ECC & Parenting Center Director

Sinai Akiba Academy - LOS ANGELES, CA

DOUGLAS FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 

AND THE ELAINE & GERALD WOLPE PARENTING CENTER DIRECTOR 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

 

Sinai Akiba Academy seeks an experienced, dedicated and passionate educator to be the next Director of the Douglas Family Early Childhood Center which includes the Elaine & Gerald Wolpe Parenting Center.   With an enrollment of approximately 240 students, the Douglas Family Early Childhood Center (DFECC) Academy nurtures our youngest Jewish hearts and minds, ages 16 months-5 years old. The DFECC is constantly evolving to offer the most ambitious, child-friendly, spirit-rich, and joyful Jewish environment, in which to foster curiosity and grow happy kids. With research-based early childhood educational approaches and loving, highly-qualified teachers, the DFECC provides a warm, supportive space, in which imagination is set free.

 

Sinai Akiba Academy, a preeminent ECC-8th grade private, Jewish day school in West Los Angeles, is rooted in its mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. The total school enrollment is just under 500 students.  Sinai Akiba’s prominence is enhanced by its affiliation with the 1,300 member Sinai Temple, one of the country’s leading Conservative synagogues. All SAA families are members of Sinai Temple.

 

ECC Director Roles & Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Head of School, spearhead the planning and strategic vision of the ECC

• Establish and supervise the overall cultural, educational philosophy, and content of developmental curricula in accordance with Sinai Akiba’s core values and mission, state licensing standards/requirements, and Conservative Judaic practices  

• Manage all California Community Care licensing requirements and implement government, educational, and safety standards

• Make decisions regarding faculty assignments, division of children into classes, and the distribution of work for the ECC administrative team

• Maintain observation hours in ECC classrooms to assess that best practices are being implemented and any pressing issues with students are being addressed

• Work in partnership with the Admission department to grow the ECC by leading tours, interviewing families, and developing and implementing activities and programs designed to attract new families to Sinai Akiba

• Initiate and implement periodic review of all curricula, programs, and projects as to their viability and suitability with respect to the school’s goals and needs

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and supervise all ECC faculty and staff  

• Cultivate and sustain an employment climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a high-quality team 

• Remain current and creative with professional development for ECC faculty and staff 

• Build relationships and maintain consistent communication with parents of enrolled and prospective students

• Understand, identify, and evaluate children's social, emotional, and behavioral needs; be able to make recommendations and coordinate services as needed working in partnership with parents to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally

• Partner with Temple clergy and School Rabbi to infuse Jewish values, holiday celebrations, and cultural experiences into curricula 

• Work with the Head of School and the Director of Finance & Operations to set and adhere to a budget, HR protocols, communications strategies, and operational procedures

• Engage and serve as a member of the Senior Administration of SAA.

• Work closely with the Head of School, Admission department, and fellow division heads to develop, promote, and execute retention strategies, ensuring the continuation of ECC students into kindergarten to provide a smooth transition from the ECC to the Lower School

• Participate in synagogue events, serving as an ambassador for the ECC 

• Actively participate in relevant professional development and networking opportunities with organizations including, but not limited to, Builders of Jewish Education (BJE) and the Early Childhood Directors Network, upholding the reputation and presence of the DFECC across local and national landscapes, and sharing ideas across institutions  

 

The Elaine & Gerald Wolpe Parenting Center Director Roles & Responsibilities:

• Participate in decisions and planning in all areas of admissions, recruitment, retention, and internal and external communications

• Oversee planning, registration, and implementation of parenting classes

• Develop new, meaningful, and relevant parent education opportunities 

• Outsource other educational groups and programs to host parenting classes 

• Hire, train, and supervise teachers/staff as needed

• Maintain effective and ongoing communication with parents 

• Monitor budget and expenses

• Attend conferences and professional training in order to maintain knowledge of best practices within the field

• Collaborate with other departments to ensure the program's marketing, development, and budgetary needs are being met

• Meet regularly with the Head of School to provide updates on current programs, address any concerns or conflicts, and collaborate on ideas for future planning

• Collaborate with the Temple clergy to build relationships and infuse Jewish programming into the Parenting Center 

 

Skills:

• Model forward-facing leadership and the ability to connect with diverse constituencies within the SAA community

• Serve as a positive role model for SAA community-colleagues, parents, and students

• Maintain an organized approach to the administrative demands of the role 

• Successfully build trusted relationships with a variety of constituencies and  stakeholders; sees the role connected to the overall health of the Sinai community 

• Demonstrate commitment to the physical, social, educational, and emotional health of students of all ages 

• Embody a strong Jewish sensibility, knowledge, and appreciation of traditions, customs, and values  

• Maintain both a practical and creative, growth mindset  

• Uphold a deep respect for children and their families 

• Demonstrate and embrace collaborative leadership skills  

• Communicate transparently, thoughtfully, and directly

• Understand and connect with children’s development needs and individual strengths, areas for growth, and unique personalities

• Possess exceptional executive functioning skills including time management, organization, and planning, goal-setting, and execution

• Proficient in Google Suite and possess an aptitude for technology and software applicable for schools and organizations (HR, payroll, licensing, etc.)

 

Qualifications & Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.  Master’s Degree preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience leading a school or educational program

• Experience being part of and collaborating with a leadership team

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Availability to be physically present when school is in session, and at Temple-wide and special events (including some evening and weekend programs)

• Strong ties to the Jewish community preferred

Compensation/Benefits:

Sinai Akiba Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits package.  More specific information related to salary and benefits will be provided to candidates invited to interview.

 

Salary is commensurate with experience, degrees awarded, and certification(s)

Salary Range: $115,000 -$170,000

Employment begins July 1, 2023

 

Application Process:

 

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and a brief summary of their overall educational philosophy to eccdrsearch@sinaiakiba.org.  Any questions may also be directed to this email.

 

Duration/Status: Full-time; Exempt administrator

Location: Sinai Akiba Academy, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA  90024

The position will remain open until filled.

Sinai Akiba Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable state and federal laws.