A premier early learning education center and non-profit organization committed to providing high-quality early childhood education to children in the Cashmere and Wenatchee valleys is seeking an experienced and qualified Executive Director to join the organization.
Executive Director Job Description
Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational management. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED ensures the organization fulfills its mission of supporting high-quality early learning, family services, and community engagement.
The ED oversees programs, compliance, financial management, human resources, marketing, and community relations while fostering partnerships and opportunities that advance the organization’s goals and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Direction
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
Serve as the primary spokesperson, representing the organization to stakeholders, the community, and regulatory bodies.
Monitor trends and adapt to changes in the early learning and nonprofit sectors, implement new strategies in the organization
Build and implement systems, technology solutions, and processes to increase operational efficiency
Governance and Board Relations
Act as a professional advisor to the Board, providing reports, updates, and insights to inform decision-making.
Collaborate with the Board President to prepare and distribute meeting agendas, reports, and materials.
Implement policies and decisions approved by the Board, ensuring alignment with the organization’s bylaws.
Center Site Director
Act as and fulfill state requirements in the Site Director role for one site location (Currently Cashmere) at minimum 51% of operating hours. Ensure the entire site location is operating successfully.
Comply with foundational quality and safety standards for site operations.
Develop a curriculum and collaborate on curriculum implementation with staff.
Oversee professional development plans for early learning program staff. Lead and mentor staff.
Maintain staff records, child files, site business licensing and DCYF licensing.
Approve and submit payroll.
Manage site inventory for curriculum, supplies, groceries.
Oversee site roster, scheduling, budget and daily operations.
Communicate and foster relationships with families.
Substitute in the classroom as a Lead Teacher to cover staff outages and maintain ratio.
Facilitate and manage staff break periods and lunches.
Program and Operational Management
Manage direct reports including site director in Wenatchee and Program Supervisor in Cashmere, and up to 4 teachers in Cashmere. Ensure successful management of indirect reports (up to 6 other teachers as well as classroom interns and aides).
Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs.
Lead and support staff in maintaining licensing standards, Early Achievers Quality Rating, and NAEYC best practices.
Manage program enrollment, retention strategies, and the successful administration of state subsidy and federal food programs.
Maintain oversight of facilities and maintenance in collaboration with site directors.
Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
Ensure accurate financial reporting, including monthly cash flow updates, year-end audits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and P&L analysis.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships, to ensure financial sustainability.
Monitor expenditures, implement cost controls, and scale programs to generate additional income opportunities.
Human Resources and Team Leadership
Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate staff, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
Provide professional development opportunities to support staff growth and retention.
Develop and maintain HR policies that promote a positive and inclusive work environment and comply with employment laws.
Address performance issues, resolve conflicts, and implement disciplinary actions when necessary.
Foster a collaborative and supportive workplace culture, supporting site directors and program supervisors in managing their teams.
Research benefits options and provide recommendations to the board to implement
Payroll management and processing.
Community Relations and Advocacy
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders.
Advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit the early learning community and align with the organization’s mission.
Promote awareness of the organization’s programs and achievements through marketing, social media, and outreach.
Serve as the primary point of contact for family engagement and communication.
Risk Management and Compliance
Identify and mitigate risks to the organization’s assets, reputation, and operations.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including child care licensing and nonprofit governance laws.
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for staff, facilities, and programs.
Maintain a strong working knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and nonprofit management.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree plus an ECE full state certificate OR approved DCYF equivalent and 2 years of experience working with young children (this is a DCYF requirement).
Minimum of five years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, education, or a related sector.
Strong understanding of early learning frameworks, nonprofit governance, and financial management.
Skills and Abilities
Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills.
Strong communication abilities, both written and verbal.
Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and fundraising.
Strong proficiency in technology tools including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and Gusto and a desire to implement solutions that will improve operational proficiency.
Physical ability to meet job requirements, including lifting up to 40 lbs, standing, sitting, moving equipment and materials, and getting up and down from the floor
Ability to manage a classroom as a Lead Teacher to cover staff outages and maintain ratio; facilitate toileting with children, complete housekeeping tasks and meal prepping.
Reliable transportation for off-site duties.
Required TB Test.
Current background check.
Training Certifications Required: CPR/First Aid, Child Care Basics, Food Handlers, Safe Sleep.
The Executive Director serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors and operates within the guidelines of the organization’s bylaws.
The starting pay for this role is $32/hourly ($66,560 annualized).
Other Benefits Include:
8 paid holidays
Sick Leave in Accordance with WA State
Paid Professional Development and Paid STARS Training
3 paid hours per month professional development and planning
Paid Certifications (CPR, First Aid, Food Handlers)
Site Director and Program Supervisor = Subs
Subpool Access and Support
Monthly Staff Get Together
Quarterly Staff Appreciation
Classroom Aides
Mental Health Services via Catholic Charities and Early Achievers
1 week guaranteed PTO
Discounted Childcare
Note: Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job. Job duties may vary based on the needs of the organization.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter via email to the email address provided via Craigslist.
Please apply no later than 1/31/25
