Early Childhood Manager

Lisle Park District • Lisle, IL

1d

About The Position

The Early Childhood Manager oversees the daily operation of the Gentle Learning Preschool and early childhood programming, including special events, preschool summer camp, and day-off school programming. The role uses judgment to administer budgets, supervise staff, and respond to patron issues. It develops, implements, and evaluates early childhood programs and services, special events, and general-interest recreation programs; manages program budgets and resources; and hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates part-time and seasonal staff. The manager serves as a liaison between staff and participants or guardians, supports classroom instruction when needed, and oversees assigned Park District events. The position works indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially during summer. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with possible weekends and evenings for special events. Pay is based on previous experience, with a wage scale of $56,678–$85,017.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, education, parks and recreation, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, recreation programming, or a related field, including staff supervision and program administration.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, and recreation software.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to speak, hear, and see adequately for the role.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and a negligible amount frequently.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification, or the ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive short- and long-term early childhood programs and services, special events, and general-interest recreation programs.
• Prepare and input annual budget estimates and projections, monitor revenue, and administer program and service expenditures.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time and seasonal staff in accordance with the Lisle Park District Employee Handbook.
• Manage preschool, enrichment programs, camps, and special events.
• Serve as liaison between staff and participants or guardians.
• Provide in-house staff training in compliance with PDRMA and applicable educational and District standards.
• Assist with or lead classroom instruction as needed, including teaching specific classes or programs when appropriate.
• Gather and implement patron input through public contact, surveys, and program evaluations.
• Prepare and maintain records, summaries, monthly reports, and other periodic and special reports.
• Provide information for publicity, marketing, and other program and event communications.
• Purchase, secure, and inventory program supplies and equipment within budget allowances.
• Select and negotiate with vendors.
• Coordinate and facilitate staff training programs and facilitate regular staff meetings.
• Oversee assigned Park District special events, including Movies in the Park and Easter Egg Hunts, as well as other events as needed.
• Volunteer at Park District and local community events when needed.

Benefits

• Medical coverage (PPO or HMO) and prescription coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic and voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• IMRF pension / defined benefit plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional membership dues
• Complimentary Sea Lion Aquatic Park membership
• Park District facility discounts and usage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager