Director of Wonder Academy(Pre-K and Kindergarten)

Water Street Mission•Lancaster, PA

35d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead, manage and continuously develop Wonder Academy as a part of WSM’s Next Gen Youth Ministry. Lead, build, coach and develop the Wonder Academy team as an effective whole to fulfill its mission and purpose in partnership with VP, Next Gen Ministries. All Water Street Mission staff must be willing to sign the Water Street Mission Statement of Faith, be a current and active member and/or regular attendee of a local church, and be able to fully support the Water Street Mission core values and ministry philosophy. The role involves sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in words and actions, walking alongside fellow WSM staff in Christian community, encouraging restoration in the lives of guests, and working in full coordination with other WSM staff to ensure guest safety. The Director will embody, encourage, and cultivate WSM culture, purpose, mission, and values.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood or elementary education.
5 years of experience in full-time teaching and administration.
4+ years of experience in leadership.
Collaborative leadership and strong interpersonal skills.
Strong time management and problem-solving skills.
Strong conflict resolution skills.
Ability to build strong relationships with families of students toward the goal of holistic development of the students.
Valid PA driver’s license.
Must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
Must be able and willing to share the Gospel and participate in the ministry activities of Water Street Mission.
Must subscribe to the Water Street Mission Statement of Faith and Qualifications of Employment upon hire and continuously while employed.
Must adhere to the Water Street Mission Employee Handbook.

Nice To Haves

Experience with young children preferred.
Experience working with students experiencing poverty, and perhaps unstable home environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Model Christ-centered leadership by maintaining a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Provide overall leadership for Wonder Academy, ensuring its programs, culture, and practices reflect the mission and purpose of the ministry.
Lead strategic vision and planning in partnership with the VP of Next Gen Ministries, developing and implementing an annual plan with measurable goals.
Oversee holistic student programming that supports students’ spiritual, academic, social, emotional, creative, and physical development.
Work alongside Teen Haven and Next Gen teams to develop strong collaboration and relational bridges for students.
Recruit, equip, and coordinate volunteers in partnership with the Director of Volunteer Ministries.
Steward operational responsibilities including managing program expenses within budget, coordinating tuition tracking, ensuring appropriate facility use, and maintaining policies and procedures.
Promote strong relationships and student safety by communicating regularly with parents and working with staff to address concerns.
Represent Wonder Academy to community partners, grow awareness in the Lancaster City community, and promote Wonder Academy among prospective families.
Actively contribute to the vision, development, and alignment of Next Gen Ministries by participating in collaborative meetings and trainings.
Work in coordination with People and Culture Ministries and VP, Next Gen Ministries to hire and onboard new staff.
Provide supervisory leadership to Wonder Academy staff, ensuring practices align with Water Street Mission’s Talent Stewardship model.
Performs other duties as assigned by VP, Next Gen Ministries.