Director, Early Childhood Center of Excellence

Job Description

Are you a childcare professional looking for something new and dynamic? Do you want to help build a center from the ground up and shape what excellence looks like for children and families? This could be the opportunity for you!

Easterseals NH is seeking a visionary, hands-on Director to partner with senior leadership in the launch and growth of a new 200-child Early Childhood Center of Excellence (ECCE) in Londonderry, NH. This is a unique leadership opportunity to establish and cultivate a high-quality, inclusive center environment where children of all abilities can thrive. The Director will lead daily operations and long-term strategy, while building culture, developing team talent, and driving quality outcomes from day one.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, Human Services, or a related field
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a licensed child development program
• Ability to meet Center Director staff qualification requirements per NH Child Care Licensing Unit He-C 4002
• Minimum one (1) year of supervisory or administrative experience in the early childhood field
• Ability to obtain and maintain New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Development credential within six (6) months of hire
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Certified in Infant/Child CPR, AED, and First Aid (or ability to obtain within required timeline)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  
  

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead launch-readiness and daily operations of the assigned ECCE, including staffing, enrollment growth, classroom readiness, and operational workflows.
• Build and sustain a positive, mission-driven culture focused on inclusion, child development, and family partnership.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with NH Child Care Licensing Unit rules (He-C 4002), NAEYC Accreditation Standards, and Agency policies/procedures.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, and retain a high-performing early childhood team; ensure required teacher-to-child ratios are maintained.
• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for curriculum planning and implementation to deliver developmentally appropriate, engaging learning experiences.
• Coach teaching teams in trauma-informed care, classroom management, behavioral support strategies, and inclusive best practices for children of all abilities.
• Partner with ECCE teaching staff, Children’s Therapeutic Services, and key internal/external stakeholders to support successful inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs.
• Develop strong, trust-based relationships with families and prospective families through responsive communication and community outreach.
• Use data and program performance indicators to drive quality improvement, operational efficiency, and child/family outcomes.
• Oversee center budgets, compliance documentation, audits, and business planning to support program sustainability and strategic growth.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and systems aligned with local, state, federal, and Agency standards.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and stay current with industry best practices, trends, and innovation in early childhood education.
  
  

Hours: Full-time, 40 hour position.

Monday - Friday; schedule based on center operating hours and program needs, with flexibility for occasional evening events, family engagement activities, and launch-related priorities.

Anticipated start date of Late Spring 2026

Compensation: Based on education and experience

What’s in it for you? We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time, eligible employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability
• PTO begins accruing on your first day!
• Up to 9 paid holidays annually, plus one floating holiday of your choice. For programs that remain open during holidays, staff scheduled to work will receive holiday pay in accordance with program guidelines.
• 403(b) employer match up to a maximum of 3%
• Tuition reimbursement after one year of employment
• Student loan repayment for qualifying degrees after one year of employment
• Wellness programs: nutritional counseling services, reimbursement programs for weight loss & tobacco cessation, financial wellness and employee assistance program (EAP)
  
  

To learn more about this role, please click on the blue “Apply Now” button below to submit your application. Have questions about the role? Schedule time to chat with our Talent Acquisition Specialist Jill: https://calendly.com/eastersealsnh-jill/15min

Difficulty submitting your application or scheduling time to chat? Contact Jill at 603-732-7166 or jschuman@eastersealsnh.org

EOE