About the Position
The Senior Director of Early Childhood Education will work closely with Temple and School leadership to develop and implement policies, programs, and curricula that align with the overall mission of Stephen Wise Temple and its educational programs. This position reports directly to the Head of School.
About You
You are a visionary and strategic leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Highly organized and adaptable, you balance day-to-day operations with long-term institutional goals. You cultivate strong partnerships with staff, parents, and students, fostering a warm, inclusive, and engaged school community. You work seamlessly with admissions and marketing to drive enrollment and retention, while collaborating with parent organizations to enhance school culture.
Your leadership is highly visible, and you approach challenges with confidence, diplomacy, and consistency. You are both a big-picture thinker and an execution-focused leader who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to building a thriving, connected community. As the face of the Aaron Milken Center, you represent the school to the broader Temple and educational communities.
About Us
Now in our 61st year, Stephen Wise Temple is one of the largest Reform Jewish synagogues in the country, encompassing three schools. With 1,600 member families and more than 200 employees, Wise is known for its comprehensive educational, worship, and community engagement programs. We are a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes all who wish to make meaning and drive positive change.
Our 18-acre campus, located along the Mulholland Corridor in the Santa Monica Mountains, provides an inspiring environment for education and personal growth.
Essential Responsibilities & Leadership Skills
- Provide strategic leadership for the Aaron Milken Center’s early childhood, parenting center, and summer camp programs.
- Oversee curriculum development grounded in best practices in early childhood education, infused with Jewish values, and designed to foster a strong sense of Jewish identity and community.
- Lead enrollment efforts in collaboration with the admissions team to ensure maximum capacity.
- Work in partnership with Temple Senior Leadership to advance the mission and vision of Stephen Wise Temple.
- Serve as a key liaison to the Stephen Wise Temple Board and lay leadership.
- Direct and coordinate the Aaron Milken Center Advisory Committee, including identifying leadership members, setting strategic goals, and driving impactful initiatives.
- Build strategic partnerships with universities and research institutions to enhance early childhood education programming and faculty development.
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support curriculum innovation, faculty training, and program expansion.
- Maintain accreditation and compliance with local, state, and national early childhood education standards.
- Represent AMC at local, national, and international early childhood education conferences through active participation and thought leadership.
- Develop and oversee a comprehensive parenting education program, from prenatal through toddler years.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and development team to drive fundraising initiatives in support of AMC’s operational and annual giving campaigns.
- Foster a culture of collaboration with faculty and staff, ensuring a nurturing, innovative, and supportive work environment.
- As a key staff member in our religious educational institution, you will serve as a role model of our faith’s tenets, demonstrating them daily to our members and the broader Temple community. This position plays a vital role in transmitting the expectations and values of our faith, ensuring that the Temple continues to minister effectively to the needs of our students and members.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles within independent schools or comparable educational institutions.
- Master’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
- Proven success in curriculum development, faculty leadership, and school operations management.
- Strong experience in admissions, enrollment management, and parent engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with families, staff, donors, and community stakeholders.
- Expertise in early childhood best practices, accreditation processes, and educational research.
- Stellar professional references that attest to your leadership, vision, and impact.
- Experience collaborating with fundraising teams to secure grants and philanthropic contributions.
Compensation & Benefits
Stephen Wise Temple offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.
- Salary: $225,000 annually
- Comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance
- Four weeks of paid vacation
- Professional development opportunities, including association memberships and conference travel
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Complimentary synagogue membership and religious school tuition
- Generous tuition discounts for employees' children
- Access to synagogue programs and Jewish holiday observance leave
To Apply
Submit a current resume, a cover letter detailing your qualifications for this position and your philosophical approach to school leadership to [email protected]