Director of the Center of Excellence

Ellis Early Learning, "Ellis," (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high quality early education and care for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four (Universal) Boston Pre-K classrooms. Ellis operates two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain and serves over 300 children annually.As a result of a transformational gift, Ellis is establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) to elevate teaching quality and child outcomes. We will hire dedicated Classroom Excellence Partners (CEPs) and all-school teachers to strengthen educator support, and help educators thrive in their challenging roles. By investing in on-the-job learning and professional development, we will cultivate excellent, culturally humble educators and prepare Ellis to become a training ground for the field. This initiative will have a lasting, generational impact on the children we serve.ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.ELLIS MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood. Learn more at OVERVIEWEllis is seeking a Director of the Center of Excellence (Director) to join our team and lead, manage, and mentor a team of Classroom Excellence Partners (CEPs), who will serve as mentor coaches for classroom educators within Ellis's new Center of Excellence. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision and strategy of the CoE, ensuring its success in fostering educator growth, enhancing instructional quality, and creating thriving learning environments. The Director will work closely with CEPs, educators, and leadership to build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in early childhood education, with a particular emphasis on equity, inclusion, and early relational healthearly childhood mental health. The Director will initially lead a team of five CEPs.As part of leadership responsibilities, the Director will directly support two classrooms, collaborating with 6 to 7 educators to advance teaching practices, promote relational health, and ensure high-quality outcomes for children. This role combines hands-on support with strategic leadership, ensuring alignment and integration of CoE initiatives across the organization, and is critical to ensuring the CoE's transformational vision is realized.The ideal candidate will have experience in early childhood education, expertise in coaching and mentorship, and the ability to lead a high-performing team, and will care deeply about educational equity, and racial and social justice.RESPONSIBILITIES1.     Leadership and Team Management·        Collaborate with the Ellis leadership team to develop and implement the strategic vision for the CoE.·        Provide leadership and guidance to the team of Classroom Excellence Partners (CEPs), ensuring alignment with the CoE's mission and strategic goals.·        Oversee the hiring, onboarding, and professional development of CEPs to build a cohesive and effective team.·        Foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation within the CoE and across Ellis.·        Conduct regular check-ins, team meetings, and performance reviews to support the growth and effectiveness of CEPs.·        Act as an ambassador for the CoE, both within Ellis and outside in the early childhood education community, sharing insights and successes.·        Provide reflective supervision to the CoE team.2.     Educator Support and Collaboration·        Directly support two classrooms by providing on-site coaching, modeling instructional strategies, and supporting 6 to 8 educators in their professional journey and growth.·        Build trusting relationships and partner with these educators to implement high-quality, equitable, and innovative teaching practices and create nurturing, inclusive classroom environments.·        Support CEPs in their coaching and mentoring efforts, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across classrooms.·        Collaborate with educators, mental health consultants and providers, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive support systems that address early relational healthearly childhood mental health and social-emotional development.·        Serve as a resource and thought partner for CEPs, providing guidance on challenges and opportunities within classrooms.3.     Program Development and Innovation·        Contribute to the design and implementation of professional development programs for educators, CEPs, and CoE staff.·        Lead weekly group sessions with the CEPs to reflect on and extend best practices, and facilitate the documentation, and dissemination of best practices, tools, and resources developed within the CoE.·        Stay informed about emerging trends in early childhood education and integrate relevant innovations into CoE initiatives.This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role. As this exciting opportunity evolves, the person in this position will be instrumental in shaping the Center of Excellence. New responsibilities may emerge as the work progresses.QUALIFICATIONS·        Passion for innovation and driving systemic improvements in early childhood education.·        Deep understanding of early childhood education, child development, evidence-based teaching practices, and early relational healthearly childhood mental health.·        Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required.·        10+ years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.·        Demonstrated expertise in coaching, mentoring, and supporting educators to achieve professional growth.·        Proven ability to manage and lead teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.·        Deep commitment to advancing equity in early childhood education, with a passion for supporting the success and growth of early childhood educators.·        Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.·        Demonstrated skills in classroom observation, feedback, and modeling best practices in an early education context.·        Ability to navigate and manage mentalbehavioral health challenges within an educational setting with sensitivity and effectiveness.·        Passion for building something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking initiative in a dynamic environment.WHY ELLIS?At Ellis, you will be part of an organization dedicated to creating high-quality learning environments where every child can thrive, and every educator can flourish. We value diversity, inclusion, and innovative approaches to early childhood education.Ellis offers a competitive salary and benefits package"”including vacation and sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance"”along with opportunities for professional growth and making a lasting impact on children, families, and educators in the Boston area. Join us and help shape the future of early childhood education.HOW TO APPLY?If you are passionate about supporting educators in delivering high-quality early education, please send a cover letter and résumé detailing your experience and qualifications to .

Created: 2025-01-26