Preschool Director
Location: Millburn, NJ 07041
About Us:
At the Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel, our vision is to nurture a generation of children equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute meaningfully to a brighter future. We believe that early childhood is the foundation for building values like kindness, collaboration, and resilience. Through a thoughtful, age-appropriate progression of programs, we focus on developing each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills in a warm, inclusive environment. Using proven play-based learning methods, we inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. We understand that today’s parents seek more than academics; they want their children to develop the character and compassion that are essential to elementary school and beyond. By modeling empathy, celebrating diversity, and encouraging action, we help children grow into individuals who care for others, respect the environment, and embrace community.
The Preschool is open to the community regardless of religious observance or background. Core school hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with before-care from 8:00-9:00 a.m. and after-care from 2:30-6:00 p.m., and includes STEAM, creative and fitness-themed enrichment programs. We also offer an eight-week summer camp program.
The Preschool is an integral part of Congregation B’nai Israel, an inclusive, family-friendly, multi-generational, egalitarian congregation that pursues lifelong fulfillment through education, observance and social action. Distinguished by its passionate professional and lay leadership and affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the congregation is open to all levels of Jewish experience and strives to create a Jewish community in tune with our modern lives. In its centennial year, the congregation is a fixture in the Millburn/Short Hills community and our beautiful building has been recognized for its architectural and artistic significance.
Viewed as an essential component of the synagogue’s core mission and values, Congregation B’nai Israel Preschool is often a family’s first introduction to the synagogue community. It is in this vein that we are seeking an experienced, energetic, organized and nurturing Director to lead and grow the Preschool and camp, and to develop Shabbat and holiday programming for families with preschool-aged children. The ideal candidate is a warm, approachable person with a passion for childhood development and interacting with the students and their families, and has experience creating a collegial and cooperative work environment among experienced teachers who are passionate about their roles, The Director will work closely with the clergy team, executive director, lay leadership of the synagogue and the preschool board, which includes parents and educators who are there to support and offer guidance to ensure the succsess of the Director and the Preschool. This is a full-time position with occasional evenings and/or weekend commitments (for example to attend Preschool Board meetings, to oversee Shabbat and holiday programming, and to participate in occasional community events that may present marketing opportunities for the Preschool). Anticipated start date is July 1, 2025, or sooner if the right candidate is available.
Key Responsibilities:
Administrative/educational: advance the mission and vision of the Preschool building upon a 50-year legacy and reputation as a recognized local leader in early childhood education and development; develop and implement an effective preschool curriculum based on current research in early childhood education, including Jewish values and traditions; participate in professional development opportunities and stay current with trends in early childhood education and Jewish education; collaborate with clergy in establishing and implementing the Judaica curriculum; implement best practices related to secular and Jewish early childhood education; develop school calendar; oversee enrollment.
Staff: Oversee hiring, development, retention and compensation decisions for teachers; assist staff in setting and working toward professional goals; enable a positive culture of collaboration, teamwork, communication and high engagement; inspire and lead staff to together, develop and maintain a cooperative and supportive professional atmosphere; provide staff with the structure and resources to create an environment of curiosity, lifelong learning and ongoing professional development that contributes to a joyful learning experience for the children.
Communication: Bring energy to the family community by ensuring effective and ongoing communication with parents regarding curriculum, policies and events; provide information to families and staff about individual students’ learning, behavior and experiences; address sensitive issues with families using strong interpersonal skills.
Marketing: Play a leadership role, in partnership with the Preschool Board, CBI staff and volunteers, to continue to achieve our enrollment and retention goals, create excitement in the community through marketing, generation and follow-up on enrollment leads, and working with families to meet their needs and see the Preschool as a special place to begin their children’s educational journeys; partner with synagogue marketing team and volunteers to integrate preschool and synagogue messaging through effective, contemporary marketing strategies and community outreach that reflect an understanding of families’ needs
Community Building: Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for children, parents, and staff; build the synagogue community for young families by developing and overseeing Shabbat, holiday and other programming for preschool aged children; represent and advocate for the preschool in the local Jewish and general community; work with clergy, staff and lay leaders to grow synagogue membership and to integrate preschool families into the synagogue community.
Facilities and Security: Provide for the safety & well-being of participants; coordinate with CBI’s executive director and the facilities and security committees on security and facility needs; plan and manage emergency response procedures and drills; ensure staff knowledge of CPR and first aid.
Budget and Finance: Work with the Preschool Board and Finance Committee to develop and oversee management of the budget, including tuition pricing and expense tracking and management; research and apply for grants and other funding opportunities; participate in fundraising efforts. Provide monthly updates to the Preschool Board on financials and enrollment trends.
Regulatory: Ensure compliance with all New Jersey and local licensing and safety regulations.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership role, with educational programming, staff management, budgeting and marketing as part of previous responsibilities.
Experience with Jewish culture, traditions, and values in an educational setting. Knowledge of Hebrew is a welcome bonus.
Familiarity with current trends in early childhood education.
Demonstrated success in growing preschool enrollment through effective marketing and community engagement.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with families, staff, the Preschool Board and the wider community. A proven collaborator whose background and philosophy reflect an appreciation for the value of teamwork to be successful.
Hands on knowledge of, comfort level using, and an appreciation for, the role of digital channels to raise awareness and promote what distinguishes the Preschool from other options available in our including website, social media, and email. Curiosity to build one’s digital skills supported by knowledgeable staff and/or volunteers.
Ability to Identify, recommend and pursue relevant grant opportunities.
A mindset of creativity, curiosity and resourcefulness with an orientation towards seeking solutions.
Compensation: $80,000 yearly plus benefits.
To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to post-674f630ccbdf4c053a5e676a-1733256283@apply.jewishstaffing.com