Floating ELC Center Director

YMCA of Memphis & The MId

Cordova (TN)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 75,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

YMCA of Memphis & The Mid-South is seeking an experienced Center Director to oversee multiple early learning sites. The role emphasizes strong leadership, staff development, and program quality, with accountability for licensing compliance and family engagement.

The ideal candidate will coordinate curriculum aligned to state standards, manage enrollment targets, and collaborate with directors and deputies to achieve organizational goals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field.
Five+ years of childcare experience preferred.
Meets minimum qualifications for childcare director per Tennessee/Mississippi standards within 30 days.
Knowledge of childcare licensing requirements for Tennessee or Mississippi and YMCA standards.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned center and programs to ensure successful operation.
Coach and supervise lead teachers, teachers, aides and staff; ensure program quality and enrollment.
Provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned to state standards.
Maintain licensing records, safety procedures, and documentation.
Plan family engagement and communication strategies with parents.
Develop professional development and new hire orientation for staff.
Build relationships with licensing agencies, schools, and community partners.
Monitor budgets and expenses; ensure facilities are well maintained.
Support fundraising campaigns and YMCA initiatives.
Attend staff meetings and promote a cohesive organizational mission.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

Staff coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Early Learning this position ensures the successful operation of assigned sites to include program quality, program promotion, budget monitoring, personnel supervision and community relations. This position will be responsible for training, monitoring and supporting Director’s with new employee orientation and other early childhood priorities as identified through monitoring of classrooms, teacher-child interactions, licensing reports and by Director’s and Administrative staff. This position will also be responsible for filling in at centers in the absence of Director’s for any timeframe at all locations as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership

Lead assigned center and programs and take responsibility for the successful operation of a child development center, including observing, coaching, and supervising lead teachers, teachers, aides and support staff as identified based on the need of the Early Learning department.

Parent Experience

Lead and ensure a high-quality parent experience through program quality, planning and communication when serving in the capacity of an Early Learning Center Director.

Operations

When serving in the capacity of a Center Director, Coach and supervise lead teachers, teachers, and aides in areas including, but not limited to:
planning and implementation of the program.
providing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned to the state of Tennessee or State of Mississippi early childhood education standards.
maintain student portfolios and development plans to include developmental milestones and kindergarten transition plans.
maintaining stimulating and orderly program spaces.
purchasing appropriate supplies, equipment, and materials, following YMCA purchasing guidelines and procedures.
maintaining program enrollment at appropriate levels.
conducting program tours and periodic open house/registration events.
maintaining accurate and complete records for licensing & safety.
planning and conducting a comprehensive family engagement plan (i.e. Parent Advisory Group, picnics, holidays, and parent/child activities).

Growth

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Early Learning, takes an active and supportive role in program planning, program promotion and publicity to meet assigned enrollment goals.
Assist with planning and leading professional development and new hire orientation for Lead Teachers, Assistants, Directors and Assistant Directors. Develop both individualized and group training as needed.

Relationship Building

Develops and maintains relationships with education staff and Directors. When serving in capacity of Center Director, develop and maintain relationships with state childcare licensing agencies, school administration, community partners and parent groups.

Communication

Responds to the needs of Center Director’s, Teaching staff and agencies, parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner, seeking guidance from supervisor(s) and peer directors as needed.
Model superior communication and leadership to any level of staff and customers served.

Continuous Improvement

Evaluate sites in areas including, but not limited to, proper implementation of curriculum and lesson planning, program quality control, health and safety, teacher-child interactions and recruitment and retention of program participants.

Licensing

Assure Education staff and Director’s receives training and in compliance with state and local regulations during training and monitoring. This includes establishing emergency & safety procedures that meet or exceed all safety and licensing standards and that these procedures are followed.

Financial Management

When serving in capacity of Center Director, must meet revenue and expense goals for the center.
Work with assigned facility directors and maintenance teams to ensure facilities are in good repair, all safety guidelines are met, and repairs are made in a timely manner.

Philanthropy

Supports the Executive Director and Center Directors by providing leadership and support to the annual fundraising campaign at centers, as well as supporting overall campaign goals for Centralized Childcare.

YMCA Partnership

Attends and participates in assigned staff meetings and special events to provide a collaborative and cohesive approach to the YMCA’s vision and mission.
Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the changing needs of the program and/or center.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement:

Champions the YMCA’s cause and mission. Builds effective systems for volunteer development and secures resources to advance philanthropic impact.

Collaboration:

Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness:

Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans of work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports for all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth:

Embraces learning, adaptability, and innovation. Anticipates challenges and models resilience and professional growth.

Behavioral Characteristics:

Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field or an equivalent combination of directly related experience, training, and/or education.
Five or more years of childcare experience preferred. Comparable experience in other organizations may be considered.
Meets minimum qualifications for childcare director as outlined in the Tennessee Department of Human Services or Mississippi Department of Health standards for childcare and completes these requirements within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge of childcare licensing requirements for Tennessee or Mississippi Department of Health for childcare and YMCA standards or ability to learn all standards within 60 days of hire.
Knowledge of early childhood development practices, developmental milestones, and educational needs for infants through pre-kindergarten.

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. Flexible work schedule required. Work schedules may vary per the needs of the specific ELC site.

The hours of operation for the Hernando ELC are 6:30 am - 6:00 pm (subject to change).

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: