CBI is Hiring

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) a Reform synagogue in Portland, Oregon is interested in creating a new Early Childhood Education program in the heart of NW Portland.  Our urban preschool and infant/toddler center, The Jennifer Barnum Luria Early Childhood Center (The Jennie), will provide an opportunity for children to build community, learn about themselves, and set the foundation for a lifetime of curious exploration of the world around them.  Our new Early Childhood Director will be excited by the opportunity to build a premier program from the ground up.  They should bring vision to build something new, be a community-builder who can work with other staff to ensure the program seamlessly integrates into the congregation as a whole, and should be experienced in centering equity in all decision-making. 

The Early Childhood Director will be responsible for building our preschool and early childhood programs, ensuring high-quality programming, and creating a warm and welcoming environment for families. They will provide leadership and management to the program once operational. We seek a director who can design our curriculum, which should emphasize a constructivist learning process, include Jewish holidays and values, and foster children learning in a play-based setting. We embrace our urban location and envision a program that focuses on learning through active exploration of all that our neighborhood and Portland have to offer.

Congregation Beth Israel welcomes members who are Jewish and not, Jews-by-choice, interfaith families, multiracial, multicultural, married, single, families and individuals, LGBTQI, straight, old, and young. We explicitly recognize and cherish each other as teachers and students. The director will work closely with clergy, staff and lay leadership to build a school that is part of our synagogue community, provides a joyful and meaningful experience for young learners and their families, and brings The Jennie families into the life of the congregation.

We are seeking an experienced Early Childhood Director to launch and oversee The Jennie, with an expected opening in early 2024, with the director joining our team on or before July 1, 2023. We envision a full-day, full-year program, serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. We have a newly renovated and licensed preschool space as part of our synagogue complex.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive early childhood program that aligns with Reform Jewish values and CBI’s mission and values.
• Develop and execute a launch plan, including program design and budget, creation of admission process, licensing, etc.
• Create, develop and oversee a recruitment plan for a diverse cohort of students and staff.
• Supervise and support a team of early childhood educators and staff members to ensure a cohesive and collaborative team.
• Oversee daily operations of the early childhood program, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and program evaluation.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and families.
• Engage families as partners in the life of The Jennie and CBI through intentional community building efforts.
• Work closely with the clergy, Education Director and Executive Director to integrate early childhood programming into the broader congregation’s educational and spiritual activities.
• Foster a love of learning and a sense of community among all children and families through the development of engaging and age-appropriate curricula and activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements, health and safety standards, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Keep abreast of current research in the field of Jewish and early childhood education (including attending conferences, workshops, etc.).
• Be aware of and committed to implementing best practices around diversity and inclusion.
• Possess strong time management/organizational skills, including proficiency in the use of technology (Microsoft Office, Zoom, etc.).
• Develop and execute marketing and recruitment strategies to grow and maintain enrollment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in early childhood education, with at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education theory and best practices.
• Willingness to learn and communicate Jewish traditions and values; existing knowledge of Jewish traditions and values is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, licensing requirements, and best practices in early childhood education.

We know many candidates, especially women and people of color, do not apply to jobs unless they meet all required qualifications.  If you meet most qualifications and believe you would bring the skills and approach we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000. CBI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Josh Kashinsky. Congregation Beth Israel is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Position is open until filled. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.