Director of Early Education

Organization Overview

East End House is a 150-year-old nonprofit community center serving culturally diverse families across Cambridge, Somerville, and surrounding communities. We provide licensed, high-quality childcare, out-of-school-time programs, emergency food, infant necessities, elderly services, and other initiatives that support children, youth, and families from under-resourced backgrounds. Our work is grounded in a Theory of Change and the Five Protective Factors framework. To read more about our mission, values, and Theory of Change, visit www.eastendhouse.org.

East End House is seeking a Director of Early Childhood Programs within an established organization committed to investing in its leadership team through ongoing professional development.

Position Summary

Our Early Education program is one of the ways Cambridge families count on East End House most, and we're looking for an experienced leader to direct it.

As Director of Early Education, you'll lead a team of dedicated educators, set the standard for quality in our classrooms, and own the program from staffing and curriculum to EEC licensing, compliance, and family partnerships. You'll report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and work alongside our senior leadership team, with the authority to build, improve, and grow the program over time.

This role is for someone who knows early childhood education deeply, leads people well, and wants their work to show up in the daily lives of real children and families. Full-time, exempt, with a full benefits package.

• Assist with recruiting and hiring the best early childhood educators possible
• Continue ongoing work to achieve NAEYC recognition and accreditation.
• Ensure East End House’s early childhood program aligns with MA EEC’s Continuous Quality Improvement Framework
• Create, maintain, and measure program activities and staff against high-quality program standards
• Track and support the developmental progress of all children
• Ensure our program is a welcoming and inclusive space for all families, children, and staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities: Oversees Early Childhood Programs implementation and success (70%)

• Ensure that our Early Education program is a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space for all children, staff, and families.
• Provide classroom support as needed, including covering classrooms for ratios, supporting classroom management, and modeling de-escalation techniques.
• Manage supervisory responsibilities, including personnel recordkeeping, classroom observations, disciplinary actions, payroll, and administrative reporting.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate staff performance. Ensure the team is adequately trained, with opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Facilitate and manage the enrollment process, tours, waitlist, paperwork, tuition, and billing.
• Coordinate assistance for children receiving outside professional services for their development while at the Center.
• Conduct parent/caregiver meetings to discuss developmental or behavioral concerns.
• Ensure adequate developmental assessments of all children.
• Lead the NAEYC accreditation process and ongoing compliance with NAEYC and EEC requirements.
• Develop and implement evaluation, data collection, performance management, and quality improvement systems for early childhood programs, complying with all relevant state, city, and grant requirements.
• Collaborate with evaluation consultants for program evaluation and quality improvement plans.
• Oversee the implementation, compliance, and maintenance of high-quality standards for Early Childhood Programs, including Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations, as well as other relevant accreditation bodies.

Community Development and Assistance (15%)

• Conduct high-quality parenting workshops and seminars based on the Five Protective Factors and Theory of Change frameworks.
• Engage in targeted community outreach and needs assessment for alignment with East End House’s programs and services.
• Identify opportunities to leverage cross-program strengths for new initiatives and partnerships.
• Ensure programs meet grant administrative requirements and submit required reports on time.
• Conduct research for program and organizational growth opportunities.

Organizational and Professional Development (15%)

• Stay updated on professional knowledge through industry seminars and conferences.
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of talented staff for the Early Education program.
• Participate in the East End House Leadership Teams.
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for East End House’s mission and programs.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal relationships across all levels of the organization and externally.
• Actively participate in special projects, grant writing, strategic planning, and implementation of new initiatives.

Requirements

• Skilled, passionate, and aligned with East End House’s mission.
• Two years of experience as a Director in an Early Education program.
• Excellent problem-solver who can flexibly balance multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills, with an ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and using data to guide decision-making.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Director II qualified required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled technology user.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including staying late one evening a month for an all-agency meeting or family engagement events.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with education and experience. The starting salary for this position is $65,000-70,000, with growth opportunities.

To Apply

Send resume and cover letter to: Christine Del Vecchio – christine@eastendhouse.org. Please reference the position title in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity

East End House believes that equal opportunity for all employees is important for the continued success of our organization. In accordance with state and federal law, we will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, or non-job-related factors in hiring, promoting, demoting, training, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation. Opportunities are provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Early Ed Director: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• EEC Director Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,000 - $78,000