Early Childhood Director

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.

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Early Childhood Director