Cherry Preschool Executive Director

Join the family of Cherry Preschool!  Cherry is a special place deeply knit in the Evanston community.  We are seeking a new executive director to train with our current director who will retire June 1, 2025 after working with the school for 30+ years.  We are looking for a thoughtful, warm and engaged leader to manage the operations of our play-based school.  Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to our mission. Cherry fundraises upwards of $300,000 each year to underwrite our key programs like scholarships and inclusion.  We have provided over $100,000.  Being an inclusion preschool, we are looking for someone with knowledge and experience working with children with developmental differences.  We are a cooperative non-profit preschool and parental/community involvement is vital to our model. 



Director Key Responsibilities:

1. Instructional Leadership:
   • Design programs/curriculum
   • Research educational practices and provide lesson ideas
   • Observe classroom instruction consistently and provide feedback
   • Monitor curriculum implementation and alignment
   • Maintain a healthy work environment and cultivate staff relationships
2. Program Administration
   • Oversee school finances and maintain a balanced budget
   • Ensure enrollment targets are met
   • Supervise, train and evaluate Cherry’s 35+ staff members
   • Recruit and hire personnel
   • Connect with professional community associations and comply with regulatory agencies
   • Prepare written materials for the program
3. Family and Community Engagement:
   • Foster a sense of community among Cherry families
   • Attend all fundraisers and school events 
   • Establish and maintain ties to local organizations, schools and businesses
   • Field questions and concerns from parents
   • Support communications and marketing with monthly blog post highlighting Cherry and early childhood education best practices
4. Non-Profit Responsibilities
   • Provide fundraising leadership
   • Create a culture of fundraising 
   • Build and maintain relationships with donors
   • Develop and serve on the Cherry Board of Directors
5. Health and Safety:
   • Conduct regular safety drills and maintain emergency preparedness
   • Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of the facility
   • Ensure the management and safety of the  building

• Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education
• Experience as an early education classroom teacher
• Ability to work effectively with staff members, parents and other early childhood professionals
• Extensive knowledge of child development
• Administrator experience
• Experience with supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• A genuine interest in educational research and best practices
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
• Meet or exceed the job requirements set forth by DCFS.