Position: Executive Director - Grant Park Cooperative Preschool

Start Date: Fall 2024 (flexible start date)

501 Grant Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Salary: 60,000 - 75,000 a year - Full-time, Exempt

Position Overview:

Grant Park Cooperative Preschool (GPCP) invites passionate and visionary leaders to apply for the position of Executive Director. This role demands a dynamic individual who embodies the spirit of the Reggio Emilia approach and can guide our cooperative preschool through strategic planning, operational management, staff development, and community engagement. Located in the heart of the Grant Park area of Atlanta, GPCP serves a vibrant and diverse community of children, families, and educators. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child's voice matters. This full-time position offers the unique opportunity to lead a community-oriented educational setting with a commitment to the principles of problem-solving, emergent curriculum, anti-bias, and play-based learning.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions the Executive Director may be required to perform, and you may be required to perform additional functions if hired into this role. GPCP reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The Executive Director must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Vision:

• Champion the Reggio Emilia approach, embedding its principles across the preschool's operations and culture.
• Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout all aspects of preschool operations, curriculum development, staff training, and community engagement.
• Inspire the preschool community, including staff, parents, and external partners, rallying them around GPCP's mission and core values.
• Identify and respond to service population and community needs, ensuring the school's long-term relevance and sustainability.

Operational Management:

• Provide oversight and guidance to parent-led committees in a cooperative setting.
• Oversee all daily operations, maintaining robust financial health and optimizing staff performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Develop and implement policies that foster a secure, inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.

Strategic Planning and Alignment:

• Conduct strategic planning to align preschool operations with mission objectives, including amplification of DEI goals.
• Engage in calendar setting for the school year, forecasting, and setting the annual budget.
• Assess and interpret organizational patterns to inform projected business plans and staff structure optimizations.
• Family and Community Engagement:
• Strengthen partnerships with families and the broader community, involving them actively in the educational process.
• Lead and oversee school-wide events, contribute to the schoolwide newsletter, and participate in annual planning and review processes to ensure community integration and engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• 5 years working directly in early childhood education, preferably in a Reggio Emilia inspired setting or a similar progressive educational environment.
• Previous experience in a leadership role within a preschool or childcare center is required. Familiarity with state licensing, staffing, enrollment, and budget management is required.
• Demonstrated alignment with the preschool's mission and vision.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment. The executive director should prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the preschool's operations.
• An understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, including its principles, values, and practices, is essential.
• An associates or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, education administration, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working in a non-profit organization or cooperative, particularly in an educational or childcare context, is strongly preferred.
• Background working directly in early childhood education in a Reggio Emilia inspired setting is highly desirable.
• A master's degree in early childhood education, child development, education administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in staff development and team retention.
• Strong commitment to fostering positive relationships with families and the community.
• Experience working with state regulatory agencies such as Bright from the Start in Georgia (or equivalent agencies in other states) is preferred.
• Familiarity with the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program or similar subsidy programs is preferred.

Schedule:

• Generally 8 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. This position will require occasional evening and weekend commitments as needed. The Executive Director will report directly to the GPCP Board of Directors.
• Location: Atlanta, GA 30312. Applicants should be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work.

Why Join GPCP?

Grant Park Cooperative Preschool is more than just a school; it's a community. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we believe in the importance of a beautiful, stimulating environment where children learn through exploration and creativity. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful educational experience we’ve established for over 25 years, deeply rooted in community engagement and cooperative principles.

The GPCP Mission:

GPCP’s identity is framed by our commitment to offering a high-quality education and nurturing a joyful childhood. We are committed to advocating for all children’s rights since we know that racial, gender identity and class disparities persist in early childhood education. We embrace diversity and full inclusion as not just values but also strengths. GPCP fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect in a rich and inclusive learning environment, facilitated by Reggio Emilia practicing educators with participation by families. GPCP operates as a cooperative because we believe that the contributions of all members of our community enhance the experiences of children. It is our belief that social transformation is achieved by raising bold and empathetic children who are empowered to advocate for themselves and others to create a future of racial justice and equity.

Moreover, at GPCP, we are committed to the ongoing education and enrichment of our educators, setting us apart from other schools. We offer unique professional development opportunities, including participation in the Reggio Children study groups. These study groups provide deep insights into the Reggio Emilia Approach, encompassing theoretical discussions, documentation presentations, and immersive visits to Reggio Emilia's renowned infant-toddler centers and preschools. This journey to Reggio Emilia, Italy, allows our educators to be fully immersed in the concepts, contents, and values of this pioneering educational approach. By being part of our team, you gain access to these enriching experiences, fostering your professional growth and deepening your understanding of our educational philosophy.

GPCP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Cover Letter Request: Please provide a cover letter outlining your professional journey in early childhood education. Additionally, we are particularly interested in hearing about your strategies and experiences in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational settings. How have you demonstrated your commitment to these principles in your previous roles, and how do you envision implementing them as the Executive Director of our preschool?

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person