Early Childhood Center Director

Congregation Beth El is looking for a dynamic, passionate, motivated, assertive and creative leader to join our professional team as our Early Childhood Center (ECC) Director. Our ECC combines the best elements of early childhood education with enriching experiences in Jewish learning that lead to the formation of a positive self-image and Jewish identity. We offer full day and flexible programs from 6 weeks old through Kindergarten.

Our ECC is an integral part of our vibrant synagogue with over 760 families located in Voorhees, New Jersey.

The successful candidate will bring great energy and creativity to the position and will work with clergy, staff, teachers, children and parents to continuously improve, enhance and grow the program. The ideal candidate will have a strong Judaic background and successful experience as a Jewish educator. They also need to possess vision, energy, strong administrative skills and supervisory experience, as well as academic curriculum and instructional strategies for early education. The candidate must have exceptional communication and organizational skills to work with children, parents, colleagues and staff to ensure the smooth functioning of daily operations of the school and fully engage the members of the school community.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including NJ state licensure standards.
• Develop and manage the ECC budget; set competitive tuition rates and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and support all ECC staff, including conducting evaluations and fostering professional development.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll and PTO tracking; oversee office operations including tuition billing, vendor payments, and supply management.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and state licensing paperwork as required.

Community & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the school and families; communicate regularly via Remini, Constant Contact, social media, and other channels.
• Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for families of diverse backgrounds.
• Support and collaborate with the Parent Teacher Group (PTG) and broader synagogue leadership.
• Represent the ECC at synagogue-wide events and ensure alignment with congregational values and mission.

Curriculum & School Culture

• Support academic and Judaic curriculum development; ensure instructional excellence across all age groups.
• Engage meaningfully with children across classrooms, including infants through Kindergarten.
• Organize and participate in school-wide events, holidays, and celebrations.
• Conduct regular safety drills and maintain emergency preparedness procedures.
• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement among staff.

External Engagement

• Attend monthly directors’ meetings with other Jewish early childhood professionals to promote collaboration and shared best practices.
• Identify and apply for appropriate grants (entitlement and competitive).
• Collaborate with synagogue leadership and committees as needed, including attendance at ECC and Board of Trustees meetings.

Additional Expectations

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the successful operation and growth of the ECC.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of three to five years of supervisory and/or leadership experience in a similar position.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and manage time and responsibilities efficiently.
• Knowledge of and compliance with all New Jersey standards for licensed childcare centers.
• Demonstrated experience in budget planning and execution.
• Judaic background or strong knowledge of Jewish life, holidays, and culture.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with parents, children, staff, clergy, and the congregational board, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent computer literacy, including the ability to learn new systems. Experience with school communication software, CRM platforms for billing and classroom management, and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Publisher).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support staff through supervision, coaching, and ongoing professional development.
• Comfortable and physically able to engage with children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten, including floor play and lifting when necessary.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
• Warm, enthusiastic, and values-driven professional committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing Jewish environment.