Open Position: Director of Nursery School & Kindergarten (Full-Time)
6 Month Interim Position with Potential for Permanent Role

Position Available: August 25, 2010 for Approximately 6 Months

Position Description:
St. Andrew’s Nursery School and Kindergarten seeks a highly motivated, energetic and experienced educator/administrator to lead the school in its long-standing commitment to academic excellence and “Putting Children First.”  The Director plays an integral role in fostering a welcoming, open and supportive environment for approximately 200 young children, and developing a contemporary curriculum that supports the School’s multifaith, multi-cultural community.  The Director is a visible and accessible leader who has primary responsibility for ensuring the School delivers the highest possible development for every child, increasing enrollment and managing compliance with all applicable regulations.

Primary Responsibilities:
The Director is a visible and accessible leader who has primary responsibility for administrative duties, personnel management, financial controls and School Advisory Board /Vestry relations.

Administrative Duties

• Be highly visible and accessible to parents, students and staff;
• Cultivate a nurturing academic environment that incorporates multi-faith and multi-cultural experiences;
• Effectively manage disciplinary issues; assist and support teachers with situations that may occur in the classroom;
• Stay abreast of trends and new developments in the field of early childhood education and public school kindergarten criteria to ensure curriculum satisfies the “NJ State Standards for Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations: Standards of Quality Education;”
• Consult and work collaboratively with the Rector to oversee business and administrative operations;
• Direct annual recruitment and student enrollment process; conduct informational sessions for prospective parents/students;
• Lead public relations effort to support student enrollment targets and enhance academic reputation within the community; Direct all internal and external communications regarding School matters;
• Drive community outreach efforts, including tuition scholarships and financial aid;
• Meet monthly with Parent’s Association President; and
• Ensure compliance with county and state and federal school licensing requirements.

Personnel Management

• Inspire and guide staff to understand and implement the school’s commitment to academic excellence and “Putting Children First;”
• Recruit outstanding teachers who are committed to professional development and lifelong learning;
• Conduct annual faculty observations, performance and contract reviews;
• Assist staff in planning individual programs for professional growth and career development;
• Encourage and reinforce professional teaching practices;
• Maintain proactive and objective communications with staff;
• Direct and participate in monthly staff meetings; and
• Ensure staff compliance with applicable state, federal and Episcopal Church regulations, as appropriate, including completion of DYFS child care regulations.

Financial Controls

• In collaboration with the School Advisory Board and Rector, set annual operating budget and implement strong financial controls;
• Work closely with finance administrator for payroll, operating expenses and other financial matters; and
• Direct School fundraising initiatives to support strategic objectives adopted by Board/Vestry.

School Advisory Board/Church Vestry Relations

• Establish and maintain a solid working relationship with Rector, School Advisory Board and Vestry;
• Attend monthly School Advisory Board meetings;
• Liaise with Church Buildings and Grounds Committee and Rector to ensure School facilities are safe and equipment is well maintained; suggest improvements, as appropriate; and
• Work collaboratively with Rector, School Advisory Board and Vestry to develop and implement strategic plans and related fundraising requirements.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree preferred; plus certification to teach early childhood;
• A minimum of 3 years classroom experience and a passion for guiding young children;
• An experienced administrator with a proven track record in leading change and continuous improvement;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, board trustees, church, other key stakeholders and the larger community;
• Exceptional public-speaking and writing skills, including the ability to communicate concepts and ideas effectively to a wide range of constituents;
• Management skills necessary to develop strategic plans, install and improve administrative procedures, and prepare school budgets and schedules;
• Experience in fundraising, recruiting and community relations;
• A person of unquestioned honesty and integrity; and
• An energetic, outgoing, warm and friendly person who enjoys young children and interacting with many different constituents.

 

Background/Mission of School:
Founded in 1965, St. Andrew’s Nursery School and Kindergarten is a non-profit organization under the auspices of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. Situated on the picturesque five-acre grounds of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the borough of New Providence, the school exists to serve the surrounding communities, including but not limited to Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Summit, Madison, Scotch Plains, Warren and Watchung.

The School is licensed by the state of New Jersey and is an active member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Children of all religious faiths are welcome, and throughout the year they are exposed to a variety of traditions and cultures.

For the past 45 years, St. Andrew’s has been committed to “Putting Children First.” Our mission is to instill a love of learning, to prepare children for literacy, to shape well rounded character growth, to appreciate diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, and to build a positive self-image and mutual respect for others.

Quality Faculty:
St. Andrew's is proud of its professional staff which consists of about 30 individuals with long tenure.  Every classroom is under the direction of both a head teacher and an assistant teacher. All head teachers are state certified and every teacher is required to enhance their teaching abilities by attending professional conferences, seminars and in-service days. Classroom teachers are supplemented by a music teacher and a French teacher.

Interested Candidates:
Please submit a letter of interest and current resume, including at least three references, to:
search@standrews-school.org

or

St. Andrew’s Nursery School & Kindergarten
419 South Street, New Providence, NJ 07974
Attention: SEARCH Committee

St. Andrew’s Nursery School and Kindergarten is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.