Executive Director, Early Childhood Education

Our New Jersey based client creates happy, healthy lifelong learners from four months through first grade in Jersey City. We deliver a structured, 12-month curriculum through creative, individualized experiences that honor each child’s pace and well-being. As Executive Director you will protect that mission, grow our community of families, and ensure every classroom remains a safe, inspiring place where children and teachers thrive.

Performance Objectives

• Raise enrollment and family retention while preserving small-group quality and individualized learning across three buildings.
• Lead teachers in designing and refining culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate programs that meet physical, cognitive, and social-emotional milestones.
• Recruit, coach, and retain a high-performing teaching team; establish clear routines, positive guidance, and collaborative weekly planning.
• Maintain full regulatory compliance, health and safety standards, and operational excellence so children, staff, and families feel secure every day.
• Build authentic parent partnerships through timely, child-centered communication and community events that strengthen trust.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, and resource allocation so teachers can focus on children rather than logistics.
• Champion professional growth so every educator can use their talents and stay current with best practice.

Environment & Resources

You will lead a close-knit team of Head Teachers and Assistants serving a diverse Jersey City community. You report to school leadership, work across three buildings, and have authority to shape systems, schedules, and professional-development investments. Technology literacy is expected; the school provides the tools needed to plan, communicate, and assess.

Essential Qualifications

• Proven leadership in early childhood or elementary settings with measurable success in program quality, enrollment, or staff retention.
• Deep knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, individualized curriculum, and positive behavioral guidance for infants through first grade.
• Ability to relate warmly and professionally with young children, families, and staff while communicating clearly with children.
• Experience supervising daily operations, ensuring safety, and meeting licensing or accreditation requirements.
• Comfort using technology to plan, document, and communicate; willingness to work flexible hours to meet program needs.
• Physical capacity to engage with children (lift 40 lbs, sit on floor, etc.) and model the active, hands-on environment we value.

Role Selling Points

• Direct, visible impact on children’s lifelong love of learning in a mission-driven, community-oriented school.
• Competitive compensation plus childcare discount, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), PTO, gym reimbursement, and professional-development support.
• Opportunity to shape a growing program that already values teacher talent and individualized approaches.
• Work in vibrant Jersey City with families who want a nurturing, holistic education for their children.

If you are ready to lead a school that puts children’s joy and growth first, apply today and help us keep building happy, healthy lifelong learners.