Position Available:
Nature Preschool Director
Status: Full-time, Permanent
Application deadline: July 6, 2026

Join a team of passionate educators who are serving children and families through a high-quality, play-based early childhood program with nature at its core. From catching snowflakes with preschoolers, to supporting families with resources, to helping teachers grow and learn, the Nature Preschool Director cultivates a culture of growth and connection.

Summary: The Nature Preschool Director supports teaching teams in the development and implementation of a high-quality, nature-based early childhood program while maintaining licensing requirements, providing program management, supporting families and acting as a liaison between Nature Preschool, the community, and Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) as a whole. Nature Preschool currently operates with eight (8) half-day classes serving 140 students annually.

Objective: The Nature Preschool Director will oversee day-to-day operations of Nature Preschool, a program of CNC, providing support for teachers, staff, families and preschoolers while maintaining a high-quality, play-based early childhood program with nature at its core. The Nature Preschool Director will ensure the program complies with all regulations, including state licensing and CNC policies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate Nature Preschool policies and practices in collaboration with the Director of Programs to ensure Preschool remains a high-quality, nature-based early childhood program that utilizes best practices
• Hire, train and supervise Nature Preschool staff, ensuring alignment with licensing and CNC requirements
• Coordinate required staff training and provide site-specific training to ensure use of best practices across the program
• Ensure compliance with all licensing and program requirements, including Great Start to Readiness and other grant-based programs
• Support teachers, volunteers, interns, families and students through daily, weekly and monthly communication and regular presence
• Develop and submit annual budget in collaboration with the Director of Programs
• Work with the Department of Land and Facilities to provide safe and appropriate indoor and outdoor spaces for Preschool
• Support early childhood programs at Nature Day Camp during the summer season in collaboration with the Nature Day Camp Director
• Participate in CNC staff meetings, training, special events and other functions as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood education or child development with administrative coursework and experience or other credentials as outlined as acceptable qualifications for Early Childhood Program Directors in the Michigan Childcare Licensing regulations
• Knowledge of early childhood education best practices and experience implementing them
• Experience with online registration, assessment and communication platforms
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Experience teaching outdoors and/or an early childhood setting
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers
• Demonstrate flexibility, strong ethics and a commitment to serving all people
• Enthusiastically support CNC’s mission and role in the community
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather, lift up to 50 lbs., hike on uneven terrain and sit for periods of time
• Certification in infant, child and adult CPR and AED or ability to become certified

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field
• Experience in an administrative role in an early childhood setting
• Experience in the administration of the Great Start to Readiness Program (GSRP)
• Experience or certification in Conscious Discipline®
• Experience with HighScope® curriculum

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Reports to: Director of Programs

Schedule: Monday-Friday with occasional weekend and evening hours for special events

Start Date: August 3, 2026

Compensation & Benefits

Full time - $47,000-$55,000/year based on experience and education; paid vacation, holidays and sick time; health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; 403(b) annuity plan with voluntary additional contribution; voluntary participation in flexible spending and dependent care accounts; staff uniform; CNC membership; 20% discount in Nature Center Store; 10% discount on registered program member fee

Application procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI  48640

Application Deadline: July 6, 2026 or until filled

Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 2,000-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with a River Overlook, Ecosystem Gallery, Wildlife Viewing Area and more; a late 1800s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and 19 miles of trails. Visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.

Equal Opportunity Employer: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.