Executive Director

Little Sun People

Date Posted: 02/11/2024

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Salary/Wage: $85,000 - $95,000 a year

Job Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Description:

Little Sun People is looking for an educational leader who will honor our founder’s impactful legacy and also grow us into the next generation of LSP. We are looking for an Executive Director who is committed to Little Sun People’s mission and in relationship with African-heritage young children, their families and community. LSP’s Executive Director will be an educator who cultivates joy, trust, and wellness in community while serving as a spokesperson for the organization. The ideal candidate will partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a vision for the next chapter of Little Sun People, building on our Founder's achievements and vision.

Responsibilities:

• Develops Curriculum and Program: Works closely with the center’s teachers and staff, to incorporate the story and cultures of all people of color with a particular emphasis on those of African descent, into a robust and comprehensive curriculum designed for the pre-school learner while also meeting state and federal requirements and parent expectations.

• Oversees Staff: Interviews, hires, trains, manages staff in line with city and state requirements. Meets with each staff member regularly to check in, build relationships, provide reflective supervision and feedback fostering mutual accountability.

• Leads with Principles: Sets tone for entire community that embodies and demonstrates the principles of Ma’at /Kwanzaa.

• Manages Facility: Makes sure the facility is safe and well-stocked, this includes checking that safety equipment is available and working, removing hazards and ensuring the facility is always clean and orderly under city and state agency requirements.

• Creates and Manages a Budget: Develops and works within a budget that effectively incorporates both the organization’s day-to-day finances and the strategy of long-term financial sustainability. Works collaboratively with LSP’s Accountant, Board members and administrative staff to prioritize organizational needs within the approved budget.

• Communicates and Bridges Parents, Teachers and Staff: Meets with parents, teachers and staff to keep parents up-to-date on their child’s development and progress, including discussing ways to address any learning or behavioral issues.

• Represent LSP Within and to the Wider Community: Participants in wider community events to inform and build relationships within Brooklyn and across NYC. Shares and speaks on the history and importance of LSP as an early childhood center founded by and for African-heritage young children and their families.

Qualifications:

• Leadership Skills: Motivates and develops staff leadership, listens deeply, moves through conflicts, and holds focus on what’s important.

• Humanistic Communication Skills: Must be a humanistic communicator, able to confidently take prospective parents on a tour, write newsletters, facilitate staff meetings, lead school events, family meetings, etc.

• Grounded Crisis Management: Must have strong crisis management abilities, being able to remain cool and composed in a crisis.

• Classroom Experience: Trains, models and coaches teachers with deep understanding and experience in early childhood development and managing group of young children as well as managing a team of teachers.

• Business Management: Runs all aspects of a childcare facility from setting up the security system to creating the budget. Organizes and attends to detail-oriented federal, state, city daycare, DOE, DOH, fire compliance laws and requirements.

• First Aid: Keeps well informed on child safety requirements and protocol.

Education and Certifications:

B.A., preferably in Early Childhood or related field
M.S. in Early Childhood or related field
NY State Teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2)

Experience:

A minimum of five years teaching and/or leadership experience in an accredited early childhood program, including experience supervising staff and/or trainees.
Experience with Little Sun People and/or African-heritage centered early childhood pedagogy.
Demonstrated compassionate leadership and managerial skills.

Minimum Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education Level: Master's Degree

Application Instructions:

Start Date: July 2024

To Apply: send resume and cover letter to Little Sun People Board, lspbod@littlesunpeople.org

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