Director of Konter Early Childhood Education Center
VACATION STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of the ECE is responsible for the comprehensive management and leadership of this prestigious early childhood education program, overseeing all operations of the center. This role is instrumental in guiding the vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations of the ECE, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate education in both secular and Jewish contexts. The Director leads the strategic planning, oversight, and administration of the ECE, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals of The JEA. This position encompasses program development, staff management, family engagement, financial resource development, and administrative oversight, requiring a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to the Jewish mission of our organization.
Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The ECE Director is responsible for all functions and matters related to the Konter Early Childhood Education Center, while partnering with the CEO and senior management. With bravery and creativity, the ECE Director manages a team of educators and ensures the financial goals of the preschool are exceeded while ensuring the highest of standards regarding education and governmental compliance.
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive vision for the ECE, ensuring alignment with The JEA's mission and infusing Jewish values into all activities.
- Establish and monitor goals, benchmarks, and evaluation systems for all programs, continuously assessing their effectiveness and impact on participants.
- Establish and lead a Parent Advisory Committee to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with community needs.
- Stay informed about trends in early childhood education and Jewish programming, incorporating best practices into the ECE's offerings.
- Ensure maximum capacity is reached annually to hit financial goals.
- Continuously assess and refine program offerings to ensure they meet participant needs, align with current trends, and support the organization's mission.
- Manage the financial health of the ECE, overseeing budgeting, enrollment trends, and financial reporting in coordination with organizational goals.
- Work with the CEO on fundraising initiatives supporting ECE and broader community programming.
- Ensure the center complies with all licensing and accreditation requirements.
- Monitor enrollment trends and regularly report key benchmarks/statistics to JEAleadership.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles such as Assistant Director or Director.
- Proven success in managing large-scale educational programs, including budgeting and program administration.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with families, staff, and the community.
- Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and a strong aptitude for learning new software tools.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong crisis management skills, with the ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
- Knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, culture, and community is essential.
- Bachelor's degree required; a Master's degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred.
- Prior experience in Jewish early childhood education leadership is highly preferred.
- Comfort working in both indoor and outdoor environments
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Must hold Georgia's highest level early childhood credentials.
- First Aid/CPR certification required (or willingness to obtain)
- Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree preferred.
- Must have a comprehensive satisfactory background check from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
- Must complete a 40 hour director’s training from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
- Must complete Fire Safety Training
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS
Savannah has been home to a diverse, strong, and thriving Jewish community since 1733. Supported by the Savannah Jewish Federation (SJF), the Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA), which serves as Savannah's Jewish Community Center, has continuously provided meaningful programs, activities and services for children, teens, adults, and families in greater Savannah since 1912.
While JEA and SJF are two distinct organizations, with different missions, separate budgets and separate boards, the CFO is a shared position devoting approximately 75% in oversight of JEA and 25% to SJF.
About the Jewish Educational Alliance
The JEA is a cherished community institution serving multiple generations from Jewish and greater Savannah. A leader in early childhood education and camping services, the JEAs facilities and grounds feature a new outdoor zero entry pool, indoor lap pool, two gymnasiums, state of the art fitness center and studios, art gallery, classrooms, auditorium, commercial kitchen, outdoor athletic field, playground and so much more.
About Savannah Jewish Federation
SJF is dedicated to preserving and enriching Jewish life throughout Savannah and perpetuating an identification with the State of Israel and other Jewish communities around the world. SJF operates Jewish Family Services (JFS), an assistance program for those in need, as well as PJ Library, Young Jewish Savannah, and local Hillels. SJF contracts with the Secure Communities Network and is one of the smallest communities to employ a full-time Regional Security Director. Finally, SJF also manages an endowment portfolio of more than $9 million.
About Savannah
Brimming with extraordinary heritage including original Oglethorpe Squares lined with stately homes, fountains, statues, and magnificent oak trees, Savannah is ranked by Travel and Leisure as one of the top destinations in the United States. Downtown serves a thriving tourist industry with a magnificent riverfront and numerous hotels, specialty shops, restaurants, and night spots housed in refurbished 19th century warehouses. Savannah is also the home of the Savannah Bananas whose innovative Banana ball has made them world famous, and the Ghost Pirates, a minor league professional hockey team. Savannah is a short drive to Tybee Island beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, plus a myriad of other inland waterways and rivers offering access to year-round recreational activities.
Friendly, welcoming, and a wonderful place to raise a family, Savannah enjoys a great climate with no snow. Too little to be big, Savannah has all the entertainment and arts advantages of a larger city. With a thriving port and logistics industry, greater Savannah is also poised for unprecedented and sustainable growth with the construction of a Hyundai car manufacturing and electric battery plant and the expansion of Gulfstream Aerospace.