Child Development Center Director

Overview

The Beautiful Savior Child Development Center (CDC) exists to nurture the growth of young children in a Christ-centered environment—supporting their development socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, creatively, and spiritually. We provide a safe and caring setting where children are known, valued as God’s creation, and introduced to the love of Jesus. As an outreach ministry of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, the CDC partners with families in the care and Christian formation of their children, sharing the hope of Jesus in everyday life.

The Director of the Child Development Center is a servant leader who embodies Christian character, builds strong relationships, and serves as an ambassador for the church. This role provides both strategic and spiritual leadership to children, families, and staff, working collaboratively with church leadership to ensure unity, clear communication, and mission alignment.

The Director will be a relational leader who communicates clearly, invests in staff development, and actively connects the ministry of the CDC with the life of the church.

Our Vision, Mission, and Values

• Vision: Sharing the Hope of Jesus. Transforming Lives.
• Mission: Discovering and sharing the grace of Jesus Christ by walking through life together.
• Core Values:
• Jesus is Everything
• Humbly in Progress
• Continual Growth
• Rooted in Prayer
• There is Always Hope

Key Priorities for This Role

• Relational Communication: Build trust through clear, consistent, and compassionate communication with parents, staff, and church leadership.
• Church–CDC Connection: Intentionally bridge the ministry of the Child Development Center with the life of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.
• Staff Development & Care: Invest in, mentor, and support staff to foster both professional excellence and personal well-being.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Plan, organize, lead, and oversee programs for children and families.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of operations, including scheduling, staff assignments, and shared space coordination.
• Set the strategic direction of the CDC in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Executive Ministry Team.
• Champion alignment and connection between the CDC and the broader ministry of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.
• Adapt programming to meet the evolving needs of the community with humility and a willingness to grow.
• Develop and oversee the CDC budget, expenses, and financial stewardship with integrity and care.

Staff Development & Team Culture

• Cultivate a culture of trust, encouragement, and open communication among CDC staff, families, and church leadership.
• Recruit, hire, lead, and develop CDC staff, including 33 teachers and 1 assistant director.
• Provide intentional coaching, mentoring, and spiritual support to staff, fostering continual growth in both personal and professional areas.
• Lead with humility, recognizing that all staff are humbly in progress and growing in their calling.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations focused on personal, professional, and spiritual growth.
• Lead regular staff meetings and support ongoing training and continuing education.
• Collaborate with staff to set classroom goals and educational plans aligned with the mission.

Curriculum & Faith Formation

• Maintain, develop, and adapt curriculum based on best practices in early childhood education while preserving our Lutheran Christian identity.
• Create an environment where Jesus is at the center of all we do, fostering spiritual growth and connection with Him for children and families.
• Encourage creativity, curiosity, and Christ-centered learning.
• Model and encourage a life that is rooted in prayer within the CDC community.

Compliance, Safety & Licensing

• Ensure compliance with all licensing requirements and applicable county, state, and federal laws.
• Serve as the primary contact for governmental and regulatory agencies.
• Develop and implement health and safety programs, including emergency procedures and universal precautions, ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for all.

Family Engagement & Communications

• Serve as a primary relational connection for families through proactive, clear, and compassionate communication.
• Establish consistent communication rhythms that build trust and transparency with parents.
• Foster strong, supportive relationships with families as partners in child development, reflecting the belief that there is always hope in Christ, especially in times of challenge or need.
• Oversee the full spectrum of student admissions, including tours, enrollment, orientation, and tuition communication.
• Develop marketing, advertising, and recruitment plans to maintain optimal enrollment (in collaboration with the Human Resources Director).
• Promote the CDC as an outreach and evangelism opportunity for Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Policy & Governance

• Maintain and implement policies and procedures outlined in the Employee and Parent Handbooks.
• Ensure policies and practices reflect a culture of care, clarity, and relational excellence.
• Support alignment with the policies, mission, and values of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Education & Experience

• Required: Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Education; appropriate Minnesota certifications.
• Preferred: Minimum of three years’ experience as a director or teacher in early childhood education.

Strengths & Skillset

• Exceptional communicator who builds trust with parents, staff, and leadership through clarity, empathy, and consistency.
• Heart for ministry integration, with a desire to connect families and staff to the life of the church.
• Passion for developing others, with a track record of mentoring, supporting, and investing in team members.
• Passion for the spiritual formation of children and a deep love for Jesus.
• Proven leadership, organizational, and managerial skills.
• Sensitive and responsive to the needs of children, parents, and staff.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work well with ministry staff and volunteers.
• Adaptable, servant-hearted, and able to provide clear direction.
• Commitment to professional growth and continuing education.
• Creative, innovative, self-directed, and mission-minded.
• Agreement with the theology and practices of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Position Details

• Reports to: Senior Pastor
• Supervises: 33 teachers and 1 assistant director
• Status: Full-time, approximately 45 hours per week
• Job Type: Salaried
• Work Location: In person

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

To Apply

Pastor Joe Behnke: jbehnke@beautifulsaviorlc.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teacher or Director: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000