Early Childhood Development Center Director

Your interest in this position and application is very important to us. We will respond to your application within one business day.

Our client is looking for an experienced early childhood professional to join their EHS/Head Start program in New Mexico as an Early Childhood Development Center Director. This individual will be responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and day-to-day operation of the assigned Early Childhood Development Center and, when applicable, satellite locations.

The ideal candidate will be a strong, organized leader who understands early childhood program operations, regulatory compliance, staff development, family engagement, and the unique requirements of Head Start programming.

• This is a Direct Hire position with the organization
• Early Childhood Development Center Director
• Program: EHS/Head Start
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Reports To: EHS/Head Start Director
• Some extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required
  
  

Compensation

• $55,000–$59,000/year, based on education and relevant experience
  
  

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Other benefits may be discussed during the interview process
  
  

Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall administration, coordination, and daily operation of the assigned Early Childhood Development Center
• Ensure the center operates in compliance with applicable State and Federal licensing regulations, agency standards, and requirements related to the safety, health, and educational well-being of children, families, and staff
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements for programs operating within the center, including Head Start Performance Standards
• Manage center administrative functions and implement organizational policies, procedures, and directives
• Provide performance feedback and management input for key program staff working within a matrix-management structure
• Support staff professional development, monthly monitoring, and annual performance evaluations
• Plan and conduct monthly staff meetings and in-service training
• Attend required meetings and communicate relevant information to center staff
• Maintain accurate and complete program records, including student, staff, financial, parent involvement, attendance, meal count, and in-kind contribution records
• Oversee enrollment for early childhood development programs
• Support the ongoing recruitment of children and families into available programs
• Determine and document eligibility for children participating in early childhood development programs
• Participate in organizational committees, special projects, and other center initiatives as needed
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with preschool-aged children and families
• Must meet applicable childcare licensing requirements for a Center Manager
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must successfully complete required FBI criminal background investigation and fingerprinting
• Must successfully complete the organization's required health screening
• Valid New Mexico driver's license required
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong ability to understand and interpret regulatory, financial, legal, and technical information
• Ability to respond professionally to questions or concerns from families, staff, regulatory agencies, and community partners
• Comfortable presenting information to organizational leadership, public groups, the Head Start Policy Council, and/or the Grantee Board
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment and the ability to remain effective during challenging or crisis situations
• Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and use supervision and feedback constructively
• Strong organizational skills with attention to documentation, compliance, and program operations
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Work is generally performed in an office and early childhood center environment
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
  
  

Why Join?

If you are an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys leading teams, supporting children and families, and maintaining high-quality programs, we encourage you to apply today. This is an opportunity to take ownership of center operations while working within an established Early Head Start/Head Start program focused on serving children, families, and the surrounding community.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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