Job Title: Interim Director, Early Childhood Center

Reports To: Executive Director & Senior Rabbi

Location: Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, CA

Position Overview

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills seeks an inspiring, innovative, and experienced leader to serve as the Interim Director of its Early Childhood Center (ECC) beginning immediately through June 2027. This role is designed to provide steady, strategic leadership during a period of transition, while positioning the ECC for continued excellence and future growth. Candidates may be interested in serving solely in an interim capacity or may also wish to be considered for the permanent Director role in the future.

The Interim Director will oversee all programming for children ages five and under, including the ECC, Parent & Me classes (ages two and under), and other engaging family programs. This leader will ensure continuity of high-quality programming while thoughtfully assessing opportunities to strengthen curriculum, operations, and community engagement.

The Interim Director will maintain and enhance a sequential pipeline of learning and engagement, supporting a seamless transition from early childhood programs into Temple Emanuel’s Religious School and broader community. This role reports to the Senior Rabbi and Executive Director and partners closely with them to sustain meaningful experiences, enrollment stability, and strong family retention during the interim period. The Director will also collaborate with the Executive Director on administrative, budgetary, and operational matters.

This role requires active partnership with clergy, educators, and temple staff to deepen relationships with young families and reinforce the ECC as a central entry point into synagogue life. A key priority is sustaining and enriching meaningful Jewish family experiences, helping parents and young children engage with holidays, traditions, and rituals in joyful, age-appropriate ways.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful and steady leader who can both manage day-to-day excellence and bring a strategic lens to the ECC’s next chapter—ensuring that Temple Emanuel continues to be a vibrant hub for Jewish early childhood education during this transitional period.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

· Oversee the Early Childhood Center (ECC), fostering an environment of warmth, learning, and Jewish identity development.

· Develop a cohesive and engaging progression of programming from infancy through kindergarten, ensuring a strong pipeline into the Religious School and temple membership.

· Supervise and mentor ECC faculty and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth.

· Manage curricula development that incorporates Jewish traditions, values, and developmentally appropriate learning.

· Ensure a system of thorough, meaningful, and current educational curricula informed by current early childhood pedagogy and defined by state law and licensing.

· Oversee ECC operations, including budget management, enrollment growth, and licensing compliance.

· Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and clergy to integrate early childhood programming into the temple’s larger educational and spiritual mission.

· Seek out and apply for grant funding to support ECC programming.

· Ensure integrity of recruitment procedures to hire and retain well-qualified applicants who adhere to the values of Temple Emanuel.

· Mentor, supervise, and coach ECC staff regarding classroom environment, management, and curriculum. Support teachers with child development and behavior concerns.

Family Engagement & Jewish Experience

· Expand early childhood programming, such as Parent & Me classes for children ages two and under, helping families build early connections to Jewish learning.

· Develop and lead holiday celebrations that bring Jewish traditions to life in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate ways.

· Develop new family engagement programs that help young families experience Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and rituals in meaningful and memorable ways.

· Actively engage with ECC families to build strong relationships, ensuring they stay connected to the temple community beyond the preschool years.

· Partner with clergy to ensure that families feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to deepen their Jewish journey.

Collaboration & Outreach

· Work in active partnership with the Associate Rabbi, creating a clear pathway for ECC students to transition into ongoing Jewish education at Temple Emanuel’s Religious School.

· Collaborate with the clergy, programming, and membership staff to develop programs that strengthen the bond between young families and the temple.

· Foster partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to promote programming and recruitment.

· Represent the ECC at temple events.

Physical Requirements & Emergency Preparedness

· Ability to lift and carry young children as needed for classroom activities, diapering, or emergency situations.

· Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, and move quickly to engage with children at their level.

· Ability to stand for extended periods and participate in active play and outdoor activities.

· Capability to respond swiftly and effectively in emergency or crisis situations, including administering basic first aid and guiding children to safety.

Qualifications

· 5+ years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

· Bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood education, Jewish education, or a related field.

· Deep knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, and values, with a passion for making them accessible and engaging for young children.

· Strong leadership, team building, and mentorship skills.

· Visionary mindset with the ability to develop innovative programming and grow enrollment.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with families, staff, and community members.

· Experience in budget management, enrollment strategy, and program development.

· Commitment to collaboration with clergy, temple leadership, and other departments to ensure a unified and connected synagogue experience for families.

Compensation & Benefits

· This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $95,000 – $115,000 and commensurate with experience.

· The Benefits package includes insurance, time off for some Jewish and secular holidays, vacation time, temple membership for employee, and subsidized tuition for Early Childhood Center and Religious School.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and vision for Jewish early childhood education to eccdirectorsearch@tebh.org.

Join us at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and be a part of a vibrant, welcoming Jewish community! Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills is an equal opportunity employer.