Director of Children’s Center

Colorado College is a nationally recognized, residential liberal arts college with about 2,000 students. The city of Colorado Springs offers many cultural and recreational activities in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain Region. The college actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment in which students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work. Strong candidates should share the college’s and department’s deep commitment to antiracism (Antiracism at CC) and be committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all facets of life at the college. The region boasts 300 days of sunshine each year, and Colorado Springs enjoys excellent access to the outdoors, with minimal commute.

Summary Description:

The Director of the Children’s Center oversees the operation and administration for the Children’s Center and FunQuest, including staff, budget, enrollment, facilities, food service, policies/procedures, and best practices.  Through long-range planning, program design and development, and needs assessments, the director provides leadership on early education to meet the mission of the Center.

Salary Range: $58,392 to $78,829 per year

Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Provide leadership and vision to fulfill the center’s mission and program philosophy of serving each child’s unique individual social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in a developmentally appropriate program.
• Lead 25+ staff (teachers, education assistants, student workers, and volunteers) with a focus on exceptional childcare development, quality customer service, organization and efficiency, and rooted in professionalism, timeliness, friendliness, and a sense of welcoming and inclusion. Conduct all recruitment activities, new employee onboarding, performance evaluations, and professional development.  Develop and nurture a cohesive team of teachers and staff utilizing effective communication skills.
• Lead strategic discussions and develop strategic plans for articulating and mapping early childhood program modifications and functions, classroom capacity fulfillment; continuously improving and assessing programs and the center operations.
• Provide leadership and oversight on the FunQuest Summer Day Camp which includes budget, staff (coordinator, assistant coordinator, 4 team leaders), and 70 families with children 6-12 years of old.  The camp is committed to providing a positive, educational, and creative experience in a supportive and cooperative environment.
• Collaborate with the Children’s Center Advisory Representative and campus stakeholders to share long-term strategies, obtain feedback and ideas on center operations, and partner on new initiatives/ideas.
• Develop and facilitate an ongoing marketing and communications plan.
• Communicate and meet with parents regarding their children and the center’s policies.
• Build and nurture relationships with families whose children are enrolled in the Center and with the campus community at large.

Early Childhood Education:

• Provide leadership and expertise in the field of early childhood education and care, including programming, curriculum, individual children’s development, budgeting and facility planning.
• Provide educational and philosophical direction and guidance to program.
• Initiate, support and oversee collaborations with academic departments, peer institutions and community and federal agencies to support children and families.
• Serve as substitute or teacher as needed.

Administration/Operations:

• Oversee all aspects of the Center administration and daily operation (i.e. staffing, budget, facilities, safety, compliance).
• Manage schedules and necessary coverages in all rooms and support areas for planned and unplanned absences.
• Prepare and administer Center budget, including managing revenue forecasting and costs, setting tuition rates, and analysis of market comparisons to remain competitive and offer the best quality services.
• Conduct weekly purchases of menu items and Center supplies needed for operation.
• Seek additional funding to offset expenses through fundraising, grant-writing and developing additional revenue-generating programs.
• Evaluate and purchase materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Adhere to appropriate state program licensure and rules/regulations. Ensure staff obtain and understand required training of updated rules and regulations.

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS in Early Childhood Education or related field plus a minimum three years of experience in administration of a large child care center and three years of Early Childhood teaching.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Eligible for appropriate Colorado certification as a director of a large children’s center. See current Colorado State requirements: http://coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.force.com/oec/OEC_Providers?p=Providers&s=Professional-Certifications&lang=en
• Experience with, and demonstrated knowledge of, early childhood education principles and philosophies, best practices in center administration, and effective financial and analytical skills relative to budget management;
• demonstrated success at providing effective leadership and relational supervision for staff and teachers;
• ability to assess complex and sensitive child, family, staff and programmatic issues, as well as identify and implement solutions;
• excellent presentation, communication (oral and written), computer technology, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, take initiative, resolve problems, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously;
• demonstrated success as a teacher of young children;
• ability to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, in a manner that affirms the value and preserves the dignity of individuals, families, and communities and upholds the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Master’s degree preferred. Higher education experience.