Center Director

Job Title: Center Director  

Reports to: Program Manager  

Customary Workdays: Monday through Friday Customary Work Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM  

Job Description: Center Director  

Who are we? Children’s Harbor is a non-profit early childcare center that advocates for access to quality early care and education for all children. Children’s Harbor has been shaping the young minds of children in Hampton Roads since 1911, thus we have helped hundreds of children development emotionally, socially, and cognitively. 

Position Summary: Center Directors are responsible for the total operation of the center in accordance with State Licensing Standards, National Accreditation, and Children’s Harbor’s policies. Directors educate parents, teachers, and community leaders on the incredible value of early childhood education and make that value come to life for the children in their center.  

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or related field required
• Prior experience in a leadership role managing multiple high-level staff, minimum of 3 years 

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or related field is desired. Five or more years of progressive experience and responsibility in childcare or early childhood education are preferred. 

Job responsibilities: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following general areas: 

• Hire, engage, and develop a team of “best in class” educators to be passionate and committed professionals
• Partner with parents with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children
• Manage the daily programing 
• Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners
• Use your business, sales, and marketing savvy to grow presence in the community, leading to the growth of new families and children in our centers 
• Center/Program Quality: Exhibits knowledge of components of developmentally sound programs while providing support and improving all areas of the center
• Health and Safety: Possess thorough knowledge of safety procedures while maintaining a safe and clean indoor and outdoor learning environment 
• Leadership: Provides guidance and motivation to accomplish center and agency goals
• Management: Prioritizes time to effectively accomplish necessary and meaningful results through the demonstration of organization and productivity 

• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Identifies problems and recognizes symptoms, causes. Provides alternate solutions and utilizes available resources to make timely decisions 
• Communication: Uses effective interpersonal communication when listening to staff, children, and parents and delivering personal opinions
• Interactions: Builds a positive rapport with parents, staff, and children 
• Financial Management: Ensures all financial reports are timely and accurate with staff hours, wages, and billing for parents
• Monitoring the center budget to meet enrollment quotas  

Required Skills and Experience:  

• Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment
• NAEYC/NAC, and state licensing knowledge
• Meet state-specific guidelines for the role 
• At least one year of solid leadership experience with the ability to develop, engage, and inspire a team
• Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and multi-task and handle multiple situations effectively
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Budget and financial accountability
• Able to use a computer with basic proficiency, lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors 
• Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity
• Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English

We take care of you! Children’s Harbor has many benefits for you to take advantage of including but not exclusive to: 

• Affordable health benefits

• Premium dental plans (For those pearly whites)
• Retirement Plan (Just in case you do not want to work forever!)
• Generous PTO
• Tuition Reduction
• Professional- FUN- team oriented environment