PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
OVERVIEW
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center connects people with nature and inspires them to become responsible stewards
of the natural world. Located nine miles north of downtown Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan, the
Center offers six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 unique acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies,
ravines, bluffs and a shoreline beach. Annually, Schlitz Audubon serves over 145,000 visitors and nearly 27,000
children who participate in our nature science programs. Over 140 preschoolers are enrolled throughout the
school year in our nationally recognized preschool. In addition, thousands of adults and families attend our
educational programs year round. The Center building received the first Gold LEED certification award in the
State of Wisconsin. Schlitz Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Schlitz Audubon’s Nature Preschool founded in 2003, is one of the first of its kind in the nation. Housed in the
Center’s Gold LEED certified building, the preschool’s uniqueness stems from our strong commitment to both
environmental education and active learning. The Preschool Director is responsible for the overall day-to-day
operation, administration and programming for the Nature Preschool and other early childhood programs. This
is accomplished within the policies and procedures of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and the Nature Preschool
as well as the licensing regulations of the State of Wisconsin and the accreditation criteria of the National
Association for the Education of Young Children. This position reports to the Executive Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Be an advocate and leader for nature-based early childhood pedagogy in all aspects of the position
Regularly observe and participate in all aspects of the Nature Preschool both indoors and outdoors
Be present and available to families for consultations, and questions
Provide leadership and support to Nature Preschool staff, volunteers and interns
In conjunction with the teaching staff, plan and facilitate parent involvement in the program
Works with Marketing Department for regular communications with parents, Center membership and
the broader community
Make safety determinations for the Nature Preschool based on weather conditions and communicate
them to Preschool Staff proactively
Direct the development and implementation of nature-based preschool curriculum
Anticipate seasonal needs of Nature Preschool curriculum and coordinate with Schlitz Audubon staff
regarding programming and facilities
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Provide strategic vision and direction to nurture and grow the urban preschool partnerships with
Educare and Malaika and others
Works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Development to actively seek and implement
fundraising, sponsorship, and other resource development opportunities for the preschool and the
Center
Ensure that all programs meet the State of Wisconsin Regulations for Day Care Centers and work with
State Licensing Supervisors on licensing and re-licensing
Develop and revise preschool policies and procedures, update parent and staff manuals, and review the
accuracy of classroom record keeping
Assist in all aspects of Center wide preschool-level programs and staffing including summer camp
Plan, develop and manage the department’s annual budget
Develop appropriate working relationships with other preschools, community agencies, professional
organizations, colleges and universities
Share early childhood environmental education philosophy through teacher workshops, journal articles,
and conference presentations
Represent the Nature Preschool at community outreach opportunities
Participates in Schlitz Audubon’s leadership team and shares the organizational strategic vision and
plan with the preschool staff
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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Minimum Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education; Master’s preferred
Minimum 3 years management experience in a licensed preschool
Minimum 5 years teaching experience with children ages 3 to 5
Experience supervising staff and volunteers in a program of comparable scope and complexity
Degree or background in environmental education
Knowledge and understanding of the Rules for Licensing Day Care Centers for Children as set forth by
the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health and Social Services as well as the standards for
accreditation set by the N.A.E.Y.C.
Aptitude and interest with learning basic natural history and ecology concepts
Must enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills
Proven skills in working with people in all levels of an organization including parents, children,
volunteers and staff
Self-motivated, detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and as a team player on multiple
tasks
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
HOURS
Exempt Full-Time, 40 hours per/week
TO APPLY
Send resume and cover letter to Jill Schanon Macek at jmacek@schlitzaudubon.org