Center Director/Field Director (Johnson ELC & Grace ELC)

Ymcamemphis; August (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Center/Field Director to lead a vibrant childcare environment. This role emphasizes fostering growth for children, families, and staff through exemplary leadership and adherence to quality standards. You will oversee program operations, ensure compliance with licensing requirements, and develop strong community ties. Your commitment to nurturing relationships and promoting a collaborative atmosphere will be key in achieving program goals. If you are passionate about early childhood education and thrive in a dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience in full-time care and childcare administration.
• Must meet DHS licensing requirements and YMCA standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure program exceeds accreditation standards and fosters child development.
• Lead hiring processes and staff development initiatives.
• Maintain effective communication with families and staff.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Crisis Management

Child Development Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Master's in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Computer Literacy

Job description

Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Center / Field Director is responsible for fostering an environment that allows children, their families, and the staff to develop to their full potential. The Center/ Field Director is accountable for program operation that exceeds accreditation or quality rating criteria and incorporates the YMCA’s Memphis and The Mid-South’s mission, culture, goals, values, philosophies, policies and development of an inclusive environment and positive relationships with families, children, staff and partners. Although the Center / Field Director will be accountable for each of the responsibilities outlined below, Center / Field Director roles will vary depending on location size, structure, and partner relationship. Center / Field Directors are encouraged to delegate responsibilities as is appropriate. Center / Field Director will review important decisions with the Regional Manager and be responsive to the requirements of the YMCA Memphis and The Mid- South home office. Center / Field Director will model exemplary employee behavior in each of the following categories and all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Child-Oriented Practices

• Ensure location exceeds all state and local guidelines, and that all staff implement the YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South values, philosophies and policies.
• Lead the location through the local / state accreditation process within two years of opening and annually or as designated, if applicable.
• Evaluate classroom curriculum and environments quarterly. Review action plans developed by Program Staff i.e. Field Education and Training Specialist, Instructional Coach, Educational Coordinator, or Lead Educator and classroom teams, and monitor progress toward program goals to achieve location goals. Conduct annual program needs assessment.
• Provide support and resources for location program staff on program development.
• Develop and maintain a list of community resources and social service referral agencies.
• Serve as a resource for the location leadership team in identifying variables in child’s development, informing families, and making appropriate referrals, as needed. Guide staff through family conferences and parent partnerships.

Hiring

• Ensure that relationships have been established within the community, colleges, high schools, diversity organizations, local resource and referral agencies, etc.
• Ensure all staff hired meet YMCA Memphis and The Mid-south standards and have skills, knowledge and personal attributes needed for successful performance.
• Partner with YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South HRBP in process of screening, interviewing, and hiring center staff and other administrative team members. Interview staff as needed to ensure hiring standards are met.
• Ensure that benefits, personnel policies, and payroll processing are implemented according to company standards. This is done in collaboration with YMCA Memphis and The Mid-south HRBP.
• Ensure staff receive new employee orientation and are oriented to YMCA Memphis and The Mid-south policies and philosophies. Conduct regular location orientation for staff in these areas: philosophy, program quality, lines of communication, and role clarification.

Supervision

• Assure the YMCA Memphis and 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.
• Ensure implementation of all duties as described in job descriptions of center staff and other administrative team members.
• Conduct bi-annual evaluation of performance of center staff and other 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.
• Partner with YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South HRBP when providing center staff any and all instances of progressive counseling, disciplinary action and if necessary, separation in accordance with EEOC, federal, state, local, and company guidelines.
• Review of the program and administrative staff’s job performance appraisals. Review staff job performance appraisals as needed.

Retention / Team Building

• Develop effective center staff communication systems.
• Meet regularly with the assistant director, program staff and administrative team and lead center staff meetings. Support the implementation and practice of classroom/team meetings.
• Advise assistant director and program staff on team building strategies, and ensure assistant director, program staff, and administrative team build strong teaching teams.
• Support and sustain positive morale.
• Review staff survey results with assistant directors, program staff, and administrative team, establish an action plan to address issues raised via the Focus Group model.
• Develop programs to achieve staff retention and limit teacher turnover. Maintain turnover rate lower than company average.

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.
• Model positive attitude, respect and professional interactions with families.
• Assure that ongoing staff/family communication systems: daily communication, children’s progress reports, and family conferences are completed according to YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South standards.
• Participate in all conferences which are potentially difficult or sensitive.
• Be available and accessible to families every day and respond to family concerns. Arrange schedule so that the center leadership team or director designee are available to open and/or close the building.
• Develop and lead family advisory board or parent partnership group, 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 quality rating 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 the YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South Emergency Protocol.
• Ensure that all licenses, permits and labor law posters are current.
• Follow appropriate procedures for Bloodborne Pathogen exposure control.
• Advise staff on all incidents of abuse or neglect.

Marketing and Enrollment

• Confirm that assistant directors and administrative team implement company guidelines, maintaining family master file, accurately updating weekly statistics, following appropriate telephone protocol, conducting family tours, and promoting parent/guardian referral program. Consult with the Marketing Department, Enrollment Manager, Regional Manager, and Call Center as appropriate.
• Lead special marketing efforts during key enrollment periods (August, October, January, and Spring registration). Maintain on-going marketing efforts during the remainder of the year to sustain enrollment.
• Market program to community (e.g., visiting local businesses, and distributing flyers) if needed.
• Guarantee location meets the specific enrollment targets/goals.
• Ensure the Enrollment Manager maintains active waiting lists to ensure that available slots are filled quickly.

Financial

• Develop center budget in conjunction with Regional Manager, SVP EL and YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South Finance Department.
• Keep center expenses within budget. Monitor controllable. 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 center.
• Immediately address poor financial performance.
• Maintain accurate and current financial records; collect and record tuition payments, according to YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South guidelines.
• Monitor and respond to accounts receivable, expectation is “0” accounts receivable.

Center Maintenance

• Assure a clean, safe, child-ready center always.
• Oversee contractors, (i.e., cleaning, landscaping, snow removal, etc.)
• Ensure that the location is attractive and inviting with careful thought given to displays.

Professionalism

• Positively project the organization, goals, philosophies, and policies to families, staff, and the community.
• Attend and actively participate in monthly center director meetings, division functions, and training.
• Establish relationships with the local early childhood community and actively participate in community groups.
• Model flexibility and openness to new ideas in childcare practices.
• Practice confidentiality with staff and family information.
• Continue on-going professional growth.

Physical Demands

• Follow state, federal and YMCA Memphis and 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.

Sponsor Partnership Responsibilities (when applicable)

• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with sponsors that is sensitive to corporate culture and changing corporate needs.
• May communicate routinely with sponsors, informing them of any appropriate location issues.
• Take a proactive approach to problem solving and follow through on action steps established with sponsor in partnership with Regional Manager and or SVP Early Learning.
• Involve partners in development of budget and inform them of any deviation throughout the year. This is done in partnership with Regional Manager and or SVP Early Learning.
• Participate in sponsor meetings, seminars, and functions when delegated and appropriate.
• Always present a professional demeanor.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must meet all other required qualifications set by DHS - Child care Licensing. Additional center requirements may apply as well.
• BA in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• Master’s degree in early childhood education preferred.
• Six to Eight years’ experience in the field of full-time care. A combination of infant, toddler or preschool teaching experience and actual administration of a childcare center.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Well versed in state accreditation, quality rating, and licensing standards.
• Strong knowledge in developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Responds well to unusual or crisis situations.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Capacity to understand and manage center financial duties.
• Computer literacy required.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of families and staff.
• Experience working in a corporate environment is preferred.
• Experience working in an inclusive work environment and managing across differences. Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.

* At hire, or earliest possible training (but no later than 90 days after employment.) First Aid and CPR Training.

** Prior to beginning child care duties. TB test or signed statement from a medical provider showing negative results for tuberculosis.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The full time work schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm, though evenings, and weekends work may be required at certain times of the year. Flexible work schedule required. Work schedules may vary per the needs of the specific ELC site.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping.
• Some Exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms.
• Exposure to some chemical elements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.