The Director of Northern Lights School is a new position created in response to the growth made possible by our purchase of our first school campus in Saranac Lake, NY. 

 

The Director is the face of the Northern Lights School community.  In collaboration with an active Board of Directors, the Director oversees the operations of Northern Lights, making sure that the children have a safe, play-focused, and educational environment.

 

The Director’s primary function is to keep day-to-day activities working well and within budget.  The Director oversees all aspects of the program including hiring staff, managing curriculum and facilities, compliance with all state and local regulations and program policies.

 

As the person responsible for any issue related to children, playground equipment, capital projects, who does snow plowing or a fundraising thank-you note, the Director should be a diligent task-master and natural leader who is good at problem-solving. Familiarity with Waldorf education and nonprofit organizations are pluses. 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Lead the culture of Northern Lights School, in close collaboration with the Board manage Northern Lights School’s financial and organizational affairs, manage the curriculum, oversee physical facilities, hire staff, manage the image of the school, ensure compliance with local and federal laws governing child-care.  

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Maintain culture, curriculum and program:  work closely with veteran teachers and assistants to offer our trademark high quality programs.  As needed, create learning plans or programs to meet state and federal requirements and parents’ expectations.

• Serve as the face of the school, proactively managing communication with parents and the community.

• Meet with parents of prospective students to discuss programs

• Oversee staff and volunteers: interview, hire and train staff, making sure that all background and fingerprint checks have been conducted. Work closely with volunteers to achieve mission-driven tasks.

• Facilities Management:  make sure that the facility is safe and well-stocked both indoors and outdoors. Ensure that safety equipment is available and working, remove hazards and ensure the facility is always clean and orderly. Oversee snow removal, servicing of utilities and machinery, etc.

• Financial Management:  manage Northern Lights’ finances in close collaboration with the Board Treasurer, including creating and working within a budget.

• Marketing: Create a marketing plan to promote awareness of Northern Lights School and our services.

• Meet with parents and teachers: A Child Care Director will meet with parents and teachers to keep parents up-to-date on their child's development and progress, including discussing ways to address any learning or behavioral issues.

• Develop policies for the school and communicates the policies to parents.

 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

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• Business management:  be able to run all aspects of the facility from setting up the security system to creating the budget. Keep up with federal and state daycare laws and requirements.

• Excellent communication skills: As the face of the childcare facility, the Director must be an excellent communicator, being able to confidently take prospective parents on a tour, post on social media, write business documents and run staff meetings.

• Leadership skills:  keep staff motivated and resolve conflicts.

• Knowledge of NYS Daycare licensure and the ability to be qualified as an OCFS Daycare Director.

• Good crisis management:  have strong crisis management abilities, being able to remain cool and composed in a crisis.

• Classroom experience: Since the Director is responsible for hiring teaching staff, they need to know how to handle a group of children, understand childhood development and have the know-how to establish classroom structure.

• First aid:  have a good knowledge of child safety requirements and be up-to-date on first aid protocol.

 

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education or early childcare or coursework in those subject areas, teaching experience and supervisory experience, and CPR and first aid certification.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary range: $46,000-52,000

• Benefits include a flexible schedule, paid sick and vacation time, free tuition at Northern Lights School for your children, rewarding work, a dedicated community, and excellent colleagues.

 

APPLICATION

To apply, email resume and letter of interest to scottmckim@gmail.com.  NO calls or visits.  Position start date July 1, 2022.