Program Manager (RECE)

Umbrella-Famil; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Pension plan with employer matching

Generous paid vacation and sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Professional learning and leadership发展

Job summary

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton is seeking a Program Manager (RECE) to lead operations and pedagogy across multiple sites, reporting to the Director of Childcare Programs. The role focuses on people leadership, service quality, and regulatory compliance in a busy childcare network.

You will drive program delivery, support families and staff, manage budgets, and guide teams through change while upholding How Does Learning Happen? and Reggio Emilia-inspired practice.

Qualifications

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Ten or more years in a childcare centre and five or more years in people management.
• Experience overseeing operations, staffing, enrollment, and program administration.
• Knowledge of budgeting, problem solving, decision making, and organizational planning.
• Familiarity with CCEYA, How Does Learning Happen?, and responsive pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and performance management to Supervisors and program teams across multiple sites.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple child care programs, including staffing, scheduling, enrollment, occupancy, compliance, and program support.
• Support and monitor program quality to ensure alignment with How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio-inspired pedagogy.
• Support financial and operational accountability, including budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
• Analyze operational needs and implement strategies that support organizational effectiveness, service quality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support teams through change management initiatives while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• Build strong relationships with families, school partners, community stakeholders, and internal leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with the CCEYA, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and health and safety standards.
• Participate in organizational planning, leadership initiatives, and strategic priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Operations management

Communication

Relationship-building

Staff development

Education

RECE Certification

Job description

Program Manager (RECE)

Permanent, Full-Time

Annual Salary: $ 80,000 to $95,000

Join a team of passionate educators who are pioneers in their field, contributing to our esteemed 35-year reputation as leaders in early childhood education. Here, you’re not just encouraged — you’re certain to thrive, supported by a dedicated team of educators, leaders, and impactful resources.

Starting a career with means stepping into a role where you can make a meaningful impact during children’s formative years while contributing to the growth and success of a dynamic multi-site organization.

Join Umbrella Family and become part of a community where your voice matters and your contributions are valued.

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton operates full-day early learning and child care centres for infant, toddler, and preschool children, as well as extended day programs before and after school for kindergarten and school-age children throughout the Greater Hamilton Area.

We are currently recruiting for a collaborative, reflective, and operationally focused Program Manager (RECE) to join our Leadership Team.

As a large multi-site licensed childcare organization operating within HWDSB schools, Umbrella Family is committed to delivering high-quality early learning programs grounded in How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy.

Reporting to the Director of Childcare Programs, the Program Manager will provide operational, pedagogical, and people leadership across multiple child care locations. This role requires a strong leader who can effectively drive operations, support organizational priorities, lead teams through growth and change, and ensure high-quality service delivery across programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and performance management to Supervisors and program teams across multiple sites.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple child care programs, including staffing, scheduling, enrollment, occupancy, compliance, and program support.
• Support and monitor program quality to ensure alignment with How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio-inspired pedagogy.
• Support financial and operational accountability, including budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
• Analyze operational needs and implement strategies that support organizational effectiveness, service quality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support teams through change management initiatives while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• Build strong relationships with families, school partners, community stakeholders, and internal leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with the CCEYA, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and health and safety standards.
• Participate in organizational planning, leadership initiatives, and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Ten (10) years of experience working within a childcare centre and five (5) years of people management experience
• Demonstrated experience overseeing operations, staffing, enrollment management, and program administration.
• Strong business and operational acumen, including experience with budgeting, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational planning.
• Strong knowledge of the CCEYA, How Does Learning Happen?, and responsive pedagogy.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working within not-for-profit and/or unionized environments is considered an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.

A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and current Standard First Aid/CPR certification are required.

Why Join Umbrella Family?

Umbrella Family offers a supportive, collaborative, and values-driven work environment committed to leadership development, diversity, belonging, and continuous learning.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Pension plan with employer matching
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional learning and leadership development opportunities

Commitment to Accessibility

Umbrella Family is committed to providing accommodations in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodations during the hiring process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure

This organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI) systems or automated decision-making technologies in the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for employment. All applications are evaluated exclusively through a human review process conducted by Human Resources personnel and hiring managers.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization.