Bilingual Spanish Site Director – Chicago Commons: Guadalupano Family Center

Founded in 1894, Chicago Commons one of Chicago’s original settlement houses serving immigrants on Chicago’s northwest side, has retained Nonprofit HR for the search of their Site Director, Guadalupano Family Center. Today, Chicago Commons is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with individuals, families and communities to overcome poverty, discrimination and isolation. To fulfill that mission, Chicago Commons provides high-quality early childhood education, family-centered adult education, and senior services to more than 3,000 individuals annually. Learn more about Chicago Commons.

Chicago Commons’ Early Childhood Education Programs are Reggio inspired program that implement a problem-solving approach to learning, provide unique engaging environments, include extensive art studios and provide outdoor play through nature based playgrounds. The Early Childhood Programs serve as the backbone of many at-risk Chicago communities, including West Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Bronzeville, and New City (Back of the Yards).   These neighborhoods are impacted by high rates of poverty and limited educational and economic resources. Chicago Commons seeks to help families obtain the skills, resources and education needed to break the cycle of poverty.

The Site Director reports to the Senior Director of Programs and will provide leadership for the Guadalupano Family Center. The Site Director will be responsible for staff performance and personnel management, center enrollment, program operations, budget management, facilities management of the center, compliance with contracts, and community relations. Candidates must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education, and outstanding people skills to be able to grow and maintain relationships with children, families, and staff. S/he must have extensive knowledge of child development and Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and requirements. Excellent leadership skills are required, with a minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role in an early childhood setting. Candidates must have Bilingual Spanish/English language skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the development of Chicago Commons’ child development philosophy and goals
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children and families using a strength-based approach that is respectful, supportive, and culturally sensitive
• Operate a quality program that meets the needs of children, families and staff
• Ensure compliance with all city, state, federal and accrediting regulations
• Responsible for the recruitment of eligible children, developing a school specific plan to ensure that the center is fully enrolled and meets funder requirements
• Responsible for interviewing and hiring qualified staff
• Lead new staff orientation/onboarding and file compliance
• Formally observe, evaluate, and oversee professional development of staff
• Support staff in developing and achieving goals as outlined in professional development planning
• Ensure classroom teams are creating an atmosphere in which children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically
• Ensure the Reggio Emilia philosophy is implemented consistently and monitors consistent use of the Studios
• Establish strong records-keeping systems and monitors program budget, using sound judgment in expenditures
• Assist in working with facilities to ensure the center environment is clean and safe
• Coordinate and/or support parent meetings and family events
• Establish positive, professional relationships Chicago Commons’ staff, the surround community, and funders
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6. Level 2 Illinois Director Credential or higher.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field w/ 21 credit hours related to early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6, teaching experience in an early childhood setting (0-6 years), and a Level 2 Illinois Director Credential or higher.

A master’s degree in the early childhood field is preferred.

* Staff responsible for overseeing services for infant toddler programs must have Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 5 or above.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to read and write Spanish and English proficiently. Candidates must regularly operate a word-processing system and therefore must be able to read, produce and transmit data on such a system.

CHICAGO COMMONS OFFERS ITS EMPLOYEES COMPETITIVE SALARIES AND BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Vision Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick days
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Bereavement Leave

HOW TO APPLY:

For immediate consideration, please send cover letter and resume to the attention of Yvonne Rivera, Director, Talent Acquisition, Nonprofit HR, via email: yrivera@nonprofithr.com. Please include “Site Director” in the subject line.

Chicago Commons is an equal opportunity employer