Location and Job Title:

Director of Konter Early Childhood Education Center
Jewish Educational Alliance
5111 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31405

Principal Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of the ECE is responsible for the comprehensive management and leadership of this prestigious early childhood education program, overseeing all operations of the center. This role is instrumental in guiding the vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations of the ECE, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate education in both secular and Jewish contexts. The Director leads the strategic planning, oversight, and administration of the ECE, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals of The JEA. This position encompasses program development, staff management, family engagement, financial resource development, and administrative oversight, requiring a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to the Jewish mission of our organization.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The ECE Director is responsible for all functions and matters related to the Konter Early Childhood Education Center, while partnering with the CEO and senior management. With bravery and creativity, the ECE Director manages a team of educators and ensures the financial goals of the preschool are exceeded while ensuring the highest of standards regarding education and governmental compliance.

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive vision for the ECE, ensuring alignment with The JEA's mission and infusing Jewish values into all activities.
• Establish and monitor goals, benchmarks, and evaluation systems for all programs, continuously assessing their effectiveness and impact on participants.
• Establish and lead a Parent Advisory Committee to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with community needs.
• Stay informed about trends in early childhood education and Jewish programming, incorporating best practices into the ECE's offerings.
• Ensure maximum capacity is reached annually to hit financial goals.
• Continuously assess and refine program offerings to ensure they meet participant needs, align with current trends, and support the organization's mission.
• Manage the financial health of the ECE, overseeing budgeting, enrollment trends, and financial reporting in coordination with organizational goals.
• Work with the CEO on fundraising initiatives supporting ECE and broader community programming.
• Ensure the center complies with all licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Monitor enrollment trends and regularly report key benchmarks/statistics to JEA leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Minimum Qualifications:

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles such as Assistant Director or Director.
• Proven success in managing large-scale educational programs, including budgeting and program administration.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with families, staff, and the community.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and a strong aptitude for learning new software tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong crisis management skills, with the ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
• Knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, culture, and community is essential.
• Bachelor's degree required; a Master's degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience in Jewish early childhood education leadership is highly preferred.
• Comfort working in both indoor and outdoor environments

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must hold Georgia's highest level early childhood credentials.
• First Aid/CPR certification required (or willingness to obtain)
• Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree preferred.
• Must have a comprehensive satisfactory background check from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
• Must complete a 40 hour director's training from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
• Must complete Fire Safety Training

Salary:

$85,000 - $95,000

Agency Information:

Where can you find a highly rated preschool, health club, racquetball court, gym, and pool in the same facility? Where can your mother join in on senior programs with other older adults, and your son play in a basketball league with all of his buddies? What if you were able to drop your kids off at day camp, book a personal training session, and then meet your friends for a Yoga class? All this and more happens every day at the JEA.

Discover your community at the Jewish Educational Alliance. Since 1912, the JEA has been dedicated to ensuring a strong and vibrant Jewish life and community for generations to come. Our summer camp and wide array of enriching activities provide opportunities for you to discover your community through innovative programs designed to meet the needs of everyone from infants to adults. Regardless of your age, faith or background, you?re welcome here. So please, explore our website and stop by for a tour of the JEA. We look forward to serving you.

With over 250 locations across the Nation, we are lucky that there's a JCC right here in our community!