Position: Early Childhood Center Director (Foundation School)
• Compensation: $70,0000- $85,000; Generous benefit package including Medical,
Dental and Retirement
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Hours: Full Time; Exempt - Some evenings and weekends required
Congregation Neveh Shalom is a warm, welcoming, vibrant Conservative Synagogue in SW Portland
with more than 850 families and 150+ years of creating meaningful Jewish connections for our
members. We are recruiting a dynamic, organized, passionate and nurturing Early Childhood Center
Director.
Congregation Neveh Shalom is seeking an experienced, innovative, hands-on Early Childhood Center
Director to manage the daily operation of our Foundation School. In addition to overseeing all aspects of
the Preschool operations, the ideal candidate will have the vision to expand our Preschool into an Early
Childhood Center that supports families with children from birth to five years of age. A solid
background in early childhood pedagogy and the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy are essential.
The Early Childhood Center director will be able to promote positive Jewish experiences which help
children develop a strong connection to their Jewish identity and its traditions.
VISIONARY LEADER
Facilitate and implement a developmentally appropriate and engaging curriculum that aligns with
state and federal requirements. Foster a warm, inclusive, and responsive learning environment where
children can explore, grow, and learn to work together. Display competencies in current early childhood
best practices, the Reggio Emilia philosophy and Jewish values, traditions, holidays, and cultural
experiences.
Participate in big-picture planning, decision-making and programming as a member of the senior staff;
attend senior staff meetings.
Plan programs for families, including orientation, parent-teacher conferences, Education Committee
meetings, and parenting workshops. Maintain open, consistent, and effective communication with
parents.
Oversee all aspects of school operations, including budget, admissions, enrollment, staff recruitment,
training, professional development, and technology. Maintain all files according to state and local
requirements. Create and edit all staff scheduling during school year and camp offerings in compliance
with state labor laws.
Facility maintenance and compliance. Implement emergency protocols and procedures. Conduct
safety drills and licensing inspections, in accordance with state and local regulations.
TEAM BUILDER
Support the career growth of current staff, and work with staff members to create plans for
professional goal setting and growth.
Collaborate with the Director of Congregational Learning to build a bridge between Foundation School
and the Religious School.
COMMUNITY BUILDER
Build strong relationships with families, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the
synagogue.
Foster connections between our preschool families and the broader synagogue community.
Collaborate with Clergy, the Director of Congregational Learning, and the Program Director to
encourage participation in our post-preschool activities.
Coordinate with Clergy to oversee planning of congregational events that include preschoolers and
their families, such as Tot Shabbat, Yom Tov experiences, Shabbat dinners and Family Camp.
Promote our educational programs to prospective families and families new to our congregation.
Build relationships with non-member families to encourage them to become synagogue members.
Qualifications:
• B.A./B.S. or higher degree in early childhood education or related field.
• A minimum of three years of experience in early childhood education, including time in a
supervisory role.
• Display competencies in current early childhood best practices, the Reggio Emilia philosophy
and Jewish values, traditions, holidays, and cultural experiences.
• Impeccable communication, collaborative leadership style and strong technology skills.
• Excellent time management and communication skills with flexibility to adapt to changing
needs.
• Proficiency in budget management and problem-solving.
• Ability to develop and implement policy and procedures.
Interested candidates should email a letter of introduction and resume to:
Congregation Neveh Shalom Search Committee
Care of: Marlene Edenzon, Executive Director
medenzon@nevehshalom.org