Director of the Early Childhood Education Center

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the Director of the Early Childhood Education Center. This position oversees all aspects of the Early Childhood Education Center, which operates in accordance with state licensing standards and national accreditation standards and in fulfillment of Concordia University Chicago's mission and vision. As a laboratory school of Concordia University Chicago and leader in the field of early childhood education, the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) is committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with its children and families and focuses on the growth and development of each child. The ECEC serves approximately 200 children from infant to kindergarten. The ECEC also provides university students with opportunities to observe, develop, and implement educational experiences for young children.

This position reports directly to the Sr. VP for Finance & CFO and is located in River Forest, IL.

Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Responsibilities/Duties:

ECEC Operations - Oversee all aspects of the Early Childhood Education Center operations, including, but not limited to:

• Supervise the implementation of the SCALE curriculum, ensuring the education of the whole child via developmentally appropriate practice.
• Support the staff through regular communication, professional development, observation and evaluation.
• Maintain DCFS licensing and NLSA, NAEYC, and ExceleRate accreditations.
• Foster relationships with parents through communication and regular engagement opportunities.
• Lead and oversee the design and implementation of early childhood education programs ECEC programs, adjusting programming mix based on market demand and conditions.

Financial and Resource Management

• Set tuition and fees in conjunction with university financial leadership.
• Manage the budget for the ECEC, ensuring proper allocation of resources for supplies, equipment, staff development, and any other resources needed.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with private and corporate funding sources with the support of the university's advancement office.

Maintaining community relationships as the executive liaison between following entities:

• Concordia University Chicago's College of Education
• The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS
• Local school districts
• Collaboration for Early Childhood of Oak Park

Supervisory duties:

• Supervise approximately 30 employees including: Assistant Director, Program Manager, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Cadre Substitute

Skill Sets:

• Exhibits a service mentality toward all stakeholders
• All communication with stakeholders is effective, professional, accurate, and timely
• Improves work performance and that of others by being receptive to and appropriately sharing information
• Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education
• Understand current research, trends and issues in the field of education.
• Strong administrative skills
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Attention to detail
• Ability to organize tasks
• Ability to supervise and work with others
• Ability to work and cooperate with supervisory staff at all levels
• Ability to review understand and apply concepts presented at conferences and/or professional literature

Minimum Experience Required:

Required:

5 years of experience as a teacher or director in an Early Childhood Education Center

Preferred:

5 years of experience as a Director of an Early Childhood Education Center

Education Requirements:

Master's required, PhD preferred, in relevant field.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.

Salary : $50,400 - $90,700