Morningstar Learning Center (MLC) Overview: MLC is a nonprofit early education provider in Big Sky, Montana. Our mission is to develop and connect young families and children in Big Sky by providing reliable childcare, quality early learning, and supportive resources from planning through parenthood. We are a full-time, year-round, state-licensed childcare center serving ages 6 months through 5 years. MLC invests in the personal and professional growth of staff and prioritizes providing a safe and enriching learning environment for our students.
Position Overview: The Center Director works closely with and reports to the Executive Director on all aspects of the learning center’s management, daily operations, programming, strategic planning, and organizational development. The Center Director ensures successful program implementation, manages the program staff and teachers, and coordinates with the administrative team, teachers, and families to facilitate the goals set forth by the Executive Director and Board of Directors. The Center Director assists the Executive Director in leading Morningstar with a growth mindset, routinely evaluating and improving the program to provide excellent service to the Big Sky community. This is a year-round, full-time, exempt, salaried position with an expected schedule of 8:30-5:30 Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities for events.
Specific Duties:
Montana State Licensure
Hold and maintain Montana state daycare licensure
Oversee annual licensing renewal and ensure compliance with licensing requirements
Oversee that all staff are operating within licensing regulations and maintaining their credentials
Complete 16 hours of approved continuing education annually per state licensing requirements
Program Administration & Management
Oversee program protocols and policies, including implementation, adherence, and timely and effective communication regarding these elements with staff and families
Oversee program curriculum and instructional excellence, including planning monthly PIR days and being a role model and resource for teachers and staff
Hire, supervise, and manage teachers and the Office Manager, including routine goal-setting sessions and performance evaluations
Make purchases as needed to support program needs, advising on and operating within program budgets
Dress professionally and represent the organization with integrity at all times
Establish a professional level of rapport with families to provide quality care and friendly service
Communicate with families and teachers regularly via brightwheel, including monthly newsletter
Daily Operations
Oversee and maintain day-to-day safety, organization, and operation of all children and the center
Support Office Manager with the management of family accounts, billing, and enrollment
Manage staff scheduling and time off requests
Identify maintenance needs and arrange for their timely resolution
Be available on property during operating hours for interaction with and support of staff and families
Organization Management
Provide semi-annual Board updates
Serve on the Governance Committee
Set measurable operational and service goals under the direction of the Executive Director
Support with fundraising and events, including but not limited to communication efforts and attendance
Coordinate with the Parent Teacher Organization to ensure strong collaboration on school/PTO events
Maintain strong community partnerships to support MLC’s mission and programming through collaboration
Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of Essential Job Functions and must be met by an employee for successful performance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Job Functions
Must be able to work in a moderately noisy environment with interruptions and schedule changes
Must be able to climb and descend one flight of stairs multiple times per day
Must be able to listen, hear, and talk in the English language
Must be able to lift 25 lbs comfortably and on a semi-regular basis
Must be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time and move easily and quickly between classrooms and playgrounds
Competencies and Expectations:
Experience and/or comfort interfacing with and reporting to an Executive Director
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, including fostering a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility for the care and well-being of students, staff, parents, and community
Ability to understand and manage complexities of a growing preschool and day care
Ability to identify potential problems and solutions and respond with appropriate levels of urgency Flexibility and adaptability
Ability to manage confidential information and situations in a professional manner
Ability to think strategically, set priorities, and make plans to achieve goals
Commitment to antiracism and the importance of early learning
Desire to work to support the local community, particularly our children
Proficiency in basic software, including brightwheel, Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe
Education and Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership and teacher management experience in a preschool or daycare setting
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development, education, or a related field
Eligible to hold Center license according to the state regulations
CPR and First Aid Certified (may be acquired upon hiring)
Must be able to pass an FBI background check per Montana state licensing regulations
Compensation and Benefits:
● Housing available
● Salary of $70,000-$80,000 DOE
● MLC full-time employee benefits include $500/month towards health/dental/vision insurance, an annual $720 wellness stipend, IRA with 3% employer match, paid holidays and time off, and paid professional development opportunities
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Jody@bigskystaffing.com.
