Director Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is required.
• Three (3) years of experience in nature-based education, prefer a background in nature-based preschool or similar experience is required.
• Three (3) or more years of experience as director of a state-licensed child-care facility is required.
• Hold a valid Child Care Center Director's Certificate from the State of Texas or has the qualifications to obtain a certificate within 30 days of hire.
• Experience in financial management, including budget development, financial reporting, and oversight.
• Strong pedagogical foundations and understanding of current research in emergent and nature-based education, social emotional learning, and inclusive education practices.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in strategic planning, public speaking, facilitating meetings, managing projects, and developing policies and procedures.
• Experience building relationships and creating shared purpose among groups with diverse needs and perspectives, including staff, volunteers, partners, families, students, and community members.
• Strong background in state licensing regulations, staffing, enrollment and budget management.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education and creating positive community work culture.
• Believes in, values, and is committed to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports others to become agents of change.
• Demonstrated highly effective organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• A proven track record in hiring, developing and retaining staff.
• Strong commitment to building positive relationships with families and immersing young children in nature.
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks and communicating well with various departments and leadership.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
• Must be available day, and occasional special after-hour assignments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of nature-based preschool and early childhood programming.
• Stay current with education trends and research to enhance program excellence.
• Apply principles of systems, organizational behavior, and change management.
• Commit to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to inspire action for wildlife conservation.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with local and national organizations.
• Experiment with new programs and enhance existing ones.
• Coordinate with other departments to support early childhood initiatives.
• Develop new initiatives aligned with the program's strategic direction.
• Develop outreach strategies and build a core team for outreach efforts.
• Contribute to early childhood research, practice, and resources.
• Engage in effective conflict resolution with various stakeholders.
• Ensure high-quality early childhood educational programming and act as a pedagogical resource.
• Ensure programs follow best practices for nature-based preschools.
• Ensure student assessment methods align with the school's mission and promote sustainability education.
• Ensure program alignment with San Antonio Zoo's strategic direction and regulatory compliance.
• Foster program growth and expansion for transformative student experiences.
• Identify and address barriers to innovative educational approaches.
• Identify resources supporting developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate practices.
• Interview, train, motivate, and supervise early childhood instructors.
• Involve others in setting annual goals, provide support, and assess progress.
• Oversee and ensure consistent implementation of a nature-based curriculum.
• Provide financial, programmatic, and operational information to the Vice President of Education.
• Uphold all company policies.
• Actively develop and maintain positive relationships with parents.
• Promote nature experiences with families and foster a sense of community.
• Assure compliance with all relevant governmental and institutional regulations.
• Provide positive leadership and support for volunteers and other members of the Education Department and Zoo.
• Create an environment for adult learning and development.
• Foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect.
• Implement good business management strategies, including budgeting, reporting, tracking, and strategic planning.
• Maintain all financial records and approve expenses.
• Manage the annual budget to ensure operational costs are consistent with the financial philosophy of the school.
• Prepare an annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Perform other work-related duties as required and assigned.