The Director of Early Childhood Education

Archdiocese of Chicago

Position Description

Department: Office of Catholic Schools

Agency:Office of Catholic Schools

Reports to: Deputy Superintendent of School Supports

The Archdiocese of Chicago (AoC) is the third largest diocese in the United States and serves more than 2.2 million Catholics. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 15,000 employees across its ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region’s largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese’s elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems.

Basic Functions

The Director of Early Childhood Education drives the overall strategy aimed at addressing the needs of early learners in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Director of Early Childhood creates the Office of Catholic Schools Early Childhood Strategic Plan, and supports each school in the implementation of the strategic plan by developing high quality programming and promoting growth and retention in preschool.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Drives and executes the strategy around preschool programming in Archdiocesan schools.

o Collaborates with the marketing team to develop and implement strategies to increase PK enrollment.

o Determines and communicates the traits of a high-quality preschool program and trains principals and teachers on how to implement excellent preschool programming.

o Analyzes current data to drive effective and high quality preschool instruction and the development of program goals.

· Create early childhood professional development and leadership opportunities for teachers and administrators.

· Develops, collaborates with, and sustains relationships with external early childhood organizations, agencies, universities, and foundations.

o Collaborates with the internal OCS team, including members of the Academic team and School Support team, to implement and drive OCS strategic goals related to early childhood.

· Participates in ongoing professional development, and implements current, research based practices.

· Remains knowledgeable and involved in current early childhood education issues and advocacy.

· Coordinates with principals and elementary education teachers in all schools to ensure a smooth transition for children from early childhood to kindergarten.

· Performs duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Education Preferred: Master’s or Doctorate in Early Childhood Education

Certifications Preferred: Teaching and/or administrative license.

Experience Required: At least five years of teaching experience and/or at least five years of experience as a school administrator in an early childhood setting.

Experience preferred: teaching, administrative and supervisory experience in an early childhood setting.

Skills Required: Knowledge of early childhood best practice; ability to assess and evaluate early childhood programs; ability to drive overall early childhood strategy in the Archdiocesan system of schools; ability to implement program requirements; ability to conduct effective meetings and provide trainings.

Skills Preferred: Experience with strategic planning, overall goal setting, systems development and curriculum planning, experience collaborating with university partners and other early childhood organizations and entities.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Able to work well with others, as well as independently.

Highly organized self-starter.

Working knowledge of MS Office tools, including Teams.

Must demonstrate understanding, respect and support for Catholic teachings, as well as the mission and values of the Catholic Church. Practicing Catholic preferred.

Physical Activity: Willingness to work outside the “9:00 to 5:00” day; ability to travel throughout Cook and Lake Counties; ability to transport materials to schools and meetings.

The Archdiocese of Chicago is in the midst of exciting changes as we renew our local Church. With a variety of opportunities to contribute your professional talents and experience, we invite you to consider any of our current openings at archchicago.org/careers. We offer competitive salary and benefit packages, as well as opportunities for professional and personal growth and development.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: