Cherry Preschool Executive Director
Join the family of Cherry Preschool! Cherry is a special place deeply knit in the Evanston community. We are seeking a new executive director to train with our current director who will retire June 1, 2025 after working with the school for 30+ years. We are looking for a thoughtful, warm and engaged leader to manage the operations of our play-based school. Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to our mission. Cherry fundraises upwards of $300,000 each year to underwrite our key programs like scholarships and inclusion. We have provided over $100,000. Being an inclusion preschool, we are looking for someone with knowledge and experience working with children with developmental differences. We are a cooperative non-profit preschool and parental/community involvement is vital to our model.
Director Key Responsibilities:
- Instructional Leadership:
- Design programs/curriculum
- Research educational practices and provide lesson ideas
- Observe classroom instruction consistently and provide feedback
- Monitor curriculum implementation and alignment
- Maintain a healthy work environment and cultivate staff relationships
- Program Administration
- Oversee school finances and maintain a balanced budget
- Ensure enrollment targets are met
- Supervise, train and evaluate Cherry’s 35+ staff members
- Recruit and hire personnel
- Connect with professional community associations and comply with regulatory agencies
- Prepare written materials for the program
- Family and Community Engagement:
- Foster a sense of community among Cherry families
- Attend all fundraisers and school events
- Establish and maintain ties to local organizations, schools and businesses
- Field questions and concerns from parents
- Support communications and marketing with monthly blog post highlighting Cherry and early childhood education best practices
- Non-Profit Responsibilities
- Provide fundraising leadership
- Create a culture of fundraising
- Build and maintain relationships with donors
- Develop and serve on the Cherry Board of Directors
- Health and Safety:
- Conduct regular safety drills and maintain emergency preparedness
- Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of the facility
- Ensure the management and safety of the building
- Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education
- Experience as an early education classroom teacher
- Ability to work effectively with staff members, parents and other early childhood professionals
- Extensive knowledge of child development
- Administrator experience
- Experience with supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- A genuine interest in educational research and best practices
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
- Meet or exceed the job requirements set forth by DCFS.
