Executive Director – River Road Early Learning Center

Warren Whitney; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental and vision insurance

Short-term disability

403(b) retirement

PTO 20 days

Eight paid holidays

CE allowance $1000

Job summary

River Road Early Learning Center in Richmond, VA, seeks an Executive Director to lead its purpose-driven early childhood program. The role combines strategic leadership, curriculum development, staff supervision, and strong financial oversight within a church-affiliated, non-profit setting.

As a full-time, on-site position, you will collaborate with the River Road Presbyterian Church and the Ministry Board to drive enrollment, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe, welcoming

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in ECE or related field.
• Minimum 3 years supervisory experience and classroom teaching infants through JK.
• Experience in a highly rated early childhood center or school.
• Strong operational and financial management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication; proficiency with Word/Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to advance RRELC's mission and program excellence.
• Develop and implement curriculum aligned with play-based philosophy and guidelines.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-quality teachers and staff.
• Oversee daily operations, enrollment, and regulatory compliance; communicate with board.
• Develop budgets, monitor financial performance, and tuition strategy.
• Ensure health, safety, and licensing compliance; lead safety drills and policies.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Classroom teaching (infants–JK)

Operational management

Financial management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

Website maintenance

Job description

The Opportunity

River Road Early Learning Center (https://rrelc.org/), a vital ministry of River Road Presbyterian Church, seeks an inspiring and experienced Executive Director to lead our dynamic early childhood education program. While RRELC is a ministry of the church, it is not a Christian school; its educational approach centers on purposeful, play-based learning and developmental best practices. RRELC serves children from age 6 weeks through Junior Kindergarten in a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and school readiness. As a school with a formal curriculum, RRELC integrates structured, developmentally appropriate learning throughout the school day and into its after-school enrichment program. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader who is passionate about early childhood education to shape the future of a highly respected school within a collaborative, mission-driven community.

The Organization

Located adjacent to Collegiate School in Richmond, VA, RRELC is committed to providing high-quality care and education in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. The Center operates under the guidelines of the Virginia Department of Education (Religious Exempt status), is an approved subsidy vendor, and participates in the VQB5 program. RRELC offers year-round programming, including a summer camp, and maintains strong ties with the church, families, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Provide visionary leadership to advance RRELC's mission, ensuring program excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement curriculum aligned with the Center's philosophy, current research, and state guidelines, emphasizing play-based, age-appropriate learning.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment for children, families, and staff.
• Remain current with trends in early childhood education and actively engage in relevant professional organizations.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain high-quality teachers and staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive culture.
• Oversee staff supervision, evaluation, and professional development, promoting career growth and team cohesion.
• Ensure staffing meets regulatory requirements and supports optimal teacher-to-student ratios.

Operations and Administration

• Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, enrollment, waitlist management, and compliance with all regulatory and church policies.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to drive enrollment and community engagement.
• Maintain accurate records, manage communications, and ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Collaborate with church leadership and the RRELC Ministry Board, providing regular reports on key performance, financials, and program activities.

Financial Management

• In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, develop and manage annual budgets, monitor financial performance, and recommend tuition or contract changes.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in all Center operations.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of safety procedures, drills, and child protection policies.

What Makes This Role Compelling

• Impact: Lead a well-established, mission-driven center with a reputation for excellence in early childhood education.
• Community: Work closely with a supportive church, engaged families, and a dedicated team to nurture young learners.
• Growth: Shape the Center's vision, drive program innovation, and build strong connections within the early childhood education community.
• Leadership: Empower a talented staff, influence the next generation, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in early childhood education or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience and classroom teaching experience with infants through junior kindergarten.
• Experience in a highly rated early childhood center or school.
• Strong operational and financial management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; proficiency in Word, Excel, and website maintenance.
• Current certifications in CPR (infant, child, adult), First Aid, and Medical Assistance Training.
• Strong emotional intelligence with an ability to be a strong leader who is also skilled in diplomacy.

Compensation Package Includes

• Annual salary range of $75,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience and education
• Dental and vision insurance provided
• Short-term disability insurance available
• 403(b) retirement account available through RRPC
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) of 20 days per year
• Eight paid holidays per year
• Continuing education allowance of $1000 per year

Location

This is a full-time, on-site position at River Road Early Learning Center in Richmond, VA. Active presence and engagement with staff, families, and the church community are essential.

Confidentiality

All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

This position offers the chance to lead a thriving early learning center, work with a passionate team, and make a meaningful impact on children and families in the Richmond community. If you are a dedicated leader with a heart for early childhood education, we encourage you to apply.

River Road Early Learning Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. Applications for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.