Executive Center Director (Early Learning)

Description

The Executive Center Director is responsible for leading the Center in a manner that  fosters an environment that allows children, their families, and the staff to develop to their full potential. The Executive Director is accountable for program operation that exceeds QRIS and or National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) criteria and incorporates YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South' mission, culture, goals, four core values (caring, honesty respect, and responsibility), philosophies, and policies and development of an inclusive environment and positive relationships with families, children, staff and sponsors. 

Requirements

Child-Oriented Practices

• Ensure location exceeds NAEYC guidelines, and that all staff implement YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South’ values, philosophies and policies.
• Lead the location through the NAEYC accreditation process and every three years thereafter, if applicable.
• Evaluate classroom curriculum and environments quarterly. Review action plans developed by Education Coordinators and classroom teams and monitor progress toward program goals to achieve location goals. Conduct annual program needs assessment.
• Provide support and resources for Education Coordinators, Senior Lead Teachers on program development.
• Develop and maintain a list of community resources and social service referral agencies.

Hiring

• Ensure that relationships have been established within the community, colleges, high schools, diversity organizations, local resource and referral agencies, etc.
• Ensure staff receive new employee orientation and are oriented to YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South policies and practices. 

Supervision

• Assure the YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South job performance appraisal expectations are met for all staff including three month review, six month review, annual JPA, goal setting, and observation and feedback.
• Conduct bi-annual evaluation of performance of direct reports; guide them in development of individual goals for professional growth, and monitor progress towards achieving these goals.
• Develop key staff to share leadership roles in the location.
• Advise Education Coordinators, Senior Lead Teachers in all instances of progressive counseling, disciplinary action and if necessary, separation in accordance with EEOC, federal, state, local, and company guidelines.

Retention/Team Building

• Develop effective staff communication systems.
• Implement team building strategies.
• Support and sustain positive morale.
• Establish action plan to address issues/concerns.
• Develop programs to achieve staff retention and limit teacher turnover. 

Family Communication

• Instill in staff a strong sense of, and the need for, customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain a sense of community through family involvement. Implement programs to achieve family retention.
• Participate in all conferences, which are potentially difficult or sensitive.
• Be available and accessible to families every day, and respond to family concerns. A
• Develop and lead family advisory board, family orientation program and other family events, seminars and social functions.
• Share resources with parents through discussions, articles, parent boards, newsletters, workshops and community contacts.

Health, Safety, and Licensing

• Confirm that NAEYC standards, QRIS standards and state licensing requirements are met in all the following areas, health and safety conditions; nutrition; staff files, qualifications and schedules; staff/child ratios, and children’s files.
• Follow appropriate procedures for Bloodborne Pathogen exposure control.

Marketing and Enrollment

• Lead special marketing efforts during key enrollment periods (August, October, January, and Spring registration). Maintain on-going marketing efforts during remainder of year to sustain enrollment.
• Market program to community (e.g., visiting local businesses, and distributing flyers) if needed.
• Ensure enrollment targets/goals are met/exceeded.
• Ensure that available slots are filled quickly.

Financial

• Develop & manage budget in conjunction with Regional Manage, and SVP.
• Understand and implement labor management system (staff schedules and rosters, promotion and raise guidelines).
• Monitor Profit and Loss (P&L) report and general ledger monthly for total location.
• Immediately address poor financial performance.
• Maintain accurate and current financial records; collect and record tuition payments, according to YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South computer financial system.

Center Maintenance

• Assure a clean, safe, child-ready center always.
• Oversee contractors, (i.e., cleaning, landscaping, snow removal, etc.)

Professionalism

• Positively project the organization, goals, philosophies, and policies to families, staff, and the community.
• Attend and actively participate in Director’s Meetings, region functions, and training.
• Establish relationships with local early childhood community and actively participate in community groups.
• Model flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices.
• Continue on-going professional growth.

Physical Demands

• Follow state, federal and YMCA of Memphis & The Mid South’ guidelines, including immunizations, employment physical, and required Health & Safety Training.
• Lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds, frequently. (Occasionally lift, move or hold weight more than 40 pounds).
• Supervise and interact with children outdoors, for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in a directly related field.
• MINIMUM of 3 years as a Center Director in a licensed childcare facility
• Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Three or more years of administrative and management experience in early childhood programs.
• Ability to meet DHS Director standards in Tennessee & Mississippi.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Well versed in NAEYC accreditation, state QRIS rating system, and licensing standards.
• Strong knowledge in developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Responds well to unusual or crisis situations.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Computer literacy required.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to needs of families and staff.
• Experience working in a sponsorship environment is preferred.
• Experience working in an inclusive work environment and managing across differences. 
• Experience in budget development and fiscal management.  Preferred experience with diverse funding streams (federal, state & private funding). 
• Successful track record of supervising large staff teams.