Executive Director

About DCAEYC

The mission of the District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC) is to lead efforts to strengthen the early care and education system in the District of Columbia by advocating for young children and their families, collaborating with ​other city organizations, offering resources and services to its members and striving to become a high performing, culturally sensitive and inclusive organization. The Executive Director reports directly to the President of the DCAEYC Board of Directors. They are accountable for ensuring the organization meets the strategic direction and mission according to the by-laws, policies, and organizational goals set by the Board. DCAEYC is a local affiliate of the ​National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

About the Executive Director Position:

DCAEYC is seeking a strong, passionate, highly effective, and visionary Executive Director with a track record of non-profit leadership, familiarity with the local and national early childhood education system, and a demonstrated commitment to community building that is inclusive of all demographic elements of our diverse membership. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for overall operational leadership of the local non-profit DCAEYC, including fundraising, leading the Staff in implementing the Strategic Plan, and working with the Board to shape the organization's future direction.

Position Description:

The Executive Director provides leadership, administration, management, and supervision of DCAEYC’s programs and staff to achieve the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. General areas of responsibility include administration, membership, advocacy, finance, and public relations. The Executive Director supports the work of the Board of Directors and ad hoc committees as required.

Key Responsibilities

Administration- The Executive Director provides support and leadership to the Board of Directors by assuming responsibilities and administrative tasks designated by the Board. The position requires travel and the ability to make public presentations to a wide variety of audiences and constituencies.

Membership-A primary responsibility is to increase a diverse membership within the organization and support the delivery of services to members. The Executive Director, along with the President of the Board of Directors, will lead the organization in maintaining a high-performing, inclusive organization.

Advocacy-The Executive Director position works collaboratively with local Affiliate Chapters and community organizations, and partners to create a unified voice for advocacy for the early childhood profession. The position collaborates with national partners in these efforts.

Finance-A critical role of the Executive Director position is to ensure the financial stability and growth of the organization by overseeing the current budget, grants, contracts, and projects and by seeking additional external funding. The Executive Director will lead the fundraising efforts to increase additional sources of revenue, including grants, fundraising campaigns, and contracts, to support the DCAEYC Strategic Plan.

Public Relations-Facilitate effective external communications, information, and action between Board of Directors members, organizations, government agencies, policymakers, and the community. Represent DCAEYC on standing and ad hoc committees with partner organizations in the early childhood field. Maintain and expand community understanding of and goodwill toward the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master’s degree in public administration, business, human services, family studies, early childhood education, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education or a comparable educational attainment
• At least five years of experience working in or alongside organizations providing early childhood education and/or resources for young children, families, and practitioners.
• At least three years of experience working in or alongside organizations advocating for the resources that young children, families, and practitioners need to thrive.
• Demonstrated experience and success in managing organizations and/or complex projects, including fundraising, board relations, and stakeholder engagement and belonging.
• Prior experience in fiscal management, staff supervision, and program administration. Experience must illustrate impact and growth.

Skills, Abilities, and Disposition

• Ability to develop and convey complex ideas using verbal and written communication.
• Experience building or supporting a coalition.
• Ability to develop and convey complex ideas using verbal and written communication.
• Familiarity with NAEYC and/or DCAEYC is a plus.
• Established record of funded grant awards or fund development
• Ability to lead and organize a cohesive team of diverse constituents and members who live and work in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area
• Experience building or supporting a coalition.
• Member of NAEYC and DCAEYC or willing to join.
• The ability to serve as the spokesperson for the organization
• Well-developed technology skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality, respect, and observe organizational protocol.
• Committed to the mission, vision, and values of NAEYC and DCAEYC and understands the organization's Strategic Plan and Strategic Objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with NAEYC, DCAEYC Board of Directors, Emerging Affiliate Chapters, and NAEYC Affiliate representatives.
• Experience establishing relationships with organizational partners, volunteers, donors, community partners, independent contractors, and members from diverse backgrounds.
• Able to attend evening and weekend meetings and have access to reliable transportation.

Compensation: Commensurate with education, experience, and past performance.

Location: Washington DC

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Contact: Berna Artis, MA. Ed., President of DCAEYC Board of Directors

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation to president@dcaeyc.org. Applicants that have not emailed these materials to president@dcaeyc.org will have their applications be considered not complete and will not be considered.

Contact: Berna Artis, MA. Ed., President of DCAEYC Board of Directors

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation to president@dcaeyc.org. Applicants that have not emailed these materials to president@dcaeyc.org will have their applications be considered not complete and will not be considered.