Award-winning, educationally innovative and socially progressive preschool seeking new director

Position Description

The Frances and Herbert Brody Pre-School of Temple B’nai Or established in 1966, is an award-winning, educationally innovative and socially progressive preschool serving children ages 2 through 5 years. The Preschool Director will oversee our dual public and private programs serving a current capacity of 75 students with the support of an experienced, certified and cohesive staff. Our preschool is an integral part of Temple B’nai Or, a Reform congregation established in 1954. Our synagogue is located in a tranquil, wooded area in Morristown, New Jersey and provides our preschool community with beautiful classrooms and multiple outdoor areas for learning and play.

We are a proud provider and partner of the Morris School District Preschool Expansion Program, a universal preschool initiative funded by the State of New Jersey Department of Education. Both our public secular program and our private Judaic program utilize research-based curricula (Creative Curriculum® and the best of Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and Montessori, respectively) focused on whole-child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Our private Judaic program welcomes all families and consistently includes children of many faiths.

We are seeking a Preschool Director with a strong commitment to educational equity grounded in Jewish values. The director will have the energy and enthusiasm to engage productively with and balance the needs of multiple and diverse stakeholders, including parents in public and private programs, staff, district partners and temple leadership. As importantly, the director will be able to express their love of preschoolers and enthusiasm in their growth.

The director is a full-time,12-month position and reports to Temple B’nai Or’s Executive Director. The director is strongly supported by our public program’s Family Liaison and Morris School District education and administration professionals as well as by our clergy and Director of Education. The employment agreement for the director position is for one year. The temple leadership is engaging in strategic planning in 2021-2022. We welcome candidates who would like to contribute to this planning, and the director will be eligible for consideration for a longer-term position.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Program Management. Oversee all aspects of daily preschool operations, including nutritional programs, and the assessment of development and progress of all students.
Personnel Management. Responsible for the hiring, training and supervision of 13-15 teaching staff, leading teaching staff meetings, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development. Coordinate with therapists and specialists who work with children and parents in school.
Implementation of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Implement and monitor curricula.
Legal Compliance. Ensure full compliance with all licensing and safety regulations required by New Jersey.
Communication Oversight & implementation. Oversee and/or implement communications with families, staff, district partners and other stakeholders.
Public-Program Management. Liaise with Morris School District on all matters regarding oversight and implementation of our public program.
Private-Program Management. Work with the Executive Director and Communications Specialist on marketing of the private program. Direct enrollment of and ensure student retention in the private program. With clergy and/or Director of Education, incorporate Jewish values and customs into the private program.
Budget and Finance. Prepare preschool budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, manage budgeted expenses, and identify and write applications for grants.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education, Business Administration or Education Administration or related fields with at least 3 years of teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position. Masters degree preferred.
Supervisory and/or leadership experience in early childhood or elementary education (3 years minimum)
Knowledge and appreciation of Reform Judaism and its traditions, values and practice or willingness to learn and respect accordingly
Knowledge of Grow NJ Kids, New Jersey’s quality rating improvement system for child care and early learning, and New Jersey child-welfare systems

Desired Attributes
Leadership aptitude, including strategic planning and excellent organizational and administrative skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills, especially with parents
Able to work cooperatively and productively with school-district leadership and temple professional and lay leadership and staff
Able to prioritize, multitask and manage time well and to delegate effectively
Fluency and proficiency using digital productivity tools & social media
Limited Working Spanish or higher
Knowledge of ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale) and TPOT (Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool)

Compensation
$70,000 - $86,000 (commensurate with education qualifications and years experience)
Paid vacation
Group health insurance
Participation in retirement plan
Congregational membership, including tuition for your children in preschool and/or Religious School

How to Apply:
Please complete the application form at http://bit.ly/tbo-psdirector-application and upload a cover letter and resume both in PDF.

If you have any questions or problems using this form, please email Mary Fernandez, VP Education, at fernandezmaryf19@gmail.com. We will contact you by email to acknowledge receipt of your application and provide an update on our search status.

Last Updated: 6/9/2021