Rodeph Sholom School Head of Early Childhood Division 

Location | New York, NY 

Post Date | September 30, 2024 

Application Deadline | October 25, 2024 

Start Date | July 1, 2025 

To Apply | Send resume and cover letter to: leadershipsearch@educatorsally.com 

About Rodeph Sholom School 

Rodeph Sholom School is an independent Reform Jewish Day School serving approximately 425 students from Nursery through 8th Grade. A member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), Rodeph Sholom School was founded 55 years ago and is located in two spacious buildings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The Early Childhood program, which includes Nursery through Kindergarten, operates at 84th Street, while the Elementary Division (1st-4th) and Middle School (5th-8th) are housed in well-appointed facilities on 78th and 79th Streets. 

The curriculum integrates the best of secular and Jewish learning, fostering knowledge and skills in math, science, the arts, humanities, and Hebrew and Jewish studies. The school is dedicated to providing a learning environment that exemplifies excellence in education, addresses the needs of the whole child, and reinforces a commitment to Jewish life and responsibility to Jewish and global communities. Rodeph Sholom School is affiliated with Congregation Rodeph Sholom, one of the oldest and largest Reform synagogues in New York City. All families with children enrolled at RSS are also members of the Congregation. 

Mission 

To develop each student’s love of learning and sense of responsibility to themselves and their community through meaningful experiences and intellectual exploration. 

Opportunity Statement 

Rodeph Sholom School seeks a Head of Early Childhood Division to begin on July 1, 2025. The Head of Early Childhood Division, supported by a full-time assistant, will work closely with a School Psychologist, the Director of Academics, and the other two division heads. This position reports directly to the Head of School and is a member of the school’s senior Leadership Team. The Head of Early Childhood Division is responsible for implementing the school’s mission of providing a strong and comprehensive education in an environment that celebrates Jewish identity, community, and values. Responsibilities include day-to-day management of Early Childhood operations, faculty, students, and their parents, as well as guiding professional development to ensure excellence in curriculum, teaching, and learning. 

Rodeph Sholom’s next Head of Early Childhood Division will be an inspiring and experienced educator who enjoys connecting with Early Childhood students and supporting a dedicated faculty. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of current educational practices and childhood development, demonstrating a track record of accessibility and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents. A knowledgeable leader who can foster, oversee, and articulate an educational program while enhancing a warm and caring school environment will be a strong fit for this community. 

Faculty will appreciate a leader who is both inspiring and practical, developing clear systems, communication, and procedures for the division, while paying attention to faculty development and growth. The candidate should consider effective scheduling that best serves young learners. 

In addition, the successful candidate will:  

• Embrace the mission, vision, values, and commitments of the school. 

• Foster an atmosphere of creativity, collaboration, and innovation to enhance the current program while encouraging faculty professional development. 

• Ensure that the program appropriately challenges and supports a diverse array of learners. 

• Support appropriate parent involvement and value the parent-school partnership. 

• Partner closely with Congregation Rodeph Sholom. 

• Collaborate with the Enrollment Department. 

• Work with others to ensure consistency in setting, managing, and monitoring the curriculum and expectations for academic achievement, challenge, and social and emotional development. 

• Engage with the Early Childhood Division, remaining visible and responsive, while effectively seeking input and making informed decisions. 

Rodeph Sholom seeks a leader who: 

• Has successful teaching and administrative experience with a proven track record as a leader, manager, and supervisor. 

• Communicates effectively, both as a responsive listener and articulate speaker. 

• Loves, appreciates, and understands Early Childhood students. 

• Is committed to the Jewish life and learning elements of the program. 

• Is accessible and builds connections with students, parents, and faculty. 

• Balances collaboration and decisiveness in decision-making, approaching difficult conversations with kindness. 

• Is highly organized and detail-oriented. 

• Is knowledgeable about best practices in teaching and learning. 

• Is dedicated to nurturing the professional growth and development of faculty. 

• Leads with a sense of humor and compassion. 

The next Head of Early Childhood Division will be an energetic and dynamic school leader eager to join this strong, warm, and mission-focused community. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Educator’s Ally at leadershipsearch@educatorsally.com by Friday, October 25th. Please indicate “Rodeph Sholom Head of Early Childhood Division” in your subject line. 

Salary range: $160,000 - $200,000 

Educator’s Ally provides senior leadership retained search services to independent schools throughout the U.S. With over 45 years of experience working in support of independent K-12 school hiring, EA runs retained searches with the same personalized approach that has long distinguished our work in the contingency space, resulting in fluid and comprehensive processes and successful appointments. Learn more at www.educatorsally.com 

About Educator's Ally

Educator's Ally connects teachers and administrators with independent day and boarding schools throughout the U.S. Since 1975, EA's highly personalized and thoughtful approach to recruiting has been valued by schools and candidates alike. We appreciate and understand each of our schools' unique characters and the importance of making the right match. Known for our commitment to establishing trusted relationships with both candidates and school administrators, EA carries out each of its searches with care and diligence. At no cost to our candidates, we offer support, guidance, and counsel throughout the search process. We know that job searches can be stressful and that teachers have busy schedules so partnering with EA is both smart and effective. We help candidates navigate the world of independent schools and connect them to opportunities that are the right fit.

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