Director of St. Luke’s Day School Full Time NEW

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Overall Responsibility

Provides visionary and administrative leadership for St. Luke’s Day School, overseeing program development, staff supervision, financial management, family and community engagement, and adherence to state licensing and national accreditation standards. Ensures the school operates in alignment with the mission, values, and ministries of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Essential Job Functions Leadership & Administration

• Responsible for the overall administration and day-to-day operations of St. Luke’s Day School.
• Facilitates the visioning and execution of the school’s mission, student growth, family support, and staff development.
• Ensures compliance with St. Luke’s UMC policies and standards, required state licensing, and voluntary national accreditation standards. Develops proactive policies and practices to support these requirements.
• Initiates and supports program development in coordination with other ministry areas of the church.
• Manages the fiscal responsibilities of the school through budget preparation, monitoring, and presentation of financial status at appropriate meetings.
• Leads and monitors implementation of the Day School’s fundraising strategy.
• Collaborates with church leadership to align Day School goals with the broader ministry vision.

Staff Development and Supervision

• Oversees all personnel matters, including job descriptions, staff handbooks, work schedules, development plans, hiring practices, and performance management.
• Leads professional growth opportunities for staff, including CDA programs, Rice Literacy, and other continuing education. Ensures staff understanding and execution of licensing standards, national accreditation, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Provides effective leadership, mentorship, and accountability for staff and volunteers.

Curriculum & Program Excellence

• Ensures implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum that nurtures the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and socially.
• Provides oversight and leadership for classroom curriculum, both indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Remains current on best practices in early childhood and Christian education through professional reading, seminars, conferences, and community networking.
• Oversees safety and risk management procedures, including emergency response planning, staff training, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Family & Community Engagement

• Builds and maintains strong partnerships among administration, teachers, and parents through open communication, trainings, and conferences.
• Provides educational resources and support programs for parents.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Parent Advisory Council.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive communications plan, including social media, website updates, and daily communication with families.
• Initiates community outreach opportunities through ECMC, CDA Classes, and the Ella Hawes Institute for Early Childhood Educators.

Responsibilities To The Church

• Partners with St. Luke’s UMC administrative departments (Finance, Facilities, Communications, Human Resources, Pastoral Staff, etc.) to ensure proper processes and procedures are followed by all Day School staff.
• Participates in monthly Staff Chapel.
• Collaborates with Children’s Ministries staff to implement programs for parents and children that align with the church’s mission.

Other Job Functions

• Provides general assistance in any area of the church’s ministry where the Day School Director’s talents and abilities are needed or requested.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Meets or exceeds the minimum qualifications for Directors of Childcare Centers as required by the State of Texas.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred; advanced degree or additional certifications desirable.
• Minimum of five years of experience in early childhood program administration or educational leadership preferred.

Competencies

• Supportive of the Christian values, purpose, and ministries of St. Luke’s UMC and the Day School mission.
• Demonstrates strategic leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to empower and motivate staff.
• Strong understanding of child development and behavior management.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and student information systems; uses technology effectively for communication, scheduling, and collaboration; adaptable to learning new tools as needed.
• Demonstrates diplomacy and professionalism in managing diverse teams and relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable to varied situations with strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion in all matters.