What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Director position at Temple Sholom?
Visionary Early Childhood Director
Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School – Greenwich, CT
Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience
Temple Sholom, a vibrant, creative, and traditional egalitarian synagogue in Greenwich, CT (approximately 35 miles from NYC), seeks an Early Childhood Director to lead the Selma Maisel Nursery School (SMNS)—a high-quality and forward-thinking early childhood program rooted in Jewish values, traditions, and child-centered learning.
SMNS offers a unique educational experience for children (infant to Pre-K), welcoming families of all faiths. The school operates year-round, serving approximately 140 children, with part-day and full-day options. Our dedicated team of 35 educators, including an Assistant Director and School Office Manager, fosters a love of learning through Jewish values: kindness, respect, and cooperation.
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring educational leader who will bring vision, creativity, innovation, and excellence to our program and community.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading an early childhood program, including curriculum design, development, and implementation; deep commitment to Jewish early childhood education; and the ability to build strong relationships with teachers, families, and the broader Temple Sholom community.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Vision:
Work collaboratively with Temple leadership to elevate the program, advancing the school’s reputation for educational excellence and Jewish identity.
Curriculum Leadership:
Design, develop, and implement a creative, developmentally appropriate curriculum that reflects best practices in early childhood education.
Jewish Integration:
Infuse Jewish values, rituals, customs, and traditions throughout the school’s curriculum, culture, and daily life in a meaningful and engaging way.
Educational Leadership & Mentorship:
Provide ongoing professional development, Jewish education guidance, classroom observation, coaching, and mentorship to teachers, supporting their growth and excellence.
Recruitment & Staff Development:
Lead the recruitment, hiring, and retention of outstanding early childhood educators, with a focus on hiring and nurturing educators who align with the school’s mission.
Family & Community Engagement:
Serve as the primary relationship builder with families, ensuring transparent communication, meaningful engagement, and trust. Cultivate an inclusive school and Jewish community where every family feels welcomed, valued, and connected, fostering an open, supportive, collaborative environment. Design and facilitate community programs outside of school hours.
Operational Oversight:
Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, staffing, enrollment, budget planning, record keeping, recruitment, and safety oversight. Ensure compliance with state licensing standards and can lead NAEYC accreditation.
Qualifications:
● A Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
● 5 years in early childhood education, including 3 years in a leadership role.
● Demonstrated success in community building and engagement.
● Deep understanding of child development, early learning research, and best practices.
● Strong commitment to Jewish values, rituals, and traditions with the ability to integrate them inclusively.
● Proven success in team leadership, staff supervision, and mentorship.
● Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
● Knowledge of childcare licensing standards and NAEYC accreditation processes.
● Ability to create and manage a school budget.
● CPR/First Aid and Director Licensing Certification (or eligibility to obtain).
To Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a résumé, a cover letter, and a statement outlining their educational philosophy to the Search Committee at smnsdirectorsearch@templesholom.com