This position plays a key role in fostering a positive culture aligned with the Center’s mission and values. The Center Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the childcare program, establishing a safe, compliant, and high-quality environment for children, families, and staff. This role leads educational programming/planning, promotes family engagement, provides direct/indirect staff supervision, monitors operational execution, and supports financial management.
Key Responsibilities
Educational Programming/Planning
· Provide overall leadership for the design and implementation of an engaging, developmentally appropriate educational program in partnership with the Education Team.
· Lead organizational pedagogy to promote high-quality, meaningful learning experiences that support positive outcomes for children and families.
Leadership & Staff Development
· Serve as a role model by demonstrating accountability and alignment with Center Polices.
· Guide the Education Coordinators and Child Development Specialists to promote engagement with classrooms that supports the needs of the staff and children.
· Foster a positive, collaborative, and engaging work environment.
· Provide coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities.
· Partner with Leadership to establish and implement a Center-wide professional development plan that is responsive to the program and staff.
Family Engagement
· Collaborate with Family Engagement Coordinator on Center Enrollment Process.
· Partner with Family Engagement Coordinator to optimize enrollment at both Centers.
· Establish and model a positive, welcoming culture that fosters strong relationships with families.
· Review student outcomes with Education Team and set improvement goals, enhance program quality, and create a positive, effective experience for families.
· Support Center family engagement events.
Operations, Licensing and Accreditation
· Oversee daily Center operations, including the safety of the facility and grounds.
· Manage adherence to all policies, procedures, and state licensing requirements.
· Pursue and support accreditation efforts; maintain ongoing compliance and quality improvement.
· Prepare, analyze, share, and retain business reports and records.
· Utilize reports to drive decisions/direction for the Centers.
Financial Management
· Support development and monitoring of the Center’s budget in partnership with leadership (Finance Director/ Executive Director).
· Provide regular updates on financial performance and identify opportunities with the Executive Director & Finance Director.
Partner with leadership to support donor development, actively support donor cultivation, and participate in Center-wide fundraising
Education and Professional Certification
Required:
· Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field; including or in addition to a minimum of 12 Credits in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
· Valid New York State Teaching Certificate.
· Minimum of 5 years teaching experience, working and leading in an Early Childhood Education setting.
· Minimum of 3 years supervising staff in a childcare program or related field.
Desired:
· Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field.
· Experience in a nonprofit setting.
Skills and Competencies
· Strong verbal and written communication skills across staff, families and leadership.
· Ability to be a leader, coach, and support team development.
· Organizational and time management skills.
· Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong computer skills.
· Expertise knowledge with FAMS (Facility Application Management System) through OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services).
· CPR/First Aid/MAT certification.
Physical Requirements
· Required to lift up to 40 lbs.
· Continuously requires vision, hearing, and speaking.
· Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, sitting, and handling.