Now Hiring: Early Childhood Program Director

May 28, 2025

🌟 Now Hiring: Early Childhood Program Director

đź“Ť Location: Tucson, Arizona
đź•’ Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
🏷️ Position Level: Executive

Join the Leadership Team at the International School of Tucson (IST)!

The International School of Tucson is currently seeking a passionate, visionary, and highly organized Early Childhood Program Director to lead and elevate our Early Years education department. This executive-level role is a unique opportunity to shape the experiences of our youngest learners in a diverse, nurturing, and academically enriched environment.

As a core member of the school’s leadership team, the Early Childhood Program Director will manage the daily operations of the preschool and nursery programs, guide a talented team of educators, and ensure the highest standards of care, safety, and learning are upheld. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing curriculum, fostering staff growth, building strong relationships with families, and contributing to the long-term success of IST.

🧑‍🏫 Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee all aspects of preschool and nursery operations, supervising a team of ~30 early childhood educators and support staff.

  • Ensure full compliance with Arizona state licensing regulations and IST policies.

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate curriculum and instructional strategies.

  • Monitor student learning and developmental milestones, implementing interventions when needed.

  • Facilitate staff professional development, coaching, and performance evaluations.

  • Manage enrollment, admissions, scheduling, classroom placements, and school events.

  • Lead recruitment, onboarding, and staff retention initiatives.

  • Partner closely with the Head of School, families, counselors, and health officials to ensure holistic child development.

  • Maintain and monitor department budgets, purchasing, payroll approvals, and resource planning.

  • Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback.

  • Foster a responsive and communicative school culture—ensuring timely responses to emails and family inquiries (within 24 hours).

đź“š Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (Early Childhood Education or related field strongly preferred)

  • Minimum of 2 years of leadership or administrative experience in early childhood education settings

Certifications (Required or attainable upon hire):

  • Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card

  • First Aid & CPR Certification (Training provided if needed)

  • Negative TB Test (within 6 months of hire)

  • Current Immunizations (MMR, T-Dap)

đź’ˇ Preferred Skills & Competencies:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication in English

  • Strong leadership, collaboration, and decision-making abilities

  • Warm, professional, and approachable demeanor with a focus on customer service

  • Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

  • Comfortable with digital learning tools and classroom technology

Why Join the International School of Tucson?

  • Be part of a mission-driven, multicultural learning community committed to academic excellence and global citizenship.

  • Make a measurable impact on children’s lives during their most formative years.

  • Collaborate with a dedicated and experienced leadership team.

  • Enjoy professional development opportunities, with a minimum of 18 hours of training per year.

  • Help shape a vibrant, inclusive school culture that values respect, creativity, and lifelong learning.

🏫 Work Environment & Physical Expectations:

This role requires a dynamic presence in both administrative and classroom settings. The workday includes frequent transitions between indoor and outdoor environments and involves physical activities such as lifting young children (up to 50 lbs), standing for extended periods, and navigating a fast-paced and engaging educational setting.

EarlyChildhoodDirector🚀 Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?

If you are a compassionate, dedicated, and results-oriented early childhood leader, we would love to hear from you!

📧 Please submit your cover letter and C.V./resume to:
Jessica Palma – Head of School
đź“© Palma@istucson.org
🗓️ Application Deadline: June 6, 2025

Join IST and become part of a team that’s changing lives—one child at a time. 🌍💛