Director of Early Childhood Education Center

Company Description

St. John's Lutheran Church is an established faith-based community committed to fostering spiritual growth, education, and community engagement. The church is dedicated to providing support to families and children through its Early Childhood Education Center, which offers a nurturing and stimulating environment. St. John's aims to instill lifelong values and a strong foundation for children, emphasizing individualized attention and development. Located in Alexandria, VA, St. John's is a vibrant and welcoming community for individuals seeking a meaningful role in early childhood education.

About the Role

St. John’s Lutheran Church is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of our Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), a close-knit program serving approximately 50 students with a team of 14 dedicated staff members. This full-time leadership role is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, and daily operations of the center.

The Director will ensure delivery of high-quality early childhood education while fostering a warm, faith-based environment for children, families, and staff.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 (based on experience and qualifications)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Disability and retirement benefits

403(b) retirement plan participation

Paid time off and holidays

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Oversee a developmentally appropriate, Christ-centered curriculum
• Lead strategic planning, enrollment growth, and program improvement
• Establish and update policies with Board oversight

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching staff
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts
• Support professional and spiritual development of staff

Operations & Compliance

• Manage daily operations, scheduling, and facility use
• Ensure full compliance with Virginia licensing and regulatory requirements
• Maintain records, oversee admissions, and ensure safety standards
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory agencies

Financial Management

• Partner with finance team on budgeting and financial oversight
• Monitor tuition, expenses, and program financial health
• Identify grant opportunities and manage financial processes

Communication & Community Engagement

• Maintain strong communication with families, staff, and church leadership
• Oversee newsletters, digital communication, and social media
• Serve as a bridge between the ECEC and church community

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (e.g., Elementary Education, Nursing, Recreation, or Business Administration with additional education focus)
• Minimum 10 years of experience in education
• At least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role
• At least 6 months in a management role
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field

Requirements

• Active, practicing Christian and member of a local congregation
• Ability to pass background checks and meet all licensing requirements
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Completion of required state and safety trainings
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and actively engage in classroom environments

Work Environment

This role operates in a collaborative early childhood setting within a church environment. The Director regularly interacts with children, families, staff, and church leadership and plays a key role in fostering a positive, mission-driven culture.

Why Join Us?

At St. John’s Lutheran Church, you’ll lead a close-knit, family-oriented early education program with a modern approach to ministry and learning. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and the broader community.

Apply Today

If you are a passionate leader committed to excellence in early childhood education and Christian ministry, we encourage you to apply. For further questions about the role, please visit our website: www.sjlc.com

Employer Note

St. John’s Lutheran Church reserves the right to modify this position as needed. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of required screenings and compliance with applicable policies.