Senior Director - Office of Early Learning

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) SENIOR DIRECTOR WORKING TITLE Senior Director-Office of Early Learning (OEL) SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Compensation

Services LOCATION Crossroads II, Cary, NC PAY GRADE Senior Director Band 1 FLSA STATUS Exempt ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT Yes WORK WEEK SCHEDULE Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek POSITION PURPOSE: Develops, administers, and coordinates early learning programs focused on families and children ages birth - age 5 offered by the Wake County Public Schools System (WCPSS). Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local program regulations and financial requirements. Establishes vision and comprehensive plan for a PreK-12 aligned system and ensures coordination across Preschool Programs, Project Enlightenment, and The Early Learning Center. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Comprehensive knowledge of theory and practice of early childhood;
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal guidelines applicable to Title I, NC Pre-K and special education preschool programs;
• Comprehensive knowledge of policies, procedures, programs, plans, and organizational relationships of the entire school system;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point; Google Apps;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders;
• Effective time management and organizational skills;
• Ability to express facts and ideas in a clear, convincing, and organized manner;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both obtaining and furnishing information;
• Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with community partners;
• Interactions may require considerable communication to obtain action, consent, agreement, or approval;
• Ability to independently resolve problems and to perform effectively in complex work situations;
• Ability to develop and implement strategic objectives that improve educational outcomes and align with school system mission and goals;
• Ability to collaborate with and influence others, build trusting relationships, and deliver projects on time and within budget;
• Ability to coach and mentor employees, including providing feedback;
• Ability to handle highly confidential material;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, external agencies, attorneys, parents, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in education, administration, or related area;
• Four years of successful teaching experience;
• Five years of administrative and supervision experience;
• Five years of experience with fiscal and personnel management;
• Experience in child development and effective early intervention practices.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be eligible for North Carolina Professional Educator's License in administrative license area of School Administrator-Principal or Curriculum Instructional Specialist;
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing state and federal funds;
• Strong relationships skills;
• Experience with childcare licensure;
• Strong supervisions skills;
• Strong public relation skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates, supervises, and monitors district early learning programs and services.
• Ensures alignment between early learning/pre-k with the district to ensure a PreK-12 system.
• Manages local, state, and federal budgets.
• Ensures that special education services, Title I, NC Pre-K, and grant programs meet legal mandates.
• Collaborates with community partners to ensure quality early learning programming.
• Develops and maintains long range plan for pre-k classrooms and early learning services.
• Presents to Board of Education and community partners on early learning programs and services.
• Coordinates and facilitates professional development for departmental staff.
• Participates in the completion of required reports and documents for NC Department of Public Instruction.
• Collaborates with principals in determining program locations in conjunction with facilities and student assignment.
• Promotes school and community relations with agencies, individuals, and groups within the community regarding early education issues.
• Assists central office and school staff in problem solving around issues.
• Represents the school system on local, state, and national levels.
• Serves on NC Pre-K Board and Wake Up and Read Leadership Team.
• Oversees the assignment of special education, Title I Pre-K and NC Pre-K students.
• Provides assistance to administrators, teachers and parents regarding early learning programs.
• Collaborates with facility planning staff to ensure design and availability of appropriate space/facilities for preschool classrooms, Ready to Learn Centers, and instructional materials.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. The work occasionally requires driving automotive equipment. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work. EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/2025 DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job