspection and maintenance of classrooms, equipment, and playground areas.
• Ensure compliance with child protection, health, safety, CPR/First Aid, and background screening requirements.
• Coordinate facility needs and maintenance concerns with church property and administrative staff.
• Respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergency situations.

Financial Management

• Develop annual budget recommendations in collaboration with the Preschool Committee.
• Monitor program revenues and expenses and manage operations within the approved budget.
• Maintain accurate financial records and support audit and reporting requirements.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for preschool and council.

Enrollment, Marketing & Community Engagement

• Promote the preschool's mission and maintain a positive reputation within the community.
• Serve as the primary contact for prospective families, including conducting tours and sharing information about the program.
• Manage enrollment processes, maintain waitlists, and support family onboarding.
• Collaborate with Council and the Preschool Committee on marketing, recruitment, and enrollment efforts.
• Gather feedback from families to support continuous program improvement.
• Represent the preschool professionally in interactions with families, community members, and external organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of experience in a preschool or child care setting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community members.
• Experience managing budgets and overseeing program operations.
• Passion for early childhood education and child development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Familiarity with Virginia child care licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood education.

Faith & Community Commitment

• Active Christian faith and a commitment to supporting the mission and ministry of St. Mark Lutheran Church.
• Supportive of St. Mark's commitment as a Reconciling in Christ congregation, welcoming and affirming people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time position, Monday through Friday, aligned with the preschool's operating schedule.
• Occasional evening commitments for Preschool Committee meetings, church meetings, family events, and staff development activities.
• Additional hours may be required to support enrollment, special events, and program operations.

Performance & Professional Growth

• Formal annual performance review conducted in partnership with church and preschool leadership.
• New employees receive additional evaluations and support during the first year of employment.
• Ongoing professional development is encouraged and supported.

Benefits & Paid Time Off

• 18 paid holidays annually, aligned with the preschool calendar.
• Generous paid time off package, beginning at 15 days in the first year and increasing with years of service.
• Professional development and conference attendance supported separately from vacation time.
• Additional benefits and PTO policies available upon request.

For more information, please visit our preschool page: stmarkpreschool.net