About Frankford Friends School:

Since 1833, Frankford Friends School has offered a values-based Quaker education in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Frankford Friends School students are members of a community that is highly diverse and inclusive and the racial composition of the school closely mirrors that of the City of Philadelphia. Frankford Friends School`s curriculum emphasizes the 21st century skills of critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving and uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework to engage students in understanding issues that affect people and the planet. An important aspect of this initiative is the formation of partnerships with people and organizations who are working on the same issues that students explore in class. Not only do students see what action might look like, but they understand the connection between what they learn and local action and service, and become true protagonists for change in their own communities. 

Frankford Friends School has a PS-8 campus in Frankford (220 students; 3 yrs through 8th grade) and an Early Childhood Center (ECC) in Fishtown (44 students; 2 through Kindergarten-ready). Our graduates attend selective public and private high schools.

General Position Description:

The Director of the Early Childhood Center (ECC Director), is the lead administrator on site at the Fishtown campus at 2537 Frankford Avenue. The ECC serves up to 50 students, aged 2-5. The Director is responsible for designing and implementing a project-based program, in accordance with the mission, values, vision, and policies of Frankford Friends School. The ECC Director leads internal operations of the ECC, including curriculum development and review, mentorship and professional development of staff, creating and maintaining a loving, inclusive school culture, relationship building, management of budgets, and ensuring that the ECC complies with all applicable laws, rules, policies and safety procedures. The Director reports to the Head of School and works closely with the Director of Operations. 

Reports to: 

Head of School

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Program

• Participate in the planning, review and evaluation of program;

• Organize and maintain displays of student work;

• Teach/assist classes as needed;

• Lead process for ordering, supervising the use of, and replenishing supplies and classroom materials;

Staffing

• Participate in the hiring process for prospective employees;

• Plan, organize, and lead professional development, training, and staff meetings;

• Conduct performance evaluations and oversee staff progress and growth;

• Arrange for substitute help and serve as a substitute as needed;

• Promote a positive employee environment.

Marketing, Student Recruitment and Enrollment 

• Use appropriate  communication strategies to keep families informed; 

• Submit material for Frankford Friends School's publications, including Engage, The Raft, and social media;

• Plan and direct special events; 

• Attend school and city fairs, open houses, recruitment events, and related recruitment events. 

Business Management 

• Participate in annual budgeting process and capital planning; 

• Manage and monitor spending to stay within approved budget limits;

• Keep and maintain full and complete records; 

• Keep buildings and grounds, including the sidewalks surrounding the school, clean, organized, and welcoming to the neighborhood and to school guests;

• Manage room assignments and classroom and teacher-to-child ratios;

• Determine schedules and assign staff responsibilities and utilization of spaces and resources.

• Participate in the development of long term plans to facilitate the growth of the ECC;

Health & Safety

• Keep the school environment healthy, safe, and open on all calendared days in accordance with applicable policies and laws;

• Follow and enforce all DHS rules and regulations in DHS supported spaces;

• Implement emergency preparedness plans, drills, training, incident reporting, etc.; 

• Coordinate and oversee any training and certifications required by law or policy. 

Other duties as assigned: The essential functions and duties listed above are intended to describe the general components of the position and the level of work performed by the On-site Director. The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The omission of functions or duties does not exclude them from this position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position, as determined by the Head of School.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of play and project-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, and child development;

• A minimum of 5 years teaching experience in early childhood education (independent school preferred);

• Strategic and entrepreneurial thinking;

• High energy and a flexible growth-minded work ethic;

• A friendly and welcoming demeanor and the ability to communicate with students, staff, and current and prospective parents in a friendly, open, positive and professional manner; 

• A dedication and commitment to the school’s mission and values, and the ability to clearly articulate them;

• Detail-oriented, with outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task;

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and a desire to effectively share the story of the school;

• An understanding and commitment to the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community and stewardship;

• Thoughtful and competent in inclusion and diversity work;

• The ability to work both with minimum supervision, and collaboratively with a team;

• Proficient knowledge of word processing and Google Drive, and the ability to quickly learn and use the School’s database and presentation software and the School’s SIS system;

• Tact, discretion, and the ability to sustain long-term reciprocal relationships;

• Excellent photography  skills 

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in education, school administration, or related field of study.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• This position requires significant flexibility and the capacity to work in a variety of settings: office, classroom, community meeting spaces, outdoors, etc. It may require the ability to sit, stand, walk up and down up to three flights of stairs and through the campus, for the entirety of the school day, in all seasons, and to occasionally carry children or lift up to 35 lbs.  

• As a member of the leadership team, the ECC Director attends a number of events and meetings outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

• The ECC Director will encounter a wide variety of challenges and deadlines and will work with a varied and diverse array of contacts. They must be able to work in an environment that can be highly stressful at times and have the ability to be flexible as needed.

• Be able to pass all criminal record checks, background checks, and child abuse clearances.

Employment Type:

• Exempt  | Full-time, 12 month 

Hours:

• The School is open during the following hours: 7:30-8:00 Early Care; 8:00-3:00 School; 3:00-5:30 Extended Day  The regular hours of the On-site Director will vary within those hours depending to ensure appropriate staffing and fulfillment of responsibilities. 

• Representing the School at weekend and evening events attended by students and families is expected.

Wage and Benefits

• Salary will be market competitive with other small, independent schools with benefits to include: paid parental leave; tuition remission and free after care for children who attend FFS; health care; professional development; 5% match on retirement contributions; 20 days Vacation and 10 days PTO.

How to Apply:

● Complete the online job application APPLY

● Submit a resume, cover letter, and references to hiring@frankfordfriends.org.

This description is subject to change by Frankford Friends School as the needs and requirements of the position change.

FFS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender. In addition to federal law requirements, FFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.