Early Learning Center Director

Ymc; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whatcom Family YMCA is seeking an Early Learning Center Director to lead daily operations of the center in Bellingham, WA. You will guide staff, ensure safe, developmentally appropriate care, and maintain strong family communication.

You’ll oversee budgeting and program evaluation, ensure licensing compliance, and recruit and mentor a mission-driven team to serve diverse families in the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with youth ages birth–five.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience (paid or volunteer).
• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, child development, education, recreation, or related field.
• DCYF qualifications established for role.
• Skills in budgeting, enrollment management, and program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily Early Learning Center operations.
• Manage scheduling, purchasing, meal coordination, and family communications.
• Ensure full compliance with state, county, and local licensing regulations.
• Uphold YMCA safety standards and youth protection policies.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop high-quality staff and volunteers.
• Engage families and school district partners; foster inclusive programs.
• Support marketing, outreach, and fundraising efforts to grow programs.

Skills

Leadership

Staff Management

Budgeting

Communication

Youth Development

Program Evaluation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in youth development or related field

DCYF qualifications

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $34.00 - $40.00 Hourly

Lead. Inspire. Make a Lasting Impact.

What You’ll Do

As the Early Learning Center Director, you’ll serve as the heart of your center — guiding daily operations, nurturing staff, and ensuring every child receives safe, enriching, and developmentally appropriate care.

Leadership & Operations

• Direct and oversee daily early learning center operations
• Manage scheduling, purchasing, meal coordination, and family communications
• Ensure full compliance with state, county, and local licensing regulations
• Uphold YMCA safety standards and youth protection policies

Financial & Program Management

• Develop and manage program budgets to meet fiscal goals
• Monitor program statistics and participation to evaluate impact
• Support billing processes (CACFP, DCYF WCCC, and other third-party payers)
• Assess and expand programs to meet evolving community needs

Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and develop high-quality staff and volunteers
• Ensure all certifications remain current
• Provide performance feedback and cultivate a motivated, mission-driven team

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with families and school district partners
• Ensure programs are culturally relevant, inclusive, and welcoming
• Assist with marketing, outreach, and fundraising efforts
• Foster a center environment rooted in trust, safety, and belonging

Our Commitment to Equity

Everything we do at the YMCA is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are committed to eliminating barriers to access, addressing disparities in health and education, supporting working families, and nurturing the next generation of changemakers.

We proudly create inclusive spaces that welcome individuals of all:

• Races and ethnicities
• Gender identities and sexual orientations
• Abilities
• Ages
• Religions
• Socioeconomic backgrounds

Why Join the YMCA?

• Purpose-driven leadership role with measurable community impact
• Supportive, collaborative culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• The ability to shape inclusive programs that empower children and families

We’re seeking a mission-driven leader who brings both heart and operational excellence to early childhood education. Our ideal candidate will have:

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with youth ages birth–five
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience, including paid or volunteer roles
• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, child development, education, recreation, outdoor education, or a related field
• Educational and experience qualifications established by Department of Child Youth and Families (DCYF)
• Skills in budgeting, enrollment management, and program evaluation
• Proven success supervising, mentoring, and motivating diverse teams
• Strong understanding of positive youth development principles
• Excellent communication skills with youth and adults
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and teams effectively
• Ability to relate to diverse populations across social and economic backgrounds
• Prior leadership experience as a classroom lead, assistant director, or center director

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.