Executive Director

Mission

Summit Children’s Program is a community of families and staff working together to provide a unique care experience for families of all backgrounds and circumstances. We encourage creativity; we cultivate a sense of respect for the community and the environment; we celebrate diversity and we foster a lifelong love of learning.

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to fill the role of Executive Director at our non-profit nature-based child care center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is a full time, on site (Monday through Friday) administrative and supervisory position at a long-time community childcare provider staple in beautiful West Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. 

The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the overall management and operations of the center, ensuring the highest quality of care and education for children in a nature-focused environment. This position will also involve working closely with a Board of Directors in all aspects of the program’s management including, fundraising, finances, programming, strategic planning and organizational development to fulfill the center's mission and strategic objectives. 

The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for early childhood education, a strong understanding of nature-based pedagogy, excellent leadership and organizational skills, as well as experience in nonprofit management.

Responsibilities:

Leadership, Management, and Board Governance

• Provide visionary leadership to the program, working closely with the Board of Directors to establish and execute the organization's strategic direction.
• Support a learning-oriented organizational culture that emphasizes high-quality experiences for children ages 1-5, collaborative relationships, and continuous improvement.
• Abide by and enforce all terms of the program’s Employee Handbook
• Develop and implement operational plans, policies, and procedures to achieve the center's mission and goals.
• Promote a safe, nurturing, healthy, positive, caring environment where self-concepts are

enhanced, independence encouraged, and individuality respected.

Program Development and Implementation

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality nature-based child care and educational programs that align with the center's philosophy and mission.
• Recruit, orient, train, supervise, and retain high-performing quality staff.
• Maintain accurate student records on development, attendance, immunization, and general health
• Plan, develop, schedule and provide in-service training, safety training, and staff evaluations.
• Foster partnerships with parents, families, and the community to promote growth,  engagement, and involvement in the center's programs.
• Lead or assist in classroom (as needed) in order to maintain ratios

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to child care centers, licensing requirements, and health and safety standards.
• Develop, implement, and execute emergency plans and procedures as required by the licensing agency. 
• Ensure all staff have appropriate certifications for assigned roles based on city, state and federal guidelines.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Able to build and maintain successful relationships with people at all levels
• Computer literate, including proficient use of Google Suite
• Ability to master childcare software  
• Able to define problems and resolve them quickly and appropriately
• Skill in efficiently handling conflict and complaints, resolving them in a timely, diplomatic manner
• Ability to work with interruptions and changing priorities
• Knowledge of NAEYC, Keystone Stars preferred
• Basic financial literacy

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Bachelors in Elementary Education with 18 ECE credits, or Bachelors in a related field with 30 ECE credits
• ECE Center Director credential
• Other certifications as required by license (including but not limited to BLS, FBI clearances)
• Experience implementing educational programs for children (preference for experience with early childhood education services) including writing/reviewing lesson plans and observing classroom lessons
• At least one year of supervisory experience required
• Payroll, time management software knowledge a plus
• Budgeting and strategic planning knowledge a plus

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; walk up and down stairs; take walks with students offsite and around campus; stand for extended periods of time

Compensation/Benefits

• Competitive salary (55K-60K range)
• Performance- based bonus
• Professional development opportunities throughout year
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal 
• Paid holidays
• Childcare discount

Application

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected]

Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.  Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2023.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position . This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of  duties, including essential duties, responsibilities and/or skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied, or otherwise. The employment relationship remains "at will." The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our Board of Directors is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.