Position Description
Executive Director – Families First Childcare Center
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and daily operations of the childcare center. This role ensures delivery of high-quality early childhood education, maintains regulatory and nonprofit compliance, fosters strong relationships with families, community partners, and donors, and supports the financial sustainability of the organization through effective stewardship of funding and resources. The Executive Director serves as the primary administrative leader of the center and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission and long-term success.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Direction
-Provide vision, leadership, and direction aligned with the center’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
-Lead organizational planning and implementation of long-term goals and sustainability strategies.
-Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.
-Ensure the center maintains high standards of care, education, and operational excellence.
Nonprofit Governance & Board Engagement
-Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
-Prepare and present regular reports regarding financial performance, enrollment, staffing, operations, and program outcomes.
-Support board meetings, strategic planning, policy development, and committee activities.
-Assist with board recruitment, orientation, and engagement efforts.
-Ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with nonprofit governance standards.
Community Partnerships & Sponsor Engagement
-Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, agencies, schools, and local partners.
-Represent the organization at community meetings, forums, and collaborative initiatives.
-Develop and maintain positive relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding partners.
-Communicate the impact of programs and donor contributions through reports, updates, and outreach activities.
Operations Management
-Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center, including staffing, enrollment management, scheduling, and program administration.
-Ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and families.
-Maintain compliance with all applicable licensing, health, safety, and childcare regulations.
-Develop and implement operational policies and procedures that support effective program delivery.
Financial Oversight & Sustainability
-Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board of Directors or designated finance personnel.
-Monitor financial performance and maintain accurate financial records and reporting practices.
-Oversee tuition billing and collection processes to ensure timely and accurate revenue management.
-Support fundraising initiatives, grant applications, donor development, and community sponsorship opportunities.
-Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational and donor funds.
Human Resources & Staff Development
-Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and termination of staff.
-Ensure staffing levels meet licensing and operational requirements.
-Foster a supportive and professional work environment that promotes employee engagement and retention.
-Coordinate staff training and professional development opportunities.
-Ensure compliance with employment laws, personnel policies, and organizational procedures.
Program Quality & Compliance
-Ensure curriculum quality and alignment with early childhood education best practices.
-Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local childcare licensing requirements.
-Ensure adherence to nonprofit regulations, reporting requirements, and governance standards.
-Monitor program effectiveness and implement continuous improvement strategies.
Family & Stakeholder Engagement
-Maintain strong communication and positive relationships with families.
-Address parent and family concerns in a timely and professional manner.
-Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and community-centered environment.
-Support family engagement initiatives and community outreach efforts.
Qualifications
-Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
-Minimum of five (5) years of leadership or management experience in childcare, education, or nonprofit administration.
-Knowledge of childcare licensing regulations and nonprofit operations preferred.
-Experience in staff supervision, budgeting, fundraising, and board relations.
-Strong leadership, organizational, financial, and communication skills.
-Demonstrated ability to build relationships with families, staff, donors, and community partners.
Core Competencies
Strategic Leadership
Nonprofit Governance
Financial Stewardship
Staff Supervision & Development
Relationship Building
Operational Management
Regulatory Compliance
Communication & Collaboration
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Success Measures
Compliance with childcare licensing and nonprofit regulatory requirements
Financial stability and timely tuition collection
Effective donor and sponsor engagement and retention
Enrollment growth and family satisfaction
Positive staff performance and retention
Successful fundraising and community partnership development
Achievement of strategic and operational goals
Reporting Relationship
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.