Associate Executive Director

Description

About Healthy Kids Programs

Healthy Kids Programs is a rapidly growing provider of Before & After School, and Summer Camp programs serving over 150 locations across thirteen states. We’re a certified benefit corporation, an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, and we’re on a mission to make high-quality, accessible childcare a reality for today’s families—while building meaningful career pathways for our team along the way.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Real impact. You’ll lead programs that shape the daily lives of children and families—not push paper from the sidelines.
• Growth with a purpose. We’re expanding into new regions, and this role puts you at the center of that momentum with clear paths for advancement.
• A team that cares. You’ll work alongside passionate, mission-driven people who genuinely love what they do.
• Your development matters too. We invest in our leaders with professional development as we scale.

The Role

We’re looking for a strategic, hands-on leader to take the reins of our Birmingham, AL programs. As Associate Executive Director, you’ll oversee Area Directors, their teams, and a Training Specialist—making sure our operations run smoothly, our enrollment grows, and our staff thrive. You’ll be the person who builds the infrastructure, develops future leaders, and drives results across the Birmingham Public Schools.

This isn’t a desk job. You’ll be visiting sites weekly, coaching directors one-on-one, and staying closely connected to what’s happening on the ground. Compensation growth and long-term advancement are directly tied to measurable results in expansion, financial performance, program quality, and team development.

What You’ll Do

Grow Brimingham

• Lead strategic market expansion across Birmingham Public Schools
• Partner with school leadership to drive enrollment during the academic year and for Summer Camps
• Collaborate with Area Directors to ensure successful program execution at every site
• Strengthen the Healthy Kids brand presence throughout Birmingham

Run Excellent Operations

• Ensure all programs meet regulatory guidelines and state-specific requirements
• Oversee training, compliance, curriculum implementation, monthly observations, and weekly site visits
• Conduct monthly fire and safety drill audits
• Manage budgets and control costs while maintaining high program quality

Build and Develop Your Team

• Mentor and coach Area Directors through weekly one-on-one meetings
• Hold monthly group meetings with Site Directors, Area Directors, and the Training Specialist
• Develop future leaders through SACC credential and CDA programs
• Prioritize new staff check-ins and team connectivity across sites
• Partner with Recruiting to proactively post positions, schedule interviews, and hire as needed
• Coordinate regularly with Marketing, Registration, and HR to keep everything moving

Strengthen Relationships & Culture

• Maintain strong working relationships with school administrators, parents, staff, and licensors
• Build regional leadership capacity and succession plans
• Foster a results-driven, collaborative, and positive culture—modeling a “can-do” attitude in a safe, family-friendly environment

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• 5–10 years of senior management experience
• 5–10 years in childcare, youth development, education, or a similar field
• Proven track record leading multi-site operations
• History of driving revenue growth and operational excellence
• Strong financial acumen and strategic planning ability
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Early Childhood Education or related field)

Who You Are

• A strategic thinker with a growth mindset and a bias toward action
• An excellent communicator who builds trust and strong relationships
• A self-starter with high accountability and sharp organizational skills
• A confident leader with professional presence who can manage regional teams effectively

Employment is contingent upon completion of standard background and reference checks, in accordance with applicable laws.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program, available on the days you are working with us
• Health coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Supplemental plans: AFLAC options available
• Retirement: 401(k) for eligible employees
• Time off: Paid holidays, PTO, and sick leave
• Career growth: Robust development and advancement opportunities

Healthy Kids Programs is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.