Strategic Leader, Early Childhood Programs

YMCA of Catawba Valley; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement Contributions

Job summary

YMCA of Catawba Valley seeks a Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs to provide strategic leadership and association-wide oversight for licensed preschool, half-day preschool, and related summer programming. This role ensures high-quality, compliant operations through supervision of site leaders and data-driven improvement.

You will collaborate with the Vice President of Youth Development, branch leadership, and other senior leaders to strengthen program quality, enrollment, family

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, Early Childhood, or related field required.
• Level III Administrator credential verified through NC DCDEE.
• Strong leadership, fiscal management, and staff supervision experience.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate Preschool Directors, Childcare Directors, and other assigned early childhood leadership staff.
• Hold program leaders accountable for performance, compliance, enrollment, and financial results.
• Lead development of leadership rhythms, professional development priorities, and accountability structures for early childhood program leaders.
• Provide association-wide oversight for all YMCA early childhood programs and ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish systems and standards for program quality, curriculum alignment, staffing, and operational consistency across sites.

Skills

Leadership

Staff coaching

Communication (oral/written)

Time management

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, Early Childhood, or related field

Level III Administrator (NC DCDEE)

Job description

YMCA of Catawba Valley seeks a Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs to provide strategic leadership and association-wide oversight for licensed preschool, half-day preschool, and related summer programming. This role ensures high-quality, compliant operations through supervision of site leaders and data-driven improvement.

You will collaborate with the Vice President of Youth Development, branch leadership, and other senior leaders to strengthen program quality, enrollment, family