A child’s earliest experiences are fundamentally influential. Quality early childhood education (ECE) is an effective two-generational approach that assists children in achieving school readiness and also helps families succeed. Situated near the University of Pennsylvania campus in an urban oasis, the Parent Infant Center (PIC) is a non-profit, NAEYC accredited, ECE and school-age program rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and inspiration, play-based and project-based learning, and connecting children to nature.
PIC serves a diverse population of approximately 350 children ranging from 6 weeks to school age. Founded in 1978, PIC is an anchor organization in the West Philadelphia community, collaborating with the University and the local Penn Alexander elementary school. The Family Participation Program ensures that families are another strong source of collaboration and partnership for the Center; parents of children enrolled at PIC are active and engaged in classroom, Center, and community activities.
After more than a decade of leadership, the current Executive Director is retiring and the Board now seeks a full-time Executive Director. The Executive Director is the central driver of PIC’s mission. The Executive Director leads the administrative and teaching staff, represents PIC to our internal and external communities, guides the Board of Directors, and acts as steward of the Center’s vision.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ECE professional with a passion for making a difference and experience working collaboratively with diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional team management and leadership skills; honesty and integrity; strong interpersonal skills; ease and aptitude for interacting with PIC’s diverse community; commitment to creating a welcoming, positive environment; depth of knowledge of early childhood education; clear, professional communication; and tremendous accountability, flexibility, and adaptability.
The Position
The PIC Executive Director will work with PIC staff and Board to achieve the organizational mission to provide and increase access to high-quality ECE and school-age programs that: give children opportunities to learn through play; are led by valued, professional educators; and actively engage and support parents and families.
The major focus areas of this position will include:
1. Managing and leading internal teams to ensure PIC’s financial sustainability and growth, continuous quality improvement, and regulatory and accreditation compliance.
2. Engaging external stakeholders through clear and timely communication designed to foster positive purposeful relationships with partners, funders, and vendors.
3. Implementing the Strategic Plan, articulating the organizational vision, and consistently upholding PIC’s values.
The Executive Director serves as the fiscal, human resources, and facilities director for the Center. This includes responsibility for: the development and monitoring of the budget; recruitment and supervision of the management team; HR manual updates and consistent implementation of all HR policies and procedures; and, facilities cleanliness and maintenance. Building on a strong history of public funding, foundation grants, and individual donations, the Executive Director is the key driver of fundraising. The Executive Director provides leadership to staff in program planning and implementation, within guidelines of the Center’s philosophy, developmentally appropriate practices, accreditation standards, and licensing regulations. The Executive Director attends all Board meetings, staffs Board committees, supports the Board in fulfilling its roles and responsibilities, and serves as the liaison between Board and staff. Finally, the Executive Director is responsible for leading communication efforts to staff, families, and the PIC community, including keeping staff and parents informed of advocacy initiatives on behalf of children and families, especially those relating to early learning and school age care.
Qualifications:
● MA in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or related field
● Five years’ experience working with both preschool and school-age children in formal or informal educational settings
● Two years’ experience in non-profit administration required; previous experience as Executive Director preferred
● Clear, professional written and oral communication
● Solid computer skills and familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, accounting and database programs
● Child abuse clearance, state police clearance, FBI fingerprinting clearance, and NSR
● PA Director’s Credential and PQAS certification for training are a plus
Compensation:
Starting salary range is approximately $90k-$115k, commensurate with experience.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter (that clearly outlines your experience and how it aligns with the goals of this position) and a resume to PICsearchcommittee@parentinfantcenter.org with PIC Executive Director in the subject line.
PIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by relevant national and state law.