Center Director

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring; Alvin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO & paid holidays

Health, dental, vision insurance &

403(b) Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted Gym Memberships

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring seeks a Center Director to lead a Head Start center in Alvin, TX. You will ensure program adherence to Head Start standards, licensing requirements, and local regulations while supervising staff, coordinating family engagement, and maintaining smooth operations.

The role requires strong leadership, budget oversight, and collaboration with leadership to achieve program goals in a year‑round setting.

Qualifications

• Child Development Associate or similar credential with 2+ years licensed childcare center experience.
• Alternative: Early Childhood Administrator credential plus 2+ years licensed center experience.
• Other: 9 college credits in child development and 9 in business management with 3+ years licensed center experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee teaching and center staff, ensuring high‑quality educational experiences.
• Ensure safety, health, and regulatory compliance for Head Start and licensing standards.
• Monitor data (attendance/assessments) and communicate with families and staff.
• Manage budget and coordinate with leadership and vendors for cost efficiency.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and staff development, promoting program goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Staff supervision

Child development knowledge

Education

CDA or CCPP credential

Early Childhood Administrator’s credential

BS in ECE/Child Development (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Center Director

US-TX-Alvin

# of Openings: 1

Category: Head Start

Upbring

Overview

Locations: Alvin

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

A Center Director is responsible for ensuring that the Head Start Center adheres to Upbring standards, Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing Minimum Standards, as well as other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements concerning Early Head Start and Head Start education.

* This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise the teaching and center staff, ensuring high-quality educational experiences for children. Collaborate with leadership to ensure the program’s success and maintain compliance with all regulations and standards
• Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all children and staff at all times. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Coordinate the completion and monitoring of essential data (e.g., attendance, assessments, home visits) and maintain open communication with families, staff, and supervisors. Produce and distribute monthly newsletters and other communications as needed
• Manage the center’s budget, ensuring expenditures align with the fiscal philosophy of the program. Collaborate with Regional Director and vendors for cost-effective operations, repairs, and maintenance while adhering to budget constraints
• Foster a positive, nurturing work environment by working closely with staff, leadership, and other stakeholders. Collaborate with staff on child development, classroom management, and program goals, ensuring that all regulatory standards are met
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all interactions with staff, children, families, and the community to foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse backgrounds
• Work with family engagement staff to coordinate family activities, meetings, and community events. Build and maintain strong relationships with families, staff, and the community to ensure a supportive learning environment
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, prioritizing and scheduling necessary repairs in partnership with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations. Ensure that resources and supplies are ordered, maintained, and meet program requirements
• Lead by example, model Upbring’s core values, and maintain professional relationships with staff and stakeholders. Support the hiring, onboarding, and development of staff, fostering a strong team culture focused on program success and continuous improvement
• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence.
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, on-going, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
• Work closely with management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
• Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff
• Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A Child Development Associate credential or Certified Child-Care Professional credential with six college credit hours in business management AND at least two (2) years of experience in licensed childcare center

OR

• Early Childhood Administrator’s credential issued by a professional organization or educational institution and approved by Licensing based on criteria specified in Subchapter P of Chapter 745 of this title, (relating to Early Childhood Administrator’s Credential Program), AND at least two (2) years of experience in a licensed child-care center

OR

• Nine (9) college credit hours in child development and nine (9) college credit hours in business management AND at least three (3) years of experience in a licensed child-care center
• Computer skills with proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• Five (5) years of experience with Head Start or similar school readiness programs
• Experience with inclusion of children with disabilities
• Knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety licensing requirements
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) with the ability to fluently converse and write in Spanish (based on student population and service area), highly preferred
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 10%

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Gym Memberships

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time being mobile to coordinate events
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.