About the role
TITLE: Early Childhood Center Director REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Exempt LOCATION: Brookings, SD
BONUS: $5,000 Hiring Bonus Paid in Three Installments
MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
JOB SUMMARY: The Center Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their assigned Clubhouse Early Childhood Enrichment Center site. This role provides leadership to site staff, ensures regulatory compliance, manages the labor budget, maintains enrollment targets, and creates a safe, high-quality environment for children and families. The Center Director is the primary site leader and reports directly to the Senior Director of Early Childhood Enrichment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Oversees all daily operations of the ECE site, ensuring smooth functioning across all classrooms and programs. * Maintains labor budget oversight and ensures staffing levels align with enrollment, licensing ratios, and projected attendance. * Ensures full compliance with South Dakota DSS childcare licensing requirements and CFOC standards. * Monitors enrollment targets and partners with the Enrollment Coordinator on family pipeline and onboarding. * Supervises the Assistant Director and provides leadership support to all site-level staff. * Delivers formal performance reviews for Teachers and Classroom Assistants, incorporating evaluations from Early Childhood Specialists. * Serves as the primary point of contact for families regarding billing, child schedules, program concerns, and significant site-level communications. * Manages local HR functions at the site level, including staff performance management, corrective action, and employee relations. * Ensures all staff maintain required credentials, certifications, and professional development hours. * Owns curriculum implementation across the site, ensuring Creative Curriculum and assessment systems are in place and aligned with organizational standards. * Partners with the Senior Director on quality improvement, policy adherence, and accreditation efforts. * Submits facility maintenance, repair, and IT needs directly to Shared Services. * Owns site-level health and wellness functions, including oversight of medication administration procedures, illness exclusion policies, and maintenance of children's health records. * Coordinates emergency preparedness drills and local implementation of emergency procedures. * Owns volunteer management at the site level, including screening, onboarding, supervision, and tracking. * Responds to family concerns, licensing inquiries, and emergency situations. * Maintains accurate site records including attendance, incident reports, and health documentation. * Implements BGCNP's Four Pillars of Care in all site operations and family interactions. * Oversees inclusion and special needs support at the site level, coordinating with families, Early Intervention, school districts, and other service providers. * Leads local community and family engagement efforts, building relationships with community partners and participating in outreach initiatives.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required. * Director credential or willingness to obtain per SD DSS requirements. * Minimum 3 years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory experience. * Knowledge of South Dakota DSS childcare licensing requirements. * Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards preferred. * Experience with budget management and staff scheduling. * Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. * CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire. * Satisfactory background check per SD DSS requirements.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to work in an active childcare environment throughout the day. * Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and crouch as needed. * Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. * Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions. * Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations. * This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.