Job Title: Center Director

Supervisor: Education Director
Hours: 35 hours per week, year-round
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Non-Union
Salary: $28.88/hour (~$52,560 annually), plus a $2,000 hiring bonus and potential additional bonuses

OVERVIEW

This organization provides comprehensive support services to individuals and families with limited access to opportunities. For over four decades, the agency has focused on advancing economic stability and reducing systemic barriers. Its largest program is a free preschool initiative designed to promote school readiness through developmental education and wraparound support for children ages 3-5 and their families. Multiple early learning centers operate fully in person, and the education program is integrated with various community support services to ensure holistic assistance.

The organization values stability, community support, and equitable access to high-quality early childhood education.

WHAT MAKES THIS ORGANIZATION UNIQUE

The team is highly collaborative, experienced, and dedicated to serving diverse communities. Leadership includes specialists in family engagement, nutrition, health, disabilities services, and curriculum development. Professional development is strongly supported through a robust budget and a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and responsiveness to family needs. Staff members receive ongoing support from supervisors, peers, and education teams aligned around a shared mission.

ABOUT THE CENTER DIRECTOR ROLE

The Center Director works closely with the Education Coordinator and Education Director to ensure high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and safe educational experiences for preschool-aged children. This role oversees teaching staff, monitors classrooms, and ensures compliance with early childhood regulations and program performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, guide, and support center-based teaching staff.
• Ensure implementation of a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive curriculum aligned with program guidelines and individualized for each child.
• Oversee integration of social-emotional learning content within daily instruction.
• Ensure timely completion of fall, winter, and spring child assessments using an online assessment platform; assist in preparing for family conferences.
• Enter and maintain child-related data in designated systems, including screenings, assessments, and conference documentation.
• Participate in case discussions regarding children who require additional support.
• Assist with documentation required for licensing, nutrition programs, and federal grants.
• Enforce all health and safety policies to maintain safe classroom environments.
• Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for families; encourage family engagement in classroom activities and events.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to maintain required credentials and skills.
• Collect and submit required paperwork to relevant administrative departments.
• Coordinate classroom supply needs, including monthly ordering and distribution.
• Manage classroom coverage during planned or unplanned teacher absences.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate brings hands-on early childhood experience, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for children and families.

Professional Background

• Administrative experience in an early childhood education setting
• Experience teaching in an early childhood classroom
• Eligible for state early childhood director qualification
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (required); Bachelor's degree preferred

Skills

• Excellent communication with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Strong supervisory and staff-support skills
• Effective problem-solving and organizational abilities
• Ability to navigate compliance requirements and operational regulations
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse, multilingual, and low-income populations
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn new systems

Personal Qualities

• Deep commitment to equity in early childhood education
• Strong follow-through and communication habits
• Collaborative mindset and eagerness to work within a leadership team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in federally funded early childhood programs
• Supervisory experience in a preschool or early learning environment
• Graduate-level education in a relevant field
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities

LOCATION & TRAVEL

This position is fully onsite at an early learning center, with periodic travel to the program's administrative office. Reliable transportation is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role may require assisting in classrooms and performing physical tasks such as standing for extended periods, engaging in daily walks, lifting up to 50 lbs, kneeling, or crouching. Reasonable accommodations are available.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is generally moderate in noise level. This is a year-round position.

COMPENSATION

The organization offers competitive wages, comprehensive benefits (including medical, dental, retirement, and additional perks), and a strong commitment to professional development, including full tuition reimbursement for approved courses. The position starts at $28.88 per hour ($52,560 annually) and includes a $2,000 hiring bonus and opportunities for additional bonuses.