Jewish Federation Early Childhood Center Director

Position Sum mary

We believe that early learning is about honoring childhood itself. We are a relationship-based community, welcoming families, children, and educators of all backgrounds and beliefs. Rooted in Jewish culture and values, our brand new center will foster a strong sense of belonging, where every individual feels connected and valued. Through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships, we empower children to develop the confidence, compassion, and resilience they need to thrive.

We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate leader to help reopen and guide our Early Childhood Center for the fall of 2027. The Jewish Federation Early Childhood Center Director at the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for a high-quality, inclusive early childhood program serving up to 31 children ages 18 months - 5 years, with the hope of expanding in future years. The Director has the extraordinary opportunity and privilege of shaping young lives and inspiring a dedicated team. We are seeking an innovative, organized, and caring professional with a true passion for Jewish education. The ideal candidate will have a strategic business mindset, strong leadership skills to guide staff, children, and families toward a shared vision of Jewish educational excellence. JFGT is committed to offering the best in class preschool in the area, and we need a proven leader who has both the experience to establish best-in -class practices, and the spirit to innovate.

About the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo

With an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million dollars and 30 professional staff, JFGT serves as the central address for Jewish life, philanthropy, and community services across northwest Ohio and parts of southeast Michigan.

Key divisions and programs include:

• Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, stewarding over $60 million in assets

• Annual Campaign raising seven figures

• Jewish Senior, Family, and Social Services, providing a community food pantry, transportation services, financial/scholarship assistance

• PJ Library, and programs for young families and NextGen leaders

• Hillel programs at two state universities

• Jewish Community programming including annual Yom celebrations, Book and Film Festivals and other community events

• Toledo Jewish Community Cemetery Association operating 2 cemeteries
• Jewish Community Relations Council with a full time director.

Toledo’s Jewish community is “small but mighty,” sustaining three synagogues (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) as well as Chabad. The city’s cost of living is among the lowest in the country. The city offers cultural richness through the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Mud Hens baseball, and is within easy reach of Ann Arbor, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide inspiring leadership that fosters a warm, collaborative, and positive culture for children, families, and staff.
• Develop and implement a clear vision for a high-quality, play-based early childhood education program rooted in Jewish values.
• Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and support administrative staff, educators, and support personnel.
• Oversee staffing needs, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, professional development, and performance evaluations.
• Monitor classroom environments and teaching practices to ensure developmental appropriateness, excellence, and compliance with program standards.
• Oversee enrollment, child placement, and teaching team assignments.
• Ensure compliance with State of Ohio licensing requirements and maintain or achieve NAEYC accreditation.

Curriculum & Educational Excellence

• Guide implementation of a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Collaborate with educators to integrate Jewish values, traditions, culture, and holidays into the curriculum in an inclusive and meaningful way.
• Maintain high standards for child engagement, social-emotional development, and early learning outcomes.
• Support reflective, child-centered teaching practices through coaching, classroom observation, feedback, and ongoing professional development.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families and maintain open communication regarding child development, school programs, and center updates.
• Serve as the primary liaison for parent communication, conflict resolution, and child development concerns.
• Plan and participate in parent-teacher conferences, school events, family programs, workshops, newsletters, open houses, and community gatherings.
• Promote the inclusive Jewish mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo and foster a welcoming environment for families of all backgrounds.

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with State of Ohio licensing and NAEYC standards.
• Oversee health and safety procedures, incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and center policies.
• Maintain required certifications and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and training requirements.

Jewish Values & Traditions

• Promote Jewish values through relationship-building, cultural respect, and participation in community and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Integrate Jewish traditions and principles into daily routines, school programs, family engagement activities, holiday celebrations, and weekly Shabbat experiences.

Budget & Administration

• Develop and manage the annual ECC budget in partnership with JFGT leadership.
• Monitor enrollment, tuition, staffing, and operational resources to support financial sustainability.
• Oversee licensing documentation, regulatory compliance, and administrative operations.

Organizational Collaboration

• Participate as a member of the JFGT leadership team when requested and represent the ECC at board, organizational, and community meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with JFGT departments to advance organizational goals and strengthen community impact.
• Collaborate with local Congregations to integrate them into Jewish Federation Early Childhood Center programs, initiatives, and community engagement opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 2 years in a leadership/administrative role.
• In-depth knowledge of NAEYC accreditation standards and State of Ohio Licensing regulations.
• Experience managing a budget and supervising staff teams.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Jewish values and traditions and ability to integrate them into an inclusive educational setting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain; must meet all State of Ohio background check and health clearance requirements

Must complete 20 hours of professional development per calendar year.

Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and move around classrooms and outdoor play areas.

May require evening or weekend availability for events or meetings.

Center follows a calendar that includes closure for major Jewish holidays (e.g., Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur), in addition to certain federal holidays

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties required to be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position as determined by the Managing Supervisor and JFGT Chief Executive Officer.

Salary and Benefits

Depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, the Director of the ECC is an exempt employee and will have a base salary of $62,500 with additional compensation possible depending on experience. In addition, JFGT offers the following benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off including Jewish holiday closures (e.g., Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur), in addition to certain federal holidays

• Extended Illness Benefits

• % contribution to single participant coverage in group health (HMO and high-deductible plans with HSA available)

• Vision, dental and other supplemental insurance available for employee purchase

• 401(k)—New employees are immediately eligible to make voluntary contributions. After one year service, JFGT contributes 7% annually of base salary (3% safe harbor with an additional 4% discretionary contribution)

• Group life insurance

• Cell phone plan reimbursement of up to $600 per year

• YMCA/JCC max membership for you and family

• Parental leave after 12 months service

• Laptop computer

Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.