Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Dallas, Texas
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary:
The Early Childhood Director is a visionary and relationship-centered leader responsible for building and sustaining a vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality early childhood program rooted in Jewish values. With a deep commitment to community building and educational excellence, this leader fosters a warm and nurturing culture for children, families, and staff. The Director oversees the day-to-day operations, guides a team of second-tier leaders and pedagogistas, maintains NAEYC accreditation, and plays an active role across the entire organization and broader Jewish community.
Key Responsibilities:
Community Building & Relationships
- Cultivate a strong, inclusive school community where every family feels welcomed, valued, and connected.
- Serve as the primary relationship-builder with families, ensuring transparent communication, meaningful engagement, and trust.
- Partner with the Parent Association to foster active family involvement and create shared experiences.
- Design and host family programs, holiday celebrations, and community service initiatives that bring families together and deepen their connection to Jewish life.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Lead and inspire a dedicated team of educators, second-tier leaders, and pedagogistas, promoting a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual respect.
- Provide mentoring and coaching to empower staff and encourage leadership at all levels.
- Support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of top-tier early childhood professionals.
- Develop and implement professional development aligned with early childhood best practices and Jewish values.
Educational Excellence
- Ensure high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum and practices guided by child development research and the unique needs of each child.
- Champion a vision of education that integrates Jewish values and traditions in a warm, inclusive, and age-appropriate manner.
- Support pedagogistas in their role as reflective partners in teaching and learning.
- Oversee ongoing assessment and documentation practices to support children's growth and learning,
Operations & Accreditation
- Maintain NAEYC accreditation and ensure compliance with state licensing, health, and safety standards.
- Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling, staffing, and enrollment processes.
- Oversee the GECC budget, ensuring financial health and responsible resource allocation.
- Implement systems and procedures that support consistency, quality, and organizational excellence.
Family Engagement & Communication
- Build strong relationships with families through active listening, timely communication, and a commitment to partnership.
- Serve as a resource to families on early childhood development and parenting.
- Offer parent education opportunities and support families in navigating developmental milestones.
Agency & Community Involvement
- Be an active, visible member of the team, collaborating with departments across the agency to support shared goals and initiatives.
- Participate in and support programs, events, and community celebrations.
- Serve as the representative on the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Early Childhood Directors' Council, strengthening collaboration across the Jewish early childhood landscape.
- Collaborate with the Jewish Life & Learning department to enrich the Jewish content and identity-building within the GECC.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development, or a related field strongly preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood education with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated success in team leadership, staff supervision, and community engagement.
- Experience maintaining NAEYC accreditation and managing early childhood operations.
- Deep understanding of child development and early learning best practices.
- Strong commitment to Jewish values and the ability to bring them to life in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive way.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- CPR/First Aid and Director Licensing Certification (or eligibility to obtain).
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, sick time, professional development opportunities, retirement plan, and full organization membership.
