Job Description for Adath Emanu-El Early Childhood Center Director

The Early Childhood Center at Adath Emanu-El in Mount Laurel, NJ is seeking an experienced, nurturing and strong leader to oversee the daily operations and all elements of our Early Childhood Center.

Mission Statement

The Early Childhood Center at Adath Emanu-El is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth. Each child is encouraged to develop a positive self-image, independence, respect for others, and a life-long love of learning. The ECC's innovative, child-centered curriculum coupled with its dedicated, highly skilled staff provides an array of stimulating experiences that allow each child to encounter success while fostering a sense of family, community, and Jewish traditions.

Background

Adath Emanu-El is a liberal but traditional Jewish Community in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. From its inception 64 years ago, our synagogue has functioned as an extended family; a congregational family. Even in the choice of name, we are Adath Emanu-El ‒ the community of Emanu-El. Our Early Childhood Center is a warm, vibrant place, filled with children ages infant to six, bright classrooms, energetic teachers, and involved and supportive parents.

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) Director is a key leader of this congregational family ‒ The leader is entrusted with the care and safety of our youngest community members, our children. As such, we are seeking a candidate that is a highly qualified professional with a commitment to supporting our Jewish and educational values as well as maintaining an active involvement with the surrounding community.

ECC Director Responsibilities

• The Director shall assume full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of all aspects of the Early Childhood Center at Adath Emanu-El, including the summer camp program.
• The Director shall be responsible for program development and the continual refining of all programs for excellence as well as to meet the ever-changing needs in the community.
• The Director shall plan and meet with the Executive Director as well as the ECC Chair of the Board of Trustees of Adath Emanu-El on a regular basis and shall prepare a written report concerning enrollment, staffing, day-to-day operations, needs and wishes, vision and ongoing development, and other information as may be required.
• The Director shall carry out ECC policies as they relate to sound child care practices, staff, daily operation of the ECC including financial matters, and recommended changes to those policies as needed.
• The Director shall ensure that licensing standards and requirements set by the state of New Jersey for child care facilities are met. This includes assuring that both the site and staff are in compliance with all regulations.
• The Director shall hire staff, including substitutes, with approval from the Board of Trustees (salary approved by the Finance Committee), supervise and evaluate staff, develop and support staff training opportunities, schedule and chair regular staff meetings, prepare payroll information including maintaining personal/sick time records, and work toward maintaining high staff morale at all times.
• The Director shall hire and maintain contracts for all vendors and third party services supporting ECC technologies and enrichment programs.
• The Director shall maintain a cohesive, play based curriculum with areas related to student academic growth, social/emotional development, and knowledge of Judaica including Shabbat and holiday programing. The Director shall support, supervise and provide training for the implementation of the curriculum, daily instruction and classroom management, as well as provide guidance and oversight to teachers on the development of student goals and lesson plans.
• The Director shall engage in ongoing program development by setting goals, exploring expansion opportunities, seeking greater outreach to the community, and scheduling additional programming and special events at/for the ECC.
• The Director shall lead the development of marketing strategies and advertising to attract students to the ECC.
• The Director shall be responsible for the financial performance of the ECC with input from the synagogue’s Finance Committee, The Executive Director, and the ECC Chair.
• The Director shall be responsible for the development and management of the school budget as well as monthly expense reports, petty cash log, and the ECC fund/spending accounts.
• The Director shall maintain comprehensive student records and staff records. The Director shall coordinate parent-teacher conferences, maintain a high level of contact with parents, and continuously seek ways to enhance parent involvement while honoring their diverse needs (working parent, single parent, etc.).
• The Director shall work together in a professional manner, with the staff, Parent Teacher Association, Board of Trustees, Executive Director, parents, and volunteers to integrate the ECC into all areas of synagogue life.
• The Director shall maintain relationships with outside professional organizations and funding agencies and programs. The Director shall keep abreast of current research through professional periodicals, professional development and conferences.

Salary

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the applicant’s experience

Benefits

Medical benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave and professional development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education or any field related to children. Master’s Degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience in the field of education including pre-school experience and supervisory experience
• Experience managing business operations.
• Knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions with a commitment to Jewish curriculum and programming
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and Google
• Criminal History Check and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
• CPR Certification
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be compliant with the synagogue’s policy regarding vaccination.