Director of Wonder Academy(Pre-K and Kindergarten)

Water Street Mission•Lancaster, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Water Street Mission is seeking a Director of Wonder Academy to lead, manage, and continuously develop the preschool program as part of WSM’s Next Gen Youth Ministry. This role involves leading, building, coaching, and developing the Wonder Academy team to fulfill its mission and purpose in partnership with the VP of Next Gen Ministries. All staff are expected to participate in the development and maintenance of a healthy Christian Community, living out their faith and creating a space where guests are invited to experience that community. The love of Christ, evidenced in the Water Street community, is the real impetus for change with guests.

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.
Willing to sign the Water Street Mission Statement of Faith.
A current and active member and/or regular attendee of a local church.
Able to fully support the Water Street Mission core values and ministry philosophy.
Must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
Be able and willing to share the Gospel and participate in the ministry activities of Water Street Mission.
Subscribe to the Water Street Mission Statement of Faith and Qualifications of Employment upon hire and continuously while employed.
Adhere to the Water Street Mission Employee Handbook.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Share the Good News of Jesus Christ in words and actions with people we serve, communicating hope and dignity.
Walk alongside fellow WSM staff in Christian community as we journey toward maturity.
Encourage restoration in the lives of guests, recognizing we are each restored by God to become restorers.
Work in full coordination with other WSM staff at all times to identify, report and respond appropriately to any potential threats to the safety and wellbeing of guests.
Embody, encourage and cultivate WSM culture, purpose, mission and values in words and actions.
Model Christ-centered leadership by maintaining a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Provide overall leadership for Wonder Academy, so that who we serve and how we serve is a true expression of our mission, vision and values, ensuring that 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 aligned with the broader objectives of Water Street Mission.
Oversee holistic student programming that supports students’ spiritual, academic, social, emotional, creative, and physical development, including but not limited to chapel, special programs, school-wide activities, trips, and opportunities for appropriate family engagement.
Work alongside Teen Haven and Next Gen teams to develop strong collaboration and relational bridges for students and continuously developing how Teen Haven and Wonder Academy work together for students.
Recruit, equip, and coordinate volunteers in partnership with the Director of Volunteer Ministries, ensuring proper orientation, role alignment, and meaningful service opportunities.
Steward operational responsibilities including managing program expenses within budget, coordinating tuition tracking with the business office, ensuring appropriate facility use, and maintaining policies and procedures in collaboration with People & Culture and Facilities Director.
Promote strong relationships and student safety by communicating regularly with parents, working with staff to identify, report, and respond appropriately to any concerns related to student health, safety, or wellbeing, and representing Wonder Academy with donors and community partners.
Administer approved medications according to Wonder Academy policy.
Actively contribute to the vision, development, and alignment of Next Gen Ministries by participating in collaborative meetings and trainings with organizational leaders.
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, enabling the team to successfully reach established goals.
Performs other duties as assigned by VP, Next Gen Ministries