Director, Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center

Early Childhood Center

The Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center provides an extraordinary preschool experience rooted in Jewish values and is open to children of all faiths and backgrounds. We seek an experienced, innovative inspirational, and nurturing leader who believes that early childhood education is the most critical period in human growth and development creating the foundation and pathway for academic achievement. We do this by providing a safe, loving, child-focused environment. This leader also understands the critical importance of building and enhancing relationships with families and with the staff team, and upholds the key values and mission of the synagogue.
The Director will oversee a program serving a thriving and growing community of 100+ children with a staff team of 25 to 30 lead and assistant teachers based on enrollment. The program is open to members of the temple and of the broader community. The ECC, housed in a beautifully renovated classroom area, features an outdoor splash pad and outdoor equipment for both younger and older age children.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the ECC Director is a full, active partner in the senior professional leadership team of Temple Kol Ami, envisioning new opportunities, respecting and honoring the history and traditions of the Temple and the school.

About Temple Kol Ami

Temple Kol Ami is an innovative yet traditional, friendly, and inclusive congregation. We see our congregation as a force for good and decency in our lives, and a force for change in various communities beyond our walls. We are a place for spiritual and intellectual growth
as well as social connection. We welcome members of all backgrounds to our dynamic community.
Qualifications and Knowledge

• Proven experience and understanding of the academic, fiscal, social, and advocacy responsibilities of a non-profit, accredited, and licensed early childhood program.
• Experience with state licensing requirements.
• Comfort level translating Jewish values and traditions to students and families of all faiths to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all students, staff and families.
• A successful track record of exemplary stakeholder relationship building among children, parents, and community
• Ability to be an advocate for the child, anticipating and providing for their needs.
• Ability to mentor and inspire teaching staff
• High Standards and ability to get things done. Take initiative, plan and implement programs.
• Significant experience in operational, budget, and fiscal management.
• Minimum B.S in Early Childhood Education or related field. Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 3 years teaching and 3 years supervisory experience in a similar position
• Proven ability to lead professional development efforts.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in MSWord, Excel, and general competency in computer skills
• Familiarity with Jewish customs and practices preferred.
• Covid-19 vaccination

Core Responsibilities

Educational Leadership
In collaboration with teaching staff, develop the Early Childhood Center’s programming, curriculum and direct its daily implementation. This includes, daily early childhood classes,
enrichment programs, extended winter/spring, and summer camp programs. Create an appropriate atmosphere for Jewish learning and growth with ongoing demonstrations of joy positivity following the Temple’s philosophy of ”doing Jewish”.

Staff Management
Hire, train, manage and actively mentor all staff to ensure the success of the preschool through regular meetings, classroom observation, and professional development

Enrollment
Direct the recruitment and retention of students and families, including tours and information sessions, responding to questions, and explaining contracts. Maintain licensing enrollment requirements.

Budget
Prepare and monitor the use of annual budget, work with Executive Director and finance staff to assure collection of tuition and fees, and keep proper records. Engage ECC staff and families in the Temple’s annual fundraising events and programs.

Health and Safety
Set Policy and adhere to protocols with regard to children and staff illness and vaccinations and all other health requirements, Follow OSHA standards of staff safety. Interpret and regulate all responses to Covid-19 issues and safety practices for as long as needed.

Curriculum
Be familiar with current ECC curriculum and review and evaluate new materials as they become available. Create new materials as needed. Provide Judaic materials for implementation by teachers. Plan parenting programs, teacher education experiences, and be available to assist with Shabbat programs, High Holy Days programs, and congregational family programs. Engage in long and short-term planning.

Relationships
Establish meaningful relationships with parents. Maintain effective communication both verbal and written with parents and staff. Provide support and guidance to staff and parents to meet each child’s individual learning needs. Develop a cadre of parent volunteers to support the work of the Early Childhood Center, and appropriately acknowledge their involvement. Maintain courteous and professional relationships with all Temple staff and volunteers.

Communications and Public Relations
Work with the Temple’s marketing staff to create online, hard copy registration, and informational materials. Through online and hard copy information, submission of pictures, etc. maintain a high profile for the recruitment of new students and community education. Communication should encourage connection to the Temple Kol Ami community as well as to the Early Childhood Center. Participate in local and regional professional activities and meetings with colleagues.

Operations
Oversee preparation of Payroll, prepare school calendar, coordinate with Temple facilities maintenance and set up, ensuring safety and cleanliness at all times. Conduct fire drills and active shooter drills in accordance with procedure. Be a licensed food handler. Ensure that the staff, including yourself, is current on CPR and first aid certifications. Maintain all student and staff records as required by various licensing agencies. Renew and upgrade all county/state licenses as needed.

Collaborative Leadership
Attend weekly staff meetings, committee, and task force meetings as required. Report weekly to the Executive Director. Integrate the clergy and other relevant staff and community leaders in the Early Childhood Center’s program as appropriate. Work with the Director of Youth and Family to create a bridge from preschool to religious school. Network with other preschool directors, both in the Jewish community and the broader community to explore best practices.

Community Representation
All Temple staff are responsible for basic day-to-day tasks like welcoming and assisting members and guests, maintaining the building and grounds, and other assigned duties
Personal Characteristics
You are the right person for this job if you:
• Are highly diplomatic and communicate clearly (written and verbal) and can practice confidentiality
• Have great people skills, can listen well, and ask the right questions
• Can see the big picture and the details and work as part of a team
• Have superb time management and project management skills
• Can laugh at yourself and with others and maintain a joyous and positive affect
• Are meticulous and organized and get things done on time
• Are flexible and can multitask well
• Have a continuous desire and follow-through to learn new things

Compensation & Schedule

Salary Range: $70,000 to $90,000 based on experience
Compensation package includes PTO, medical benefits, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Pension contribution

To Apply
Please email a detailed cover letter stating why you are the best candidate for this position, and resume Nancy Drapin, Executive Director, Temple Kol Ami, Scottsdale (www.templekolami.org)