Executive Director

About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers' markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our welcoming atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our community is strong because of this.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees and their dependents. Our comprehensive benefits and resources focus on physical, mental and financial wellness to include medical, prescription, dental and vision. We did not stop there; we also offer our employees the following fringe benefits and more.

• Commuter Benefits: Transit and park benefits through pre-tax payroll deductions
• Half-Day Fridays: Enjoy half day Fridays in the summer
• 403(b) Retirement: Discretionary match up to 5%; vested immediately
• Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days and a week off for Winter Break
• Tuition Benefits: Employees or dependents pursuing a first Undergraduate Degree receive 100% tuition remission; employees pursuing a first Master's or Doctoral degree, receive 100% tuition remission; eligible dependents pursuing a first Master's or Doctoral degree, receive 50% tuition discount.
• Alpha House: 50% Discount for Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten

Position Summary

Alpha House, an early childhood center located on the campus of Holy Family University, is seeking a visionary collaborative Executive Director with passion and skills in leading an early childhood educational center.

The Executive Director of Alpha House provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the University's early childhood program serving PreK3, PreK4, and Kindergarten students. As a cornerstone of Holy Family University's lab-school model, the Executive Director ensures the highest standards of early childhood education while fostering a nurturing, safe, and innovative learning environment rooted in Catholic values. This role serves as the primary liaison between Alpha House and the School of Education, supporting the development of future educators while ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, and child development practices.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of Alpha House operations
• Oversee the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices
• Build strong relationships with families through consistent communication and engagement
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality faculty and staff
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff to ensure high-quality instruction and care
• Establish and implement policies, procedures, and program goals aligned with University and Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, safety, and accreditation requirements
• Foster a positive, mission-driven culture centered on excellence, respect, and child development
• Promote a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and respect
• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children and staff
• Respond effectively to dynamic situations with sound judgment and leadership
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards
• Ability to lift and assist children, move between classroom environments, and actively engage in a school setting

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (required)
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in early childhood education
• Prior leadership or administrative experience preferred
• Experience in supervising staff and managing educational programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of early childhood development and best practices
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build relationships with faculty, families, and university partners
• Knowledge of DHS regulations and licensing requirements
• Experience with curriculum development and instructional leadership
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change

Interested candidates should submit:

• A 1-2-page cover letter that addresses the following:
• Reason(s) for interest in this position
• Summary of your philosophy of education and examples of how these are applied in a preK environment
• Any other information that may be useful to the search committee highlighting your experience (ex. familiarity with instructional technology, experience supervising PK teachers and staff, highlights of relevant career accomplishments, community partnerships created or took part in, grants written or received, etc.).
• A resume
• Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Clearances and additional documentation will be required upon offer of employment

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster a welcoming and a healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity in its employment and education.

For more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination click HERE

We invite qualified applicants to view our open positions and apply directly at our career center.