Center Director

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.