Preschool and Early Childhood Ministry Director

This full-time, salaried position reports directly to the Senior Pastor and serves as part of the Excelsior Covenant Ministry Staff.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A deep love for Jesus and a passion for children, demonstrated through a meaningful and growing personal relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior.
• Alignment with and wholehearted embrace of Excelsior Covenant Church’s identity, mission, and values.
• A strong team player with a heart for integrating the preschool into the broader ministry of the local church.
• Meets MN DHS requirements for a Preschool Director and has completed (or is willing to complete) the necessary training for MN DHS Licensing.
• A bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Christian Education, Child Care Management, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Certified (or willing to become certified) in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid.
• Strong ability to navigate and manage the complexities of a church-based, MN state-licensed toddler and preschool program.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including open and effective communication, active listening, and the ability to inspire and motivate others positively.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Professional Staff and Volunteers:

• Provide leadership and oversight for preschool staff and congregational volunteer teams serving in early childhood ministry.
• Develop and implement strategies for recruiting, onboarding, supervising, communicating with, and supporting both professional and volunteer staff, including performance reviews and conflict resolution.
• Collaborate with the Senior Pastor on hiring decisions and ongoing employment evaluations for preschool staff.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements and maintain records of continuing education (CE) credits for professional staff as applicable.
• Cultivate a nurturing and dynamic environment that encourages both excellence in education and spiritual growth.

Administrative:

• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Oversee the preschool budget and early childhood ministry program budget.
• Manage payroll, revenues, and expenditures.
• Maintain an attractive, clean, and safe physical environment.
• Maintain compliance with state, county, and city rules and regulations.
  
   

Curriculum / Instruction:

• Oversee the overall development and implementation of all early childhood ministries including Sunday morning, Monday to Friday School and other programs and special events.
• Ensure that curriculum and instructional practices are in keeping with the mission and philosophy of Excelsior Covenant Church.
• Inspire and empower staff to develop and use new ideas, resources and materials.
• Maintain an environment that assures ongoing program assessment and fosters continuous improvement.
• Monitor the growth and learning of all students.
• Monitor, assist, and consult with teachers and families regarding preschool student assessments.
• Create and model a positive environment of Christian nurturing and love for young children and their families.

Connection/ Communications / Marketing:

• Develop and maintain interpersonal relationships with children and families at both church and school.
• Supervise, develop, and maintain communication and marketing to families in the congregation, school and greater community.
• Promote and oversee program activities for family involvement.
• Regularly connects preschool families to the experiences, services and parent resources of Excelsior Covenant Church.