Job Description

About The Serra Preschool (TSP)

The Serra Preschool is a distinguished preschool known for its commitment to excellence in early childhood education, the cultivation of a tight-knit community, and a strong tradition of preparing children for continued success. Embracing "The Serra Way," a methodology employing play-based learning within a Catholic framework, TSP is dedicated to fostering spiritual, emotional, academic, and social growth, ensuring each child experiences the joy of learning and is on the road for a meaningful life.

Position Summary

The new Director will carry forward the legacy of "The Serra Way," preserving TSP’s academic excellence, spiritual mission, and community-centered culture. This role requires a leader deeply committed to the Catholic faith and early childhood education who will build on existing strengths while bringing a fresh vision to maintain TSP’s reputation and impact. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an exceptional ability to build relationships with families, teachers, and primary schools, guiding each student’s journey with discernment and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold and Advance TSP’s Mission: Ensure continuity of TSP’s values and operational standards, honoring the school’s Catholic identity and maintaining academic and developmental excellence in early childhood education.
• Relationship Building: Establish strong, trusting relationships with parents, teachers, and local primary school admissions directors. Guide families in understanding their children’s unique qualities and in selecting suitable next steps in education.
• Community Engagement and Enrollment: Lead successful tours for prospective families, reinforcing the value of TSP’s education. Maintain enrollment by fostering a community that values and supports TSP’s mission.
• Teacher Mentorship: Mentor and support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based teaching practices and fostering a cohesive, mission-driven classroom experience.
• Maintain Catholic Identity: Embody and promote TSP’s Catholic mission, reinforcing its spiritual traditions and ensuring faith remains integral to all aspects of school life.
• Fundraising and Financial Stewardship: Host the annual fundraiser. Uphold tuition value by maintaining instructional quality and supporting successful student placements in primary schools of choice.

Outcomes Within the First Two Years

1. Build Trust : Develop solid relationships with families, teachers, and key stakeholders, including the current director who will support the transition.
2. Establish Strong School Placement Relationships : Cultivate and maintain meaningful ties with admissions directors at top primary schools.
3. Maintain Enrollment and Reputation : Sustain the school’s enrollment numbers and reputation through consistent community engagement and service excellence.
4. Successful Fundraising : Meet or exceed fundraising targets through a well-executed annual event.
5. Enhance Parental Engagement : Equip parents with insights about their children’s growth and potential.

Key Competencies and Character Qualities

• Strong Catholic Identity and Religious Mission Alignment: A leader who is rooted in and can advance the Catholic mission of TSP, honoring its spiritual foundation and traditions.
• High Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Relationship-Building Skills: An intuitive and empathetic leader with a high capacity for building relationships across varied community groups, including parents, teachers, and school officials.
• Expertise in Early Childhood Development: Deep understanding of early childhood development, ideally with a master’s degree in education from a reputable institution and a strong grasp of play-based pedagogy.
• Intuition, Humility, and Strong Work Ethic: The ability to discern community needs with a humble approach, demonstrating dedication to the role and commitment to the "Serra Way" of excellence.
• Discernment in School Placement: Skill in guiding parents on school selection, providing insights into each child’s unique needs and supporting successful placements in the best-fit primary schools.
• Mentorship and Coaching Skills: A supportive mentor who can coach teachers in curriculum and pedagogy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with TSP’s mission.
• Operational and Community Stewardship: A capable administrator who can manage school logistics, oversee fundraising efforts, and maintain the quality and value of TSP’s educational offerings.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting, with a preference for experience in a faith-based school.
• Demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and values.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with families, teachers, and educational partners.

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