Interim Preschool Director

Interim Preschool Director (Faith-Based)

Temporary (3–6 Months) | Opportunity for Permanent Role Location: Church Preschool – West Hills, CA

Lead with Purpose. Build with Vision. Support Our Core Values. Make an Immediate Impact.

We are seeking a dynamic, faith-driven leader to step into the role of Interim Preschool Director during a season of transition and opportunity. This is more than a maintenance role—it’s a chance to stabilize, strengthen, and reimagine a thriving preschool program while shaping its future.

You’ll serve as a key leader within both the school and church community—guiding staff, supporting families, and ensuring excellence in both program quality and spiritual foundation. In this role, you will actively support and model our Core Values:

Connection - We value growing closer to God and to each other.

Compassion - We value caring for our community.

Growth - We value education.

Welcome - We value God’s love shown through genuine welcome for all.

If you are energized by leading through change, building strong teams, and aligning education with mission and ministry, we want to meet you.

What You’ll Do Lead & Strengthen the Program

• Oversee daily preschool operations while maintaining stability, quality, and consistency
• Provide strong leadership and staff development through coaching, mentorship, and accountability
• Assess program effectiveness and implement improvements
• Reimagine and elevate our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program
• Guide the program with a vision-oriented, mission-driven approach
• Lead confidently through transition, change, and uncertainty

Integrate Faith & Build Community

• Integrate faith into all aspects of the preschool program while honoring a diverse community
• Lead or support spiritual practices (e.g., prayer, chapel, Bible stories)
• Serve as a bridge between the preschool and church, fostering alignment and collaboration
• Partner closely with pastoral staff and ministry leaders

Develop & Inspire Staff

• Lead, coach, and support a dedicated team of educators
• Build a healthy, accountable, and mission-aligned staff culture
• Provide mentorship and professional development
• Maintain morale, trust, and stability during transition
• Ensure proper staffing ratios and regulatory compliance

Grow Enrollment & Community Presence

• Lead enrollment strategy, marketing, and outreach efforts
• Build strong relationships with prospective and current families
• Conduct tours and represent the program within the community
• Strengthen visibility through communications, social media, and storytelling
• Support student and staff retention while driving enrollment growth

Ensure Excellence in Operations

• Maintain full compliance with state childcare regulations (e.g., Title 22 in California)
• Oversee health, safety, and risk management procedures
• Maintain organized systems, documentation, and readiness for inspections
• Support budget awareness and responsible resource allocation

Build Relationships with Families & Community

• Serve as a relational, approachable, and responsive leader for families
• Communicate clearly, consistently, and professionally
• Address concerns with warmth, confidence, and firmness
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment

Who You Are

You are a mission-driven, relational leader who brings both heart and structure to your work. You thrive in ambiguity, build trust quickly, and make thoughtful, sometimes difficult, decisions.

You bring:

• Spirit-led leadership and personal faith alignment
• Strong relational and communication skills
• Courage and confidence to lead through change
• A warm but firm leadership style
• High organization and follow-through
• Vision and the ability to move a program forward—not just maintain it

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• 5 years in a licensed preschool setting
• Proven leadership experience (Director, Assistant Director, or equivalent)
• Experience developing staff and leading teams
• Background in enrollment growth, marketing, or outreach
• Faith-based or ministry experience preferred

Required Certifications:

• Meets state Director qualifications
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Background clearance and Mandated Reporter training

Compensation

Interim Role (3–6 months): $18,750 – $22,500 (pro-rated for partial year, based on $75K–$90K annual equivalent for a 40 hour work week) Potential Permanent Director Role: $75,000 – $90,000 annually, based on a 40 hour work week

Final compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to lead and grow the program.

Why This Role Matters

This is a unique opportunity to make an immediate, meaningful impact in a faith-based preschool. You will not only maintain stability during transition—you will help shape the future of the program, strengthen TK, and grow enrollment while building a lasting bridge between school and church.

Position Details

• Schedule: Full-time (30-40 hours), on-site
• Duration: 3–6 months
• Potential: Opportunity to transition into a permanent Director role

Pay: $36.00 - $43.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Preschool Director or equivalent: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000