Job Description

Why Your Role Matters

The Director is responsible for the overall performance and daily leadership of the center, ensuring strong enrollment, regulatory compliance, high-quality early learning experiences, and positive family relationships. This role leads center operations, supports educator development, and maintains a safe and engaging environment for children and staff. The Director works closely under the supervision of the Executive Director to implement the Playing to Learn curriculum and uphold program quality standards. Through strong communication and leadership, the Director fosters a collaborative culture that supports staff growth and positive outcomes for children and families.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead the overall operations and performance of the center, ensuring high-quality early learning experiences for children and families.

• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, safety procedures, and program policies.

• Develop and implement enrollment strategies to support center capacity and program sustainability.

• Monitor enrollment trends, retention, and waitlist management to support program stability.

• Oversee hiring processes and support recruitment of qualified educators and center staff.

• Lead staff development by fostering a collaborative culture that supports professional growth and strong classroom practices.

• Supervise center staff byproviding coaching, feedback, support, and accountability for performance expectations.

• Ensure staff credentials, required training, and professional development requirements are maintained

• Ensure implementation of the Playing to Learn curriculum and maintainhigh standards for classroom quality.

• Conduct classroom walkthroughs and observations to monitor program quality and learning environments.

• Ensure developmental documentation and assessment practices are completed with quality and consistency.

• Oversee incident reporting procedures and risk management practices within the center.

• Maintain strong relationships with families and address concerns through open communication and support.

• Coordinate family engagement opportunities that support strong partnerships between families and the center.

• Support community partnerships and represent the center in outreach and relationship-building efforts.

• Provide classroom coverage as needed to maintain required staff-to-child ratios and ensure continuity of care.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• ECE3 Category – Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or a related field required.

• Minimum of 9 college credits in business, programs, or administrative competencies.

• At least five years of experience working in a licensed childcare setting.

• Experience managing staff, including supervising at least two direct reports.

• Knowledge of accreditation processes and administrative operations, including scheduling, time-off management, timesheets, and community relations.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Highly organized, with experience leading compliance and quality initiatives.

• Understanding of front-line operations in early childhood programs.

• Proactive, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented.

• Able to remain calm and effective under stressful situations.

• Demonstrated financial acumen and budget management experience.

• Able to remain calm and effective under stressful or challenging situations.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemedappropriate

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCAcomplies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.