Senior Director of Pre-Kindergarten Programs
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Senior Director of Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Programs is a critical, leadership role responsible for the successful academic and operational oversight of the entire Pre-K network across 150 sites. This position ensures high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education for all students by leading curriculum, instruction, assessment, and compliance, while also managing key operational functions such as enrollment, facilities, and staff management to guarantee program efficacy and scalability.
Qualifications:
- Education:
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Experience:
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years managing programs across multiple sites (network or district level).
Expertise in child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and Pre-K state/national standards.
Demonstrated success in managing complex operational functions (e.g., enrollment, compliance, facilities) within an educational setting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Strategic Planning: Exceptional ability to develop and execute multi-year strategic plans that connect academic, operational, and financial goals.
Data Analysis: Proficiency in using instructional, operational, and financial data to monitor performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex information to diverse audiences (board members, principals, parents, staff).
Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead, influence, and motivate a large, geographically dispersed team to achieve ambitious goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Academic Leadership and Program Quality
Curriculum & Instruction:
Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of a comprehensive, research-based Pre-K curriculum and instructional framework that aligns with state and national early learning standards.
Ensure the consistent implementation of high-leverage instructional strategies and best practices across all sites.
Assessment & Accountability:
Establish a system for formative and summative assessment of student progress, utilizing data to drive instructional improvements and ensuring kindergarten readiness.
Monitor and evaluate the academic performance of all Pre-K sites, providing targeted support and interventions where necessary.
Professional Development:
Design and deliver targeted, ongoing professional development for Pre-K instructional staff (teachers, assistant teachers, instructional coaches) on curriculum, classroom management, and child development.
Coach and mentor site-based Pre-K leadership to build their capacity for instructional supervision.
- Operational Management and Compliance
Enrollment & Outreach:
Develop and execute strategic plans to meet and maintain target enrollment goals across all Pre-K sites.
Collaborate with the marketing team on outreach campaigns targeting families and community partners.
Compliance & Licensing:
Ensure all Pre-K programs are in full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, licensing requirements, and funding mandates (e.g., Head Start, state-funded Pre-K).
Oversee collection of progress monitoring data per TEA requirements (CLI)
Oversee the management of facility standards, including health, safety, and physical environment checks, to maintain optimal learning spaces.
Budget & Resource Management:
Manage the network-wide Pre-K program budget, including allocation of resources for curriculum materials, technology, and staffing.
Oversee MOUs related to site management structures.
- Staff Leadership and Management
Talent:
Work to recruit and hire quality applicants and oversee retention strategies for Pre-K teachers and staff.
Maintain a system for performance management, including feedback, evaluations and goal-setting, for all direct reports and provide guidance for site-level staff evaluations.
Collaboration:
Serve as the primary liaison between the Pre-K programs and other Home Office departments (e.g., HR, Finance, Special Education).
Cultivate strong relationships with families, community organizations, and external partners to support program goals.
- Other Duties:
Regular travel as required.
Perform other duties as assigned by district leadership, including the Superintendent of Schools.
Physical / Environmental Factors:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Responsive Education Solutions considers applicants for all positions without regards to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, or any other legally protected status. ResponsiveEd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.