Frankford Friends School is opening an early childhood center in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. This position presents an exceptional opportunity for the ideal candidate to play an integral role in the establishment of a brand-new educational center from its very inception. The school is scheduled to be open in February/March, 2024.
The Director of the Early Childhood Center, Fishtown Campus (EC Director), is the sole administrator of the Fishtown Campus, serving up to 60 students, 2.5 yrs. to pre-kindergarten. The Director is responsible for designing and implementing a program that is Reggio-inspired and project-based, in accordance with the mission, values, vision, and policies of Frankford Friends School. The EC Director leads all day-to-day operations of the ECC, including curriculum development, staffing, creating and maintaining a loving, inclusive school culture, relationship building, budget development and management, and ensuring that the ECC complies with all applicable laws, rules, policies and safety procedures, etc. The Director is a member of the FFS marketing and admissions teams and reports directly to the Head of School.
The FFS Early Childhood Center is an extension of Frankford Friends School, with the main campus enrolling preschool through 8th grade students in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.?
Reports to: Head of School
Key Responsibilities:
Program
Lead planning and evaluation of Reggio-inspired/project-based program;
Organize and maintain displays of student work;
Teach classes as needed.
Staffing
Interview prospective employees and make hiring recommendations to the Head of School;
Plan, organize, and lead professional development, training, and staff meetings;
Conduct performance evaluations, work with staff to develop goals, and oversee staff progress and growth;
Arrange for substitute help and serve as a substitute as needed;
Promote a positive employee environment.
Marketing, Student Recruitment and Enrollment
Design and propose marketing, advertising and recruitment efforts;
Conduct tours for prospective families;
Lead and attend open houses and school fairs;
Schedule and observe student playdates and make recommendations for admission;
Develop communication strategies to effectively keep families informed;
Submit material for Frankford Friends School's publications, including Engage and The Raft;
Solicit feedback from families and employees;
Maintain a vibrant social media presence;
Design and lead Open Houses; attend school and city fairs, and related recruitment events.
Business Management
Propose annual operating budget for review;
Manage and monitor finances to stay within approved budget limits;
Submit financial reporting and metrics for review;
Plan and propose long-range equipment/capital purchases;
Manage school calendar;
Plan and direct special events;
Purchase equipment and supplies;
Keep and maintain full and complete records;
Keep buildings and grounds in excellent condition;
Manage room assignments, classroom sizes and teacher-to-child ratios;
Determine schedules, assign staff responsibilities, and utilization of spaces and resources;
Health & Safety
Ensure that all student and staff health records are complete and in order;
Keep the school environment healthy, safe, and open on all calendared days in accordance withapplicable policies and laws;
Coordinate and oversee any trainings and certifications required by law or policy.
Strategy
Participate in the development of long term plans to facilitate the growth of the ECC;
Design, enhance, and expand program offerings that align with the long-term strategic vision and financial objectives of Frankford Friends School;
Participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with the School’s strategic branding initiatives.
Other duties as assigned by the Head of School
The essential functions and duties listed above are intended to describe the general components of the position and the level of work performed by the EC Director. The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The omission of functions or duties does not exclude them from this position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position, as determined by the Head of School.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required
Familiarity with the principles and practices of Reggio Emilia and Project-based Learning
A minimum of 5 years teaching experience in early childhood education (a progressive, independent school preferred);
Strategic and entrepreneurial thinking;
High energy and a flexible growth-minded work ethic;
A friendly and welcoming demeanor and the ability to communicate with students, staff, and current and prospective parents in a friendly, open, positive and professional manner;
A dedication and commitment to the school’s mission and values, and the ability to clearly articulate them;
Detail-oriented, with outstanding organizational skills;
The ability to multi-task and to meet deadlines on or before the due date;
Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and a desire to effectively share the story of the school;
The ability to manage and track a budget;
An understanding and commitment to the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community and stewardship;
Thoughtful and competent in inclusion and diversity work;
The ability to work both with minimum supervision, and collaboratively with a team;
Proficient knowledge of word processing, database software, presentation software, Mail Chimp, and Excel and and social media;
Tact, discretion, and the ability to sustain long-term reciprocal relationships;
Excellent photography, and video skills
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in education, school administration, or related field of study.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
This position requires significant flexibility and the capacity to work in a variety of settings: office, classroom, community meeting spaces, outdoors, etc. It may require the ability to sit, stand, walk up and down up to three flights of stairs and through the campus, for the entirety of the school day, in all seasons, and to occasionally carry children or lift up to 35 lbs.
As a member of the leadership team, the EC Director attends a number of events and meetings outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
The EC Director will encounter a wide variety of challenges and deadlines and will work with a varied and diverse array of contacts. S/he must be able to work in an environment that can be highly stressful at times and have the ability to be flexible as needed.
Employment Type
Full time, exempt employee
Center Hours
7:30-8 Early Care; 8-3 School Hours; Extended Day 3-6
Wage Range
Salary is $65-80,000, commensurate with experience, with benefits to include: paid parental leave, tuition remission and free after care for children who attend FFS, health care, professional development, 5% match on retirement contributions, and 25 days PTO
Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references related to early childhood education to hiring@frankfordfriends.org. Please include: Director of the Early Childhood Center, in the subject line. The deadline for application is November 15, 2023.
Full position begins December 1, 2023. Some hours may be available before that date.
FFS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender. In addition to federal law requirements, FFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Frankford Friends School requires COVID 19 Vaccination Verification as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation.
The successful candidate will have strong enthusiasm for early childhood education and will take initiative. The Director of the Early Childhood Center is a champion for the school, its students, programs, and leadership, and leads with initiative and passion for the school and its mission.
