Nature Preschool Director

Location: Boston, on the grounds of the Arnold Arboretum

Schedule: 20 hours/week (mornings)

Mission

The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while initiating them into a lifelong relationship with the natural world.  We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early childhood education.

What We Do

BOPN is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education.  We operate toddler and preschool programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, and Sudbury. 

We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers.  Our goals are to promote children’s physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily program operations and staffing, serving as the primary point of contact for teachers, families, and site partner staff 
• Orient new teachers to our Arboretum location
• Guide the implementation of nature-based emergent curriculum that is responsive to children’s interests.  Coach teachers in health and safety practices, observation, reggio-style documentation, family communication, behavior guidance, nature connection and environmental education
• Ensure that teachers are prepared for licensing visits
• Conduct teacher observations and annual performance reviews
• Facilitate communications and promote a joyful and collaborative culture among staff and families
• Ensure that staff, families, and children comply with Arnold Arboretum agreements 
• Collaborate with our marketing and admissions staff to achieve full enrollment
• Lead tours for prospective families, advise on child class placements, transitions, and mid-year changes
• Lead monthly staff meetings 
• Substitute teach as needed (up to three mornings/week) at the Arnold Arboretum site.
• Lead special events
• Assist with managing our Community House in Roslindale 
• If needed, lead our Forest Days (public school partnership program) one morning/week in spring 2026

Qualifications:

• EEC Director I or Director II Certification in addition to an EEC Teacher certification in Infant/Toddler and Preschool
• Experience in early childhood program administration, including staff supervision and parent communication
• Excellent classroom management skills and experience fostering nature connection
• Strong communication skills with staff and families 
• Positive, strengths-based approach to working with teaching teams
• Demonstrated performance in all BOPN leadership criteria
• Excellent time management skills to balance teaching, program management, and coaching 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including families, teachers, and external partners
• Comfortable hiking across varied terrain and teaching outdoors in almost all weather conditions 
• Experience with anti-bias education
• Adaptability and resourcefulness in a nonprofit start-up culture, with the ability to problem-solve and thrive amid shifting priorities and evolving circumstances

Hiring Process:

• Applications are rolling—please apply as soon as possible.
• Successful reference and background checks are required.
• We welcome applications from educators who will add to our diverse community.