Director of Early Learning Center

The Director leads The Early Learning Center bringing together educational leadership, thoughtful administration, and a genuine commitment to children, families, and staff. The Director is responsible for the program’s overall leadership, management, and strategic direction, including educational quality, fiscal health, regulatory compliance, and staff development. We seek a collaborative leader who listens with care, builds strong relationships, and helps every family feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the values and life of Temple Emanu-El. Key Responsibilities I. Program Leadership & Educational Excellence Assume full responsibility for the year-round program for infants through full-day Kindergarten, including summer camp. As a member of the Temple leadership team, collaborate to ensure the ELC is seamlessly integrated into Temple life; share ideas and vision for both the ELC and the Temple; be an engaged team player; help encourage and nurture Temple membership. Represent the ELC at Temple events, board meetings, holiday celebrations, and Tiny Tot Shabbats. Research and implement current best practices in early childhood education, incorporating innovative approaches to ensure the highest quality of care and education. Be a visionary thinker and remain attentive to changes in the landscape that may impact the program (e.g., Universal Pre-K, full-day Kindergarten, local real estate trends, birth rates, local and national events). Demonstrate strong leadership in times of challenge or crisis. Ensure that Temple Emanu-El continues to stand out as a leader in high-quality early childhood education. Cultivate relationships with ELC colleagues in the local community, the NJ Greater MetroWest Jewish community, and Jewish early childhood educators nationwide. II. Staff Management & Professional Development Attract, interview, hire, and retain highly qualified teaching and administrative staff. Provide strong mentorship and professional development for all faculty and staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Conduct regular staff meetings, professional development sessions, and performance evaluations. Oversee and support the Assistant Director’s responsibility for pedagogy, including learning objectives, curriculum, assessment, and classroom management. Oversee and support the Operations Manager Create and sustain a positive, supportive work environment and a cohesive team of more than 40 staff members. III. Operational & Fiscal Management Prepare and implement the annual operating budget of over $2.5 million, ensuring fiscal accountability through careful oversight and regular reporting to the Temple Board. Manage all budget components, including enrollment fees, tuition increases, and staff compensation. Oversee the bi-weekly payroll process. Maintain accurate oversight of the ELC Fund, ensuring all income and expenses are properly tracked and reconciled. Develop the annual ELC Fund budget and work closely with the ELC Parent Committee to plan and oversee fundraising efforts and school-wide events. Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive operational policies for families and staff. Maintain a strong understanding of NJ State Licensing and the Westfield Board of Health, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory and operational requirements. Seek out and apply for applicable grant opportunities. Create and implement the ELC calendar, ensuring alignment with the Temple calendar and local public schools. Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures related to the health and safety of the school community. Oversee and coordinate building space usage. Job Description Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive operational policies for families and staff. Maintain a strong understanding of NJ State Licensing and the Westfield Board of Health, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory and operational requirements. Seek out and apply for applicable grant opportunities. Create and implement the ELC calendar, ensuring alignment with the Temple calendar and local public schools. Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures related to the health and safety of the school community. Oversee and coordinate building space usage. IV. Family & Community Engagement Serve as the primary relationship builder with prospective and current families through consistent communication and community-building programs. Represent the ELC at Temple events, board meetings (as needed), holiday celebrations, and Tiny Tot Shabbats. Cultivate an inclusive school community in which every family feels welcomed, valued, and connected. Write and distribute the weekly Director’s News to families and staff. Work closely with the ELC Parent Co-Chairs and committee to provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration, volunteerism, and engagement. Actively connect Jewish families to the broader Temple community, supporting Temple membership and long-term engagement. V. Qualifications Advanced degree in Jewish Education or a related field preferred. 5+ years in an administrative position within an early childhood setting. Strong experience with budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning. Demonstrated experience working with children and families. Well versed knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and practices, with the ability to create meaningful and engaging Jewish experiences. Proven success in program development, event planning, and community engagement. Experience supervising staff, educators, volunteers, or program leaders and fostering a collaborative team environment. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with youth, families, clergy, staff, and lay leaders. Ability to manage multiple priorities, think creatively, and work both independently and collaboratively. Must be available to participate in ELC and Temple events and programs throughout the year, including those held on weekends. Passion for fostering lasting connections to Jewish life. Knowledge of state licensing requirements. Ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners. Compensation- $110,000- $135,000, dependent on experience, plus a generous benefits package including medical and retirement plans. I. Program Leadership & Educational Excellence Assume full responsibility for the year-round program for infants through full-day Kindergarten, including summer camp. As a member of the Temple leadership team, collaborate to ensure the ELC is seamlessly integrated into Temple life; share ideas and vision for both the ELC and the Temple; be an engaged team player; help encourage and nurture Temple membership. Represent the ELC at Temple events, board meetings, holiday celebrations, and Tiny Tot Shabbats. Research and implement current best practices in early childhood education, incorporating innovative approaches to ensure the highest quality of care and education. Be a visionary thinker and remain attentive to changes in the landscape that may impact the program (e.g., Universal Pre-K, full-day Kindergarten, local real estate trends, birth rates, local and national events). Demonstrate strong leadership in times of challenge or crisis. Ensure that Temple Emanu-El continues to stand out as a leader in high-quality early childhood education. Cultivate relationships with ELC colleagues in the local community, the NJ Greater MetroWest Jewish community, and Jewish early childhood educators nationwide. II. Staff Management & Professional Development Attract, interview, hire, and retain highly qualified teaching and administrative staff. Provide strong mentorship and professional development for all faculty and staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Conduct regular staff meetings, professional development sessions, and performance evaluations. Oversee and support the Assistant Director’s responsibility for pedagogy, including learning objectives, curriculum, assessment, and classroom management. Oversee and support the Operations Manager Create and sustain a positive, supportive work environment and a cohesive team of more than 40 staff members. III. Operational & Fiscal Management Prepare and implement the annual operating budget of over $2.5 million, ensuring fiscal accountability through careful oversight and regular reporting to the Temple Board. Manage all budget components, including enrollment fees, tuition increases, and staff compensation. Oversee the bi-weekly payroll process. Maintain accurate oversight of the ELC Fund, ensuring all income and expenses are properly tracked and reconciled. Develop the annual ELC Fund budget and work closely with the ELC Parent Committee to plan and oversee fundraising efforts and school-wide events. Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive operational policies for families and staff. Maintain a strong understanding of NJ State Licensing and the Westfield Board of Health, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory and operational requirements. Seek out and apply for applicable grant opportunities. Create and implement the ELC calendar, ensuring alignment with the Temple calendar and local public schools. Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures related to the health and safety of the school community. Oversee and coordinate building space usage. IV. Family & Community Engagement Serve as the primary relationship builder with prospective and current families through consistent communication and community-building programs. Represent the ELC at Temple events, board meetings (as needed), holiday celebrations, and Tiny Tot Shabbats. Cultivate an inclusive school community in which every family feels welcomed, valued, and connected. Write and distribute the weekly Director’s News to families and staff. Work closely with the ELC Parent Co-Chairs and committee to provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration, volunteerism, and engagement. Actively connect Jewish families to the broader Temple community, supporting Temple membership and long-term engagement. Skills required Advanced degree in Jewish Education or a related field preferred. 5+ years in an administrative position within an early childhood setting. Strong experience with budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning. Demonstrated experience working with children and families. Well versed knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and practices, with the ability to create meaningful and engaging Jewish experiences. Proven success in program development, event planning, and community engagement. Required Qualifications Experience supervising staff, educators, volunteers, or program leaders and fostering a collaborative team environment. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with youth, families, clergy, staff, and lay leaders. Ability to manage multiple priorities, think creatively, and work both independently and collaboratively. Must be available to participate in ELC and Temple events and programs throughout the year, including those held on weekends. Passion for fostering lasting connections to Jewish life. Knowledge of state licensing requirements. Ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ