Center Director

Description 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 Requirements 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.