Executive Director
About The Nest Nursery School
Located in the heart of Grant Park, The Nest Nursery School is a nonprofit preschool dedicated to nurturing young learners through the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to early childhood education. We believe that children are naturally curious, capable, and full of potential, and our role as educators is to create an environment that fosters exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships. We serve approximately 55 children with seventeen staff members.
Our school is built on the values of relationships, joy, empathy, and experimentation—guiding principles that shape everything we do. We see learning as a collaborative journey, where children, teachers, and families come together to cultivate curiosity and wonder. Through hands-on, play-based experiences, we encourage children to ask questions, take risks, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
As proud members of the Grant Park community, we are committed to being an active and engaged presence in the neighborhood. We are involved in a sisterhood of schools in the Southeast which follow the Reggio-inspired approach called Project Infinity.
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and believe in the power of relationships and discovery, we’d love for you to join our team!
Our School’s Mission Statement
The Nest Nursery School is a not-for-profit organization that nurtures relationships, curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and advocacy. We are dedicated to building an understanding of the inequities in early childhood education and to expanding the possibilities for schools.
About the Role
The Executive Director at The Nest will be a visionary leader who embodies our school’s values and the values of the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to early childhood education. The Executive Director is responsible for leading the school’s administration and pedagogy while providing guidance and inspiration to a dedicated team of teachers and staff. As a nonprofit preschool, The Nest is overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of parents and community members, to whom the Executive Director reports. This position requires a dynamic leader who can effectively manage both long-term strategic planning and daily operations, all while cultivating a warm and engaging environment for children, families, and staff.
Salary and Benefits
Salary begins at $60,000 per year, with increases commensurate with experience. Benefits include a 3% contribution to a 401(k) account, an additional $2500 annually in the employee healthcare stipend, and paid time off. Lunches are also provided.
Job Responsibilities
Please note that some of these responsibilities are shared with the associate director. Job descriptions are flexible based on individual strengths of the candidates.
Pedagogical (10%)
- Plan and implement professional development, including pre-planning week and workdays.
- Participate in pedagogical meetings, Project Infinity planning, and events.
- Facilitate parent-teacher conferences, class meetings, and family engagement.
- Organize Educator Exchange Day, conference presentations, and school event documentation.
Administrative (20%)
- Review and manage finances.
- Oversee compliance with licensing regulations.
- Handle scheduling.
- Assist with fundraising, event coordination, and Board meetings.
- Maintain business licensing, financial records, and regulatory compliance.
Family Support (20%)
- Serve as the main contact for family concerns and communications.
- Organize and support parent committees and schoolwide events.
Financial (20%)
- Oversee tuition invoicing, collections, and financial reporting.
- Collaborate with the Board treasurer on budgeting and bookkeeping.
- Handle payroll, employee benefits, and financial compliance.
Human Resources (20%)
- Supervise all teachers and staff members.
- Conduct staff performance reviews, professional development, and onboarding.
- Manage substitute teachers, payroll processing, and employee benefits.
General (10%)
- Provide classroom and emergency support as needed.
- Maintain school policies and operational procedures.
Education
DECAL Licensing requirements for Director must be met: a bachelor’s degree, CDA, TCC, or associates in ECE, or agreement to obtain a degree within 6 months.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years as Lead Teacher, and 2 years in a leadership or administrative role.
Key Traits of our Ideal Leader
- Willingness to advocate for educators and children alike
- Commitment to the school’s values of relationships, experimentation, empathy, and joy
- Commitment to listening to children, staff, and families
- Commitment to collaboration
- Strong communication skills
- Vision and perspective
- Dedication and reliability
- Creativity
- Organizational and problem-solving skills
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and letter of interest to Mika Fengler at
