Executive Director, Early Childhood Education

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Director, Early Childhood Education

Our New Jersey based client creates happy, healthy lifelong learners from four months through first grade in Jersey City. We deliver a structured, 12-month curriculum through creative, individualized experiences that honor each child’s pace and well-being. As Executive Director you will protect that mission, grow our community of families, and ensure every classroom remains a safe, inspiring place where children and teachers thrive.

Performance Objectives

• Raise enrollment and family retention while preserving small-group quality and individualized learning across three buildings.
• Lead teachers in designing and refining culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate programs that meet physical, cognitive, and social-emotional milestones.
• Recruit, coach, and retain a high-performing teaching team; establish clear routines, positive guidance, and collaborative weekly planning.
• Maintain full regulatory compliance, health and safety standards, and operational excellence so children, staff, and families feel secure every day.
• Build authentic parent partnerships through timely, child-centered communication and community events that strengthen trust.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, and resource allocation so teachers can focus on children rather than logistics.
• Champion professional growth so every educator can use their talents and stay current with best practice.

Environment & Resources

You will lead a close-knit team of Head Teachers and Assistants serving a diverse Jersey City community. You report to school leadership, work across three buildings, and have authority to shape systems, schedules, and professional-development investments. Technology literacy is expected; the school provides the tools needed to plan, communicate, and assess.

Essential Qualifications

• Proven leadership in early childhood or elementary settings with measurable success in program quality, enrollment, or staff retention.
• Deep knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, individualized curriculum, and positive behavioral guidance for infants through first grade.
• Ability to relate warmly and professionally with young children, families, and staff while communicating clearly with children.
• Experience supervising daily operations, ensuring safety, and meeting licensing or accreditation requirements.
• Comfort using technology to plan, document, and communicate; willingness to work flexible hours to meet program needs.
• Physical capacity to engage with children (lift 40 lbs, sit on floor, etc.) and model the active, hands-on environment we value.

Role Selling Points

• Direct, visible impact on children’s lifelong love of learning in a mission-driven, community-oriented school.
• Competitive compensation plus childcare discount, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), PTO, gym reimbursement, and professional-development support.
• Opportunity to shape a growing program that already values teacher talent and individualized approaches.
• Work in vibrant Jersey City with families who want a nurturing, holistic education for their children.

If you are ready to lead a school that puts children’s joy and growth first, apply today and help us keep building happy, healthy lifelong learners.