Early Childhood School Director

Principal Responsibilities:

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you ready to lead a thriving, financially sound, and growing Early Childhood School, building on a strong foundation of academic excellence and community trust?
• Can you inspire and mentor a dedicated team of educators to deliver exceptional, relationship-based learning experiences for young children?
• Do you have the vision and expertise to shape the future of the school through strategic leadership, program innovation, and operational excellence?
• Are you excited to cultivate meaningful partnerships with families and the broader community, fostering engagement, belonging, and shared purpose?
• Can you integrate Jewish values, traditions, and celebrations into a nurturing, inclusive environment that reflects the heart of the JCC mission?

WHAT YOU WLL BE DOING

The Early Childhood School (ECS) Director provides visionary and values-driven leadership for one of the JCC s cornerstone programs. As both an educational leader and a community builder, the Director ensures that children, families, and educators experience an environment rooted in warmth, belonging, and Jewish values. This role combines oversight of daily operations with the responsibility to shape curriculum, cultivate family partnerships, mentor and develop staff, and safeguard the highest standards of safety and compliance. Through this work, the Director strengthens the JCC s mission of connecting people so they can live happier, fuller, and more meaningful lives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Key Responsibilities:

Inspire with VisionProvide values-based leadership that reflects the mission of the JCC and the rich traditions of Jewish life. Foster warmth, care, and collaboration across the school community. Model best practices, mentor educators, and build a culture of teamwork and shared purpose.

Oversee Daily OperationsManage all aspects of the school's daily operations, including budgeting, calendar planning, enrollment, and registration so that families and staff experience a seamless, welcoming, and mission-driven environment every day.

Advance Educational ProgramsContinuously strengthen curriculum, teaching practices, and program structures to support each child's growth and development. Ensure Jewish values, culture, and celebrations are thoughtfully and authentically woven into the educational experience.

Deepen Family EngagementNurture meaningful relationships with families, creating an atmosphere of partnership, belonging, and trust. Serve as a primary point of connection for parents, and lead programs, events, and initiatives that bring families together and strengthen their ties to the JCC community.

Develop and Support StaffRecruit, hire, and onboard talented educators who embrace the mission of the JCC. Invest in their professional growth through ongoing coaching, professional development opportunities, and thoughtful performance feedback, building a team that is both skilled and inspired.

Ensure Compliance and SafetySafeguard the well-being of children, families, and staff by maintaining full compliance with licensing, accreditation, and safety standards. Oversee health, security, and emergency preparedness protocols so the school remains a trusted and secure environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate is a seasoned early childhood educator and leader with a bachelor's or master's degree in early childhood education, educational leadership, organizational development, or a related field. They bring 7-10 years of experience in teaching and leadership within a similar early childhood setting and have a demonstrated ability to guide educators, build strong teams, and foster a positive, collaborative culture.

This individual excels at cultivating meaningful partnerships with families and the broader community, creating trust and engagement at every level. They are skilled in budgeting, resource management, and program planning, with a proven track record of meeting organizational goals. They are growth minded with an eye toward what's next.

A deep appreciation for Jewish values, traditions, holidays, and rituals or a strong desire to learn and integrate them authentically into the educational experience is highly preferred. Above all, the ideal candidate combines professional expertise with warmth, integrity, and a commitment to nurturing children, families, and staff within a vibrant JCC community.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate: Deeply committed to nurturing the growth and development of young children.
• Visionary and Strategic: Able to set and communicate a clear, inspiring direction for staff, families, and children.
• Collaborative: Skilled at building strong, positive relationships and promoting teamwork across all level across the organization and the JCC community.
• Culturally Attuned: Values diversity, inclusion, and Jewish traditions, creating a welcoming environment for all families.
• Calm Under Pressure: Projects a sense of calm and confidence when addressing concerns or problem-solving.
• Visible and Accessible: Comfortable helping in the classroom and easily accessible to parents and other key stakeholders

THE PAYOFF

As the Early Childhood Director, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape young lives while leading a talented team of educators, creating a nurturing and innovative environment where children, families, and staff all thrive together.

Compensation includes a base salary in the $100K - $120K range based on experience plus a robust benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverages, Medical Savings and Health Savings Accounts, a 401-K plan with company match, long-term disability, and a generous PTO plan including a weeklong Passover break in the Spring and a weeklong winter break in December. Relocation assistance will be provided to an out-of-town candidate.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you're drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

Agency Information:

ABOUT THE MAYERSON JCC

The Mayerson JCC (the "J") in Cincinnati, Ohio connects people so that they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community. With an expansive fitness center, award-winning early childhood and senior centers, top arts and cultural events, and classes for every age, the J connects, enriches, and inspires more than 50,000 visitors per month.

THE MAYERSN JCC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

The Mayerson JCC Early Childhood Center serves 180+ children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, offering an inclusive, welcoming environment regardless of race, religion, or ability. With a low child-to-teacher ratio, the center emphasizes language development, scientific inquiry, creative expression, and social-emotional well-being. Students benefit from enrichment opportunities such as music, fitness, yoga, swimming lessons, gardening, and intergenerational activities. The curriculum incorporates Jewish traditions and Shabbat through songs, stories, art, special foods, and traditions, and all meals and snacks are kosher.

Dedicated to multicultural education, the center fosters respect, curiosity, and understanding of diverse cultures. Children are encouraged to explore their own culture and learn about others, while developing empathy, self-esteem, and cooperative social skills.