Director of the Early Childhood Center

Temple Sinai of Bergen County
Job Description: Director of the Early Childhood Center
Full time position available 6/15/21
Temple Sinai of Bergen County is a thriving Reform congregation located in Tenafly, NJ, only seven miles from Manhattan. Our diverse membership comes from all across Bergen County. We welcome individuals and families from all backgrounds who seek an invigorating Jewish experience. The Early Childhood Center is a key component of our community, and is open year-round, offering academic year preschool experiences as well as summer camp options. We have successfully remained open during the pandemic, with enrollment at approximately 70% of capacity (academic year capacity ~105).
We’re looking for someone who is motivated, organized, and collaborative, with strong educational leadership abilities along with supervisory experience. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to be the leader of an Early Childhood Center for children 18 months to five years old. You will develop a cutting-edge curriculum, hire, supervise and evaluate a team of seasoned and new teachers, and maintain a warm, nurturing learning environment where each student progresses as an individual. In addition, you will partner with the Rabbi-Educator to infuse Jewish values, holidays, and cultural experiences into the program and assist in innovating family programs and developing community engagement opportunities to connect the Early Childhood Center families with synagogue life. In this work, you will have administrative support.
The Director of the Early Childhood Center is a full time position and reports to the Rabbi-Educator / Director of Lifelong Learning. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Management Oversee all aspects of daily school operations. Direct enrollment and assist Rabbi-Educator with marketing, ensure student retention, and oversee the assessment of child development and progress. Manage billing and collections.
• Personnel Management Responsible for the hiring, training, and supervision of 15-25 teaching staff (depending on enrollment), and for providing opportunities for professional growth and development. Coordinate the ancillary support therapists and specialists who come into the school and work with children and parents
• Curriculum Development and Implementation Develop, implement and monitor the curriculum. With the help of the Rabbi-Educator, blend age-appropriate curriculum with Jewish educational values and customs.
• Legal Compliance and NAEYC Accreditation Ensure full compliance with all licensing and safety regulations required by New Jersey. Oversee NAEYC accreditation renewal process.
• Communication Oversight & implementation of communication with families, staff, congregants, prospective members, families, alumni, and others connected with the Early Childhood Center

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or other related field with at least 3 years teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position. Masters degree preferred
• Experience teaching in Early Childhood Education (3 years minimum) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Supervisory/Leadership experience in Early Childhood Education (2 years minimum)
• Knowledge of NAEYC accreditation
• Leadership skills, including organizational and administrative abilities
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Computer & social media fluency required
• Must be willing to work both indoors and outdoors
• Detail-oriented; able to prioritize, multitask, and manage time well
• Able to work cooperatively with lay leadership, congregants, and staff
• Is Jewish and has knowledge of and appreciation for Reform Judaism and its traditions and values.

Compensation
• $65,000- $85,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Competitive medical benefits
• Congregational membership, including tuition for children in Early Childhood Center and/or Religious School for your children
• Professional development funds, including professional organizational dues and funds for conference attendance

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to:
Lynne Stewart, Vice-President for Education