Director

University Presbyterian Preschool

A Ministry of University Presbyterian Church
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University Presbyterian Preschool (UPPS) is seeking a part-time Director to lead our half-day, play-based early childhood program serving children ages 2–5. UPPS includes six classes and operates five days per week, mid-August through May.

The Director provides both visionary and day-to-day leadership for the preschool, ensuring a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and well-managed program that reflects our deep commitment to learning through play.

The Director is a member of the UPC staff team, supervised by the Associate Pastor for Family Ministry, and works closely with the UPPS Committee (the school’s governing body).

Position Details

• Part-time (26 hours/week)
• On-site daily during program hours (8:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)
• Annual salary: $40,000
• Some evening meetings and special events required

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Educational Oversight

• Champion and support a high-quality, play-based early childhood program
• Nurture a safe, welcoming, and organized learning environment
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff
• Foster a collaborative and positive staff culture
• Ensure compliance with state licensing, health, and safety requirements
• Support teachers in observing and assessing children’s developmental growth
• Work alongside teachers to notice when children may need extra support and help guide conversations with families, including sharing helpful community resources

Family & Community Engagement

• Lead admissions and enrollment, including tours and prospective family communication
• Maintain strong, consistent communication with enrolled families
• Plan and host parent meetings and school events
• Represent UPPS in the broader early childhood community, including active participation with the Durham Orange Preschool Association

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of the preschool
• Communicate regularly with the UPPS Committee
• Manage the annual budget in partnership with UPPS Treasurer and church finance staff
• Supervise billing, payroll coordination, substitute scheduling, and financial tracking
• Maintain school policies, handbooks, and required documentation

Church Collaboration

• Participate as a valued member of the UPC staff team
• Attend required meetings and collaborate with church leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong preference for a degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Kindergarten), Education, or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Effective communication and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of budgeting and financial management
• Deep understanding of child development and commitment to play-based learning

Interested candidates can find info here about how to apply: https://upcch.org/jobs/