Program Director in Oakland

Energy Jobline ZR; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Bright Future Early Learning Center in Oakland, CA is seeking a full-time Program Director to lead daily operations, guide teacher development, and assure compliance with California childcare licensing. The center serves ages 3 months to 5 years with about 50 students and 12 staff.

The Director will manage program leadership, staffing, family communication, budgets, and reporting to the Board, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM at 1515 Clay Street.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Child Development Director Permit.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• 3–5 years of experience in a licensed childcare program.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily infant, toddler, and preschool programs with developmentally appropriate practices.
• Maintain staffing schedules and Title 22 ratio compliance; coordinate substitutes.
• Direct financial and fundraising matters; manage budget and projections; oversee payroll and invoicing.
• Supervise teaching staff, observe classrooms, and provide feedback; support onboarding and staff development.
• Ensure clear family communication; share updates on activities, progress, routines, and policies.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative program culture and community-building events.
• Report to the Board of Directors and collaborate with staff, families, and partners.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Conflict Resolution

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Development / ECE

Child Development Director Permit

Tools

Childcare software

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Bright Future Early Learning Center is seeking a full-time Program Director to provide daily leadership, supervision, and coordination for our early childhood education program. Bright Future is an inclusive, play-based learning community serving children ages 3 months to 5 years old.

The Program Director will support strong daily operations, guide teacher development, strengthen family communication, and ensure compliance with California childcare licensing regulations. Bright Future currently serves approximately 50 students and employs 12 teaching staff. The center is operated by Oakland State Building Kids Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

Oversee daily implementation of infant, toddler, and preschool programs. Ensure classrooms follow developmentally appropriate practices and play-based learning. Support teachers with curriculum planning, classroom organization, assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and family resources.

Daily Operations

Maintain staffing schedules and Title 22 ratio compliance. Coordinate substitute coverage when needed. Ensure smooth classroom flow, safe supervision, accurate attendance, incident reports, and proper documentation.

Center Operations

Direct financial and fundraising matters. Develop and maintain the annual budget and monthly financial projections. Oversee bookkeeping, tax preparation, supply purchasing, vendor contracts, teacher payroll, and family invoicing.

Staff Supervision and Development

Supervise teaching staff and support instructional growth. Observe classrooms and provide feedback. Support onboarding and training of new staff. Participate in staff evaluations, lead staff meetings, and promote a positive workplace culture.

Family Communication

Ensure clear and consistent communication with families. Share updates about classroom activities, learning experiences, child development progress, program routines, policies, and expectations. Support teachers in responding to parent concerns and build strong family partnerships.

Program Culture

Promote a respectful, collaborative, and professional environment. Ensure children feel safe, valued, and encouraged. Support community-building events and strengthen relationships between staff, children, and families.

Reporting Relationship

The Program Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and works closely with staff, families, and community partners.

Hours and Location

This is a full-time, on-site position. The center’s normal operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The center is located at 1515 Clay Street in downtown Oakland.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, and reach throughout the day. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor areas.

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to obtain a Child Development Director Permit. CPR and First Aid certification. At least 3–5 years of experience in a licensed childcare program.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field. Strong knowledge of California Title 22 regulations. Supervisory or mentoring experience. Strong communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills. Bilingual candidates . Experience with childcare software systems. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Experience with budget development and management.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range is $80,000–$100,000, depending on education and experience. Excellent benefits are offered, including health, dental, vision, and retirement.