Jobs at St. Francis

Job Title: Children’s Services Director (Full-Time, Salary, Exempt)

Location: Brant Beach, Long Beach Island, New Jersey

Salary: Starting at $55,000

Reporting to: Executive Director

About St. Francis Children’s Services: We are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. For decades, we have supported families on Long Beach Island and the surrounding communities by delivering high-quality early childhood education and dependable childcare services. Our program is designed to foster the unique growth of each child. By blending structured learning, creative play, and individualized attention, we ensure every child feels valued, confident, and inspired to explore the world around them.

Our Philosophy: We believe that early childhood is the foundation for lifelong learning. Through play-based and hands-on experiences, children develop critical skills that prepare them for future academic success and personal growth. Our dedicated teachers are committed to guiding children through these formative years with love, care, and respect.

Position Summary: The Children’s Services Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of our childcare center and school age summer vacation club (10 wk. summer day camp). This role ensures a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children, while effectively managing staff, resources, and compliance with all New Jersey Childcare Center Licensing requirements, and Grow NJ Kids Requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership and direction for the childcare center/vacation club, ensuring alignment with the center's mission and philosophy.

• Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including program implementation, staff supervision, and childcare facility areas.

• Create and lead recruitment and retention strategy in order to maintain maximum enrollment based on the approved childcare center capacity.

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate qualified and passionate childcare staff.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children, families, and staff, fostering open communication and collaboration.

• Manage the center's budget, resources, and financial records effectively.

• Develop and implement High Scope curriculum and age-appropriate activities that promote children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

• Address parent inquiries, concerns, and feedback in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including child files, staff records, and incident reports.

• Stay current on best practices in early childhood education and implement relevant updates to the center's programs and practices.

• Represent the center in the community and build positive relationships with external stakeholders, and the childcare coalition community.

• Serve on the Community Center’s Leadership Team with seven other directors and two coordinators to insure strong internal communications and collaboration is maintained at all times.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Minimum of four years of experience working in a licensed childcare setting.

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a leadership or management role within a childcare center.

• Strong knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood education.

• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Experience with recruitment and retention strategies.

• Proven ability to manage staff, budgets, and regulatory compliance.

• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Knowledge of NJ licensing requirements and Grow NJ Kids requirements.

• Experience with curriculum development and implementation.

• Proficiency in relevant software or technology for childcare industry.

• Must be able to lift 50lbs and engage in a wide range of movement (bending, kneeling, etc).

• Fingerprinting and CARI Background check required

Benefits:

We value our team members and are pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Directors receive 13 days PTO to start with an additional week offered if a Master’s degree is held (with additional earning for years of service). One week of sick time and approx. 16 paid holidays.

• Health Benefits: Medical insurance offered at a shared cost with additional low cost benefits offered such as dental and vision coverage.

• Other Benefits: 403B (retirement plan) w/ up to 5% company match, discount for employees on childcare and recreation programs (when space is available). Free basic life insurance policy (max $50,000), and more. We are a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Work Schedule: Program operates Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm with extended hours in the summer. Flexibility may be required based on the needs of the center.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to Amy Bodine, Director of Human Resources at Abodine@stfrancislbi.org. Please include "Children’s Services Director Application" in the subject line.  

Application Deadline: Friday, June 6th

Pre-K 3 Head Teacher- Seeking a person with a warm, nurturing, and friendly personality, be able to relate well with children and families. Be willing to fulfill his/her responsibilities in accordance with the Center’s/Children’s Services Philosophy/Mission Statement.  Background in early childhood education working with preschoolers a must. Prefer prior supervisor experience. First Aid & CPR Certified and Bi-Lingual a plus.

Position: Full-time- Mon-Fri 40+ hrs

Pay: $17.00/hr

Education Required- P-3 degree or equivalent

OR Preschool CDA credentials or equivalent college credits

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Position: Full-time (40 plus hours) and Part-time (29 hours)

Days: Monday-Friday

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Summer employment for an indoor pool and 2 seasonal outdoor pools.

MUST currently possess Red Cross pool lifeguard certification, CPR/AED and First Aid Certification.

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