Child Care Center Director

An Opportunity to Lead, Learn, and Grow!

Are you an experienced early childhood professional ready to take the next step in your career with the support of an experienced, dedicated team?

We are seeking a passionate and motivated Center Director to help lead our early childhood center into its next chapter of success. This is a unique opportunity to grow as a leader while building on 28 years of successful operation, a strong community reputation, and a longstanding commitment to high-quality child care.

As the longest-running nonprofit child care center in Gunnison, our program has a proud history of serving children and families in the community. We are looking for a Center Director who is excited to continue that legacy while bringing their own leadership, ideas, and vision to the program.

You will not be stepping into this role alone! You will join a tenured, knowledgeable team that is ready to provide mentorship, training, collaboration, and ongoing support. Our goal is to help the new Center Director feel confident, connected, and equipped for success. This is an opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, strengthen your leadership skills, and grow alongside a team that cares deeply about children, families, and the future of early childhood education.

If you value teamwork, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young children, we invite you to explore this exciting leadership opportunity.

About the Position

The Center Director is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of programming for all children in the center’s care. This position oversees daily operations, educational programming, staff supervision, enrollment, family partnerships, regulatory compliance, facilities, and long-term program planning.

Working closely with the Administrative Team—which includes the Executive Director, Finance Director, and Program Coordinator—the Center Director helps ensure that the needs of children, families, and staff are met while advancing the center’s mission and goals.

With the support of an experienced team, the Center Director will have the opportunity to build on established strengths, develop new ideas, and contribute to the continued success of a respected community program.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership and Educational Quality

• Maintain high standards for program quality, child safety, and staff performance in accordance with state and local requirements.
• Develop and oversee educational curriculum and collaborate with teachers to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Support teaching staff in addressing behavioral and learning challenges using positive, evidence-informed strategies.
• Step into classroom teaching responsibilities when needed to support program continuity.
• Maintain a professional development plan and participate in ongoing learning and quality improvement.

Staff Supervision and Team Development

• Oversee staff supervision, scheduling, and personnel management.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and professional team environment.
• Work with the Administrative Team and experienced colleagues to strengthen leadership practices and support staff success.
• Ensure staff receive required training in health, safety, emergency procedures, and other relevant areas.

Family and Community Partnerships

• Build positive, respectful relationships with current and prospective families.
• Communicate with families about program activities, policies, enrollment procedures, and children's experiences.
• Maintain effective communication through conversations, newsletters, parent handbooks, and other appropriate methods.
• Coordinate community outreach to strengthen relationships and promote the program’s positive reputation.

Enrollment and Administrative Management

• Manage enrollment, maintain the waiting list, and oversee student records.
• Approve menus and food purchases.
• Oversee the purchasing of supplies and materials.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Team on budgetary, operational, and administrative needs.

Health, Safety, Compliance, and Facilities

• Oversee illness and emergency procedures, including arranging medical attention for ill or injured children in accordance with program policies.
• Maintain positive relationships with child care licensing and other regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable child care licensing requirements, employment laws, safety regulations, insurance requirements, workers’ compensation, and other legal obligations.
• Oversee the maintenance, safety, and upkeep of the facility and grounds.

Strategic Planning and Professional Growth

• Implement strategic plans and goals aligned with the program’s mission.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Team to address program needs and support long-term success.
• Participate in professional meetings, conferences, and required training opportunities.
• Contribute ideas and leadership to strengthen the program while honoring its 28-year history and community relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Meets applicable Colorado child care director qualifications and/or holds a Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential at Level 3–6.
• Professional experience in an early childhood education setting.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with children, staff, and families.
• Strong organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, children, families, and community partners.
• Proficiency with technology and common administrative tasks.
• Current infant/child CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification as required.
• Successful completion of required criminal history background checks and child protection central registry checks.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to actively support a preschool learning environment and perform routine administrative and classroom duties. Physical requirements include bending, crouching, kneeling, sitting on chairs or the floor, reaching, leaning over work surfaces, and pushing or pulling instructional equipment and supplies. The role also involves prolonged computer use and routinely lifting or carrying materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting Annual Salary: $64,200

Benefits include:

• Child care tuition assistance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Professional development opportunities
• Colorado SecureSavings retirement savings program
• Eligibility for applicable Gunnison County and State of Colorado early childhood educator stipends and tax credits

Employment Details

• Full-time, 36–40 hours per week
• Part-time considered for the right candidate
• Year-round employment
• In-person, on-site position
• Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM–5:15 PM availability

Continue a Legacy. Build Your Future.

For 28 years, our nonprofit child care center has been an important part of the Gunnison community. Now, we are looking for a Center Director who wants to help shape its next chapter.

Join a team that values experience, collaboration, mentorship, and shared success. Bring your passion for early childhood education and your ideas for the future, knowing you will have an experienced team beside you as you grow into the role.

If you are ready to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators, we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to welcoming our next Center Director!

Pay: From $64,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person