Executive Director

Dartmouth Day Care; Dartmouth; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth Day Care Centre in Dartmouth, NS, seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead operations, staff, and program quality. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will direct financial management, compliance, and community partnerships to support high-quality early learning.

You will implement modern systems and technology to strengthen efficiency, equity, and inclusion across the centre, while guiding strategic growth and ensuring safe, welcoming environments for children and families.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 or Level 3 ECE classification recognized by Nova Scotia.
• Postsecondary education in ECE, Child Development, Education, Non-Profit Management, or Business Administration is an asset.
• Previous leadership/management experience in licensed child care, non-profit, or community settings is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Nova Scotia ECE legislation, licensing, employment standards, and funding environment.
• Experience with financial oversight and technology-enabled systems.
• Background checks (criminal record, vulnerable sector, child abuse registry) completed or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership to the centre and staff.
• Oversee program quality, regulatory compliance and operations.
• Strengthen systems, processes and technology for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Build relationships with families, the board and community partners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder engagement

Financial oversight

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Level 2/3 ECE classification

Postsecondary education asset

Job description

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evenings or additional hours as required to support Centre operations, meetings, and events.

Term: Full time, Permanent

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Deadline: October 9, 2026

About Dartmouth Day Care Centre

Dartmouth Day Care Centre is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive early learning and child care where children feel safe, supported, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow.

Working in partnership with families, educators, and the community, we strive to create a welcoming environment that supports the development and well-being of every child in our care.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and successful operation of Dartmouth Day Care Centre. The role provides leadership to staff, oversees program quality, regulatory compliance, financial and administrative operations, and builds strong relationships with families, the board, and community partners.

A key priority for the Executive Director will be strengthening organizational systems, processes, and technology to support efficient and effective Centre operations.

Education & Experience

• Level 2 or Level 3 Early Childhood Educator classification recognized by the Province of Nova Scotia, as required for a facility director.
• Postsecondary education in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, or a related field is considered an asset.
• Leadership or management experience, preferably within licensed child care, early learning, non-profit, or community-based settings.
  A minimum of 5 years experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and inclusive early learning environments.
• Strong knowledge of Nova Scotia’s early learning and child care legislation, regulations, licensing requirements, employment standards, occupational health and safety requirements, and funding environment.
• Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, organizational administration, policy development, technology-enabled systems, and working with Boards or community partners.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Successful completion of required criminal record, vulnerable sector, and child abuse registry checks.
  

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a people-centred, organized, and confident leader who leads with empathy, integrity, consistency, and sound judgment. They are collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented; communicate
clearly and confidently, including when navigating difficult conversations; and are able to balance strategic leadership with the day-to-day realities of a child care environment.

They embrace innovation and continuous improvement and are committed to equity, inclusion, belonging and high-quality early learning and child care.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

Dartmouth Day Care Centre is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Applicants requiring accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process are encouraged to let us know.