Founding Director, Early Learning Center & Innovation

CNE; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The LaCross Early Learning Center, a landmark collaboration in Charlottesville, seeks a Director to lead day-to-day operations and advance its demonstration, innovation, training, and research goals. The role requires a confident, collaborative leader who can manage within a partnership structure and drive family engagement.

Reporting to the Senior VP, Impact Programs, you will build a strong instructional team, ensure fidelity to the UVA-designed model, and coordinate with UWGC, UVA-EHD, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in early childhood education, with at least three years in a program director/senior leadership role overseeing staff, operations, budgets, and compliance in a licensed setting.
• Knowledge of Virginia child care licensing standards (8VAC20-780) and related funding programs.
• Ability to lead collaboratively within a partnership structure and engage families, educators, and community partners.
• Familiarity with CLASS observation tool and related professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the onsite leader and primary day-to-day representative of the center.
• Lead operations to align with access, quality, workforce support, family engagement, professional learning, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee enrollment, licensing compliance, reporting, and budget management in coordination with UWGC and partners.
• Support curriculum implementation, coaching, assessment, observation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Lead pre-opening activities including enrollment outreach, staff recruitment, and establishing operating systems.
• Develop family engagement programs and community partnerships to improve school readiness.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Leadership

Collaboration

CLASS knowledge

Education

Graduate degree in child-related field

Bachelor's degree in child-related field

48 semester hours in child-related subjects

Job description

The LaCross Early Learning Center, a landmark collaboration in Charlottesville, seeks a Director to lead day-to-day operations and advance its demonstration, innovation, training, and research goals. The role requires a confident, collaborative leader who can manage within a partnership structure and drive family engagement.

Reporting to the Senior VP, Impact Programs, you will build a strong instructional team, ensure fidelity to the UVA-designed model, and coordinate with UWGC, UVA-EHD, and