Executive Director Job Description

About Us:

Little Oaks Academy (LOA) is a daycare facility licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (“DHS”). The purpose of our early childhood education and development program is to promote the development of the total child – physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially, using age-appropriate activities under the guidance of professional, loving, and caring teachers. As a non-profit, LOA operates under a Board of Directors (the Board). The Board is charged with defining the mission, vision, and values of LOA’s early childhood education and development program.

Our Mission

To educate and nurture children in a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment where they are encouraged to learn and grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Academy serves a diverse community with quality instruction based on developmentally appropriate practices.

Our Vision

We aspire to prepare and motivate our children to become lifelong learners by instilling critical thinking skills both inside and outside the classroom. We will accomplish this by providing a welcoming, safe, and affirming learning environment in which everyone is equal, and all achievements are celebrated.

Our Values

▪ Education: Creating a solid foundation to build upon.

▪ Diversity and Inclusion: Building a welcoming and safe environment so all who bring new perspectives and backgrounds are valued and respected.

▪ Integrity: Acting with integrity in all interactions and when representing Little Oaks Academy.

▪ Innovation: Making meaningful change to improve our Little Oaks Academy village and community as well as create new value for stakeholders.

▪ Partnership and Collaboration: Working together to make decisions and achieve our goals.

The Board implements policies, sets goals, conducts long term planning, sets budgets and financial priorities, fundraises, and advocates for the program within the Knoxville community. The Board subsequently delegates management of LOA’s day-to-day operations to the Executive Director. The teachers are, in turn, allowed to devote all their time and talents to providing care for the children.

Position Summary:

LOA’s Board is seeking a self-motivated, charismatic leader to assume the role of Executive Director at LOA. The ideal candidate will lead a work environment consisting of an Assistant Director, Office Manager, Bookkeeper, and approximately 35 teachers to fulfill LOA’s mission, vision, and values. Over time, the Executive Director will assume greater ownership of the broader vision defining LOA’s early childhood education and development program by pursuing external grant opportunities to fund projects, renovations, and operations. To be successful, the Executive Director will need excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate and delegate responsibilities, have a candid demeanor, fiscal responsibility, and demonstrate the ability to find creative solutions in the face of novel challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

As the day-to-day leader of a highly regulated organization, the Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of LOA’s program, including, but not limited to, the following:

▪ Fostering a professional, safe, and ethical educational environment.

▪ Developing a positive culture of cooperation and child-centered care.

▪ Identifying, recruiting, hiring, vetting, on-boarding, mentoring, and managing qualified teachers, support staff, and volunteers.

▪ Marketing and selling LOA’s program.

▪ Maintaining all records accurately and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing both non-profit organizations and childcare programs.

▪ Delegating responsibilities to teachers, support staff, and volunteers appropriately.

▪ Providing supportive and responsive customer service to parents and guardians.

▪ Maintaining knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and working alongside educators to implement evidence-based enrichment and curricula.

▪ Handling discipline and termination of employees in accordance with organizational policy.

▪ Implementing and updating employee and parent policies and procedures.

▪ Preparing budgets and being accountable for the financial health of LOA.

▪ Fostering relationships with donors and other stakeholders to provide opportunities for the best possible care and development of students.

▪ Identifying, evaluating, pursuing, and managing grants opportunities.

▪ Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

The Executive Director must maintain all requirements for the position as mandated by DHS licensed childcare facilities as well as specific requirements for Little Oaks Academy. These requirements include:

▪ A minimum of at least 21 years of age.

▪ A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

▪ A minimum of 2 years of full-time documented work experience with children in a group setting.

▪ Compliance with all licensure-related requirements pertaining to a DHS-regulated daycare, such as passing a criminal background check, becoming certified in CPR and first aid, and undergoing health screenings.

▪ Completion of all required training and coursework required by DHS regulations.

▪ A minimum of 3 years of management experience.

▪ Ability to meet all physical requirements of the position including the ability to lift up to 40 pounds, ability to keep pace with toddlers and preschoolers, ability to work on the floor with infants and toddlers, and ability to maintain stamina and remain alert for eight hours or more.

▪ Familiarity and proficiency with technology and basic work processing.

▪ Experience with budgets, financial reports, and recordkeeping.

▪ Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

▪ Ability to effectively enforce policies and procedures.

▪ Ability to cultivate a positive work environment.

▪ Provide three (3) written, verifiable (non-relative) work references.

Preferred Experience:

While not required, other qualifications that may be considered include previous work in highly regulated fields and a successful track record of grant-writing.

Work Schedule:

The Executive Director is a salaried, year-round employee and is expected to work 40 hours per week. In addition to maintaining routine office hours, attendance at evening and weekend meetings is required from time-to-time. In addition to maintaining office hours, attendance is required at evening training sessions, meetings, fundraisers, and other functions. Please refer to LOA current hours of operation, Monday through Friday.

Compensation and Benefits:

▪ The Executive Director base salary will be $65,000, but applicant’s qualifications, which includes education, training, and experience will be taken under consideration.

▪ Three weeks of paid time off, increasing with longevity.

▪ Reduced tuition for dependents.