Flowers Early Learning

Southhavenmi; Paw Paw (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Flowers Early Learning is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead a growing, mission-driven organization across Southwest Michigan. The CEO will direct Head Start and Early Head Start operations while leading fund development, strategic partnerships, and long-term growth.

The role focuses on expanding reach to serve up to 1,200 children and exploring tuition-based care opportunities, creating greater access to high-quality early childhood education for families at

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Strong operational, financial, and strategic leadership skills.
• Background in economic or workforce development, fund development, early childhood initiatives.
• Head Start experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute a long-term vision for organizational growth and sustainability
• Create innovative solutions to expand access to high-quality early childhood education services
• Lead fund development initiatives and cultivate donor, philanthropic, and community partner relationships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Board, Policy Council, community leaders, and political stakeholders
• Drive operational excellence and maintain strong program outcomes across multiple sites

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Donor relations

Board relations

Operational leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Flowers Early Learning is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead a growing, mission-driven organization dedicated to helping children, families, and communities thrive across Southwest Michigan. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to guide a respected multi-site early childhood education organization through an exciting period of growth and innovation. The CEO will direct Head Start and Early Head Start operations while leading efforts around fund development, strategic partnerships, and long-term organizational growth. A major focus for the organization is expanding its reach to serve up to 1,200 children as part of its commitment to helping address the growing childcare crisis across the region. Flowers Early Learning is also exploring opportunities to expand its programming by offering tuition-based care beginning at birth, creating greater access to high-quality early childhood education for families at every stage.

Responsibilities

• Execute a long-term vision for organizational growth and sustainability
• Create innovative solutions to expand access to high-quality early childhood education services
• Lead fund development initiatives and cultivate strong donor, philanthropic, and community partner relationships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Board, Policy Council, community leaders, and political stakeholders
• Drive operational excellence and maintain strong program outcomes across multiple sites

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior leadership experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
• Strong operational, financial, and strategic leadership skills
• Background in economic or workforce development, fund development, early childhood initiatives
• Head Start experience a plus

This is an incredible opportunity for a passionate and forward-thinking executive to make a lasting impact on children and families throughout Southwest Michigan.