910 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Start Date: January 2, 2024
Brooklyn Free Space, an independent cooperative preschool and Pre-K for All center, located in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn, is accepting applications for the full-time position of Executive Director. For over 40 years, BFS (Brooklyn Free Space) has been committed to providing child-centered education in a cooperative community that engages teachers and parents alike in learning. We are committed to serving a diverse population and our philosophy is rooted in the knowledge that children learn best through play.
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operation of the BFS program, maintaining a cohesive education vision for the school, and overseeing all teaching and non-teaching staff, including Educational Director and Finance & Operations Director.
Our ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and commitment to education, is highly effective organizationally, a strong communicator, and is able to develop strong relationships with our co-operative of staff, teachers, families, Board of Trustees, and Steering committees.
Responsibilities
Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of BFS and staff.
Support the health of the Parent Cooperative, work closely with Steering for leadership decisions, and be accountable to the Board of Trustees.
Hire, grow, and support staff and teachers, including professional development. Create a positive and enriching work environment.
Work with the Educational Director to create an educational vision for BFS school and staff and to train and support teachers in creating a classroom curriculum that reflects BFS educational philosophy, developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in Early Childhood Education (ECE), and incorporating new philosophies in the field.
Ensure educational consistency across teachers and classrooms, prioritizing learning through play and hands-on exploration, social and emotional development, and integration of arts enrichment.
Support classroom experiences and teachers needs with resources, assessing and addressing environmental, child educational and development needs.
Work with Finance & Operations Director to plan annual operations of BFS, including budget, tuition, finance & accounting, payroll and benefits, fundraising, school licensing requirements, health and safety of the school, and building and location requirements
Support the admissions process, including lottery, financial aid, waitlists, and classroom placements.
Communicate with existing and prospective BFS Community via newsletters, curriculum presentations, classroom check ins, orientation sessions, and BFS General Meetings.
Maintain positive connection with alumni, other preschools in the area, and community organizations who offer enrichment at BFS and organizations offering CPSE services.
Attain and Maintain Pre-K for All designation, ensuring requirements met and grant secured. Be familiar with Pre-K development and learning tools and methods and implement with Teachers. Ensure ongoing development and teacher credentials are met.
Plan, oversee and support school programs, including Early Bird, Afterschool, Enrichment, and Summer Camp. Work for 5 of the 8 weeks of Summer Camp.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master or Bachelor degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2)
2 years or more of management / leadership experience and/or 5 years experience in teaching in an Early Childhood setting
Preferred Qualifications:
NYS Teachers Certification in Early Childhood Education
Brooklyn Free Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides an outstanding opportunity for the right person.
Benefits Include
403 (b) Retirement Plan
Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
Life Insurance
Paid time off
Salary: $90,000 – $95,000
submit a one-page cover letter along with your resume to BFShiringcommittee@gmail.com
Please submit a one-page cover letter along with your resume to BFShiringcommittee@gmail.com
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.