Executive Center Director - Jackson Early Learning Center

Primary Purpose: 

The Executive Director is responsible for fostering an environment that allows children, their families, and the staff to develop to their full potential. The Executive Director is accountable for program operation that exceeds QRIS and or National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) criteria and incorporates YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South' mission, culture, goals, four core values (caring, honesty respect, and responsibility), philosophies, and policies and development of an inclusive environment and positive relationships with families, children, staff and sponsors. Although the Executive Director will be accountable for each of the responsibilities outlined below, Executive Director roles will vary dependent on location size, structure, and sponsor relationship. Executive Directors may have oversight of up to 2 childcare locations. Executive Directors are encouraged to delegate responsibilities as is appropriate. Executive Director will review important decisions with the Regional Manager and be responsive to the requirements of the home office. Executive Director will model exemplary employee behavior in each of the following categories and all other duties as assigned:

 MAJOR FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES 

Child-Oriented Practices

• Ensure location exceeds NAEYC guidelines, and that all staff implement YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South’ values, philosophies and policies.
• Lead the location through the NAEYC accreditation process within two years of opening and every three years thereafter, if applicable.
• Evaluate classroom curriculum and environments quarterly. Review action plans developed by Education Coordinators and classroom teams and monitor progress toward program goals to achieve location goals. Conduct annual program needs assessment.
• Provide support and resources for Directors, Instructional Coaches, Education Coordinators, Senior Lead Teachers on program development.
• Develop and maintain a list of community resources and social service referral agencies.
• Serve as a resource for location management team in identifying variables in child’s development, informing families, and making appropriate referrals, as needed. Guide staff through these family conferences.

Hiring 

• Ensure that relationships have been established within the community, colleges, high schools, diversity organizations, local resource and referral agencies, etc.
• Ensure all staff hired meets YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South standards and have skills, knowledge and personal attributes needed for successful performance.
• Lead process of screening, interviewing, and hiring Directors and other administrative team members. Interview staff as needed to ensure hiring standards are met.
• Ensure that benefits, personnel policies, and payroll processing are implemented according to company standards.
• Ensure staff receive new employee orientation and are oriented to YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South policies and philosophies. Conduct regular location orientation for staff in these areas: philosophy, program quality, lines of communication, and role clarification.
  

Supervision 

• Assure the YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South job performance appraisal expectations are met for all staff including three month review, six month review, annual JPA, goal setting, and observation and feedback.
• Ensure implementation of all duties as described in job descriptions of Directors and other administrative team members.
• Conduct bi-annual evaluation of performance of Directors and other direct reports; guide them in development of individual goals for professional growth, and monitor progress towards achieving these goals.
• Develop key staff to share leadership roles in the location.
• Advise Directors, Instructional Coaches, Education Coordinators, Senior Lead Teachers in all instances of progressive counseling, disciplinary action and if necessary, separation in accordance with EEOC, federal, state, local, and company guidelines.
• Review Instructional Coaches, Education Coordinators, Senior Lead Teachers job performance appraisals with location Directors. Review staff job performance appraisals as needed.

Retention/Team Building

• Develop effective whole location staff communication systems.
• Meet regularly with Directors and administrative and programmatic team and lead whole location staff meetings. Participate in all classroom/team meetings.
• Advise Directors on team building strategies and ensure Directors and administrative team build strong teaching teams.
• Support and sustain positive morale.
• Review staff survey results with Directors and administrative team, establish action plan to address issues raised.
• Develop programs to achieve staff retention and limit teacher turnover. Maintain turnover rate lower than company average.

Family Communication

• Instill in staff a strong sense of, and the need for, customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain a sense of community through family involvement. Implement programs to achieve family retention.
• Model positive attitude, respect and professional interactions with families.
• Assure that ongoing staff/family communication systems: daily communication, children’s progress reports, and family conferences are completed according to YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South standards.
• Participate in all conferences, which are potentially difficult or sensitive.
• Be available and accessible to families every day, and respond to family concerns. Arrange schedule so that either Executive Director or Director are available to open and/or close the building.
• Develop and lead family advisory board, family orientation program and other family events, seminars and social functions.
• Share resources with parents through discussions, articles, parent boards, newsletters, workshops and community contacts.

Health, Safety, and Licensing

• Confirm that NAEYC standards, QRIS standards and state licensing requirements are met in all the following areas, health and safety conditions; nutrition; staff files, qualifications and schedules; staff/child ratios, and children’s files.
• Follow YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South’ Emergency Protocol.
• Ensure that all licenses, permits and labor law posters are current.
• Follow appropriate procedures for Bloodborne Pathogen exposure control.
• Advise staff on all incidents of abuse or neglect.

Marketing and Enrollment

• Confirm that Directors and administrative team implement company guidelines, maintaining family master file, accurately updating weekly statistics, following appropriate telephone protocol, conducting family tours, and promoting parent/guardian referral program. Consult with Marketing Department, and the Director of Enrollment and Revenue as appropriate.
• Lead special marketing efforts during key enrollment periods (August, October, January, and Spring registration). Maintain on-going marketing efforts during remainder of year to sustain enrollment.
• Market program to community (e.g., visiting local businesses, and distributing flyers) if needed.
• Guarantee location meets the specific enrollment targets/goals.
• Ensure that follow up and routine meetings with the Director of Enrollment and Revenue occur to maintain active waiting lists and to ensure that available slots are filled quickly.

Financial 

• Develop whole location budget in conjunction with Regional Manage, SVP and association Finance team.
• Keep whole location expenses within budget. Monitor controllable. Understand and implement labor management system (staff schedules and rosters, promotion and raise guidelines).
• Monitor Profit and Loss (P&L) report and general ledger monthly for total location.
• Immediately address poor financial performance.
• Maintain accurate and current financial records; collect and record tuition payments, according to YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South computer financial system.
• Monitor and respond to accounts receivable, expectation is “0” accounts receivable.
• Keep accurate account of the petty cash system; follow all petty cash procedures. *If applicable

Center Maintenance

• Assure a clean, safe, child-ready center always.
• Oversee contractors, (i.e., cleaning, landscaping, snow removal, etc.)
• Ensure that the location is attractive and inviting with careful thought given to displays.

Professionalism

• Positively project the organization, goals, philosophies, and policies to families, staff, and the community.
• Attend and actively participate in Director’s Meetings, region functions, and training.
• Establish relationships with local early childhood community and actively participate in community groups.
• Model flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices.
• Practice confidentiality with staff and family information.
• Continue on-going professional growth.

Physical Demands

• Follow state, federal and YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South’ guidelines, including immunizations, employment physical, and required Health & Safety Training.
• Lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds, frequently. (Occasionally lift, move or hold weight more than 40 pounds).
• Supervise and interact with children outdoors, for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.

REQUIREMENTS (Must meet State requirements.)

• Additional center requirements may apply.
• BA in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Six to Eight years’ experience in the field of full-time care. A combination of infant, toddler or preschool teaching experience and actual administration of a child care center.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Well versed in NAEYC accreditation, state QRIS rating system, and licensing standards.
• Strong knowledge in developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Responds well to unusual or crisis situations.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Capacity to understand and manage location specific financial duties.
• Computer literacy required.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to needs of families and staff.
• Experience working in a sponsorship environment preferred.
• Experience working in an inclusive work environment and managing across differences.

SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES (Applicable to Sponsor Locations only)

• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with sponsors that is sensitive to corporate culture and changing corporate needs.
• Communicate regularly with sponsors, informing them of any appropriate location issues.
• Take a proactive approach to problem solving and follow through on action steps established with sponsor.
• Involve sponsors in development of budget regarding potential discounts or scholarship opportunities and inform them of any deviation throughout the year.
• Participate in sponsor meetings, seminars, and functions as is appropriate.
• Present a professional demeanor at all times.

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