Category Manager jobs in New Haven, CT

General Position Description

North Guilford Nursery School seeks an experienced early childhood professional, skilled people manager, and visionary entrepreneur to spearhead the revitalization of this storied early childhood education institution.  Since 1955, North Guilford Nursery School has been providing early childhood education to families in the greater Guilford area who seek a small, part-time program. 

This is a unique opportunity for a self-motivated leader able to steward the direction of this cherished nonprofit community-based preschool.  

This is a hybrid work environment with reduced hours in the summer. Director works Monday to Friday, with occasional nightly board meetings and occasional weekend commitments for community outreach. The school follows the Guilford Board of Education calendar, with the Director receiving days off accordingly, as well as two weeks vacation in August. 

 Application Procedures: Submit a resume. Contact directly via email or phone: ngnsdirector@gmail.com; 203-457-0808

The director will work in collaboration with the Executive Board to supervise and manager the following KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

1. Academic Programs: Ensure that best practice in ECE curriculum, instruction, assessment and behavior management practices are in place and in compliance with state and national standards.  Knowledge of and ability to oversee the implementation of a variety of instructional practices, including play based, stations, and direct instruction.  Knowledge of and ability to oversee the implementation of lesson planning and curriculum development for ECE, Knowledge of and ability to oversee the implementation of the CT ELDS Standards and the DOTS evaluation instrument. Knowledge of and ability to oversee the implementation of the Bucket Filler behavioral management model.  
2. Enrichment and Summer Programs: Create, market, and supervise the afternoon enrichment programs and summer camp programs
3. Human Resources and Talent Development: Hire, support, supervise and evaluate faculty; provide or facilitate opportunities for professional development and training, ensure compliance and certification of faculty.
4. Marketing and Enrollment: Actively maintain social media presence; management website; engaged in community outreach opportunities to createschool visibility; provide tours of school, facilitate enrollment process of students.  
5. PTO: Establish and participate in PTO to support family and community engagement 
6. Fundraising and Grants: Initiate monthly/seasonal fundraising that engages families and the greater community; initiate grant opportunities, support teachers in procuring and overseeing grants.  
7. Finances & Records: Assist finance manager with with budget planning, review payment, accounts receivable and payment, payroll; manage and maintain records for students and faculty, facilitate the distribution of information; 
8. Operations: Oversee facilities, ensure safety measures are in place, equipment is safe, clean and up to date, establish protocols for cleaning and sanitation, train and conduct safety drills and emergency procedures. Attend Board Meetings and provide monthly reports on the status of the school.  

The Center Director is also responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education for all children within the center’s care. The Center Director is directly accountable for overall operational management in accordance with well-established guidelines, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, legal and budgetary considerations, and long range planning. The Center Director ensures that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately.

• Establish quality vision for the center. Manage adherence to quality standards in accordance with the vision and with state and local requirements. Maintain quality effectiveness measurements.
• Develop general educational curriculum; collaborate with staff to develop positive learning activities; manage adherence to state and local regulations.
• Maintain student records in accordance with established enrollment procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain communications with parents of current and prospective students through direct conversation, newsletters and parent handbook; implement community outreach activities to maintain and promote positive community relationships.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies; ensure legal and financial compliance.
• Assist in office functions including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, tuition billing and payment, human resources and personnel management (staff supervision) and purchasing.
• Resolve conflicts (including corrective action when necessary) to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• Manage budget planning and review.
• Establish illness and emergency procedures; ensure staff is trained appropriately.
• Implement strategic plans and goals in keeping with the mission of the program.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Educational Requirement:

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study 

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a preschool setting (director, assistant director, or lead teacher).
• 5 years of direct professional experience in an early childhood setting. 
• High energy.
• Strong oral and written communications skills; technology skills. 
• Ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment. 
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Strong finance and budgeting skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear a full background check. 
• Must pass health screening.

Highly Competitive Salary; time off follows the Guilford Public Schools Schedule during the academic year; two additional work weeks off in the summer at an agreed upon time between director and board.

 Application Procedures: Submit a resume. Contact directly via email or phone: ngnsdirector@gmail.com; 203-457-0808