Executive Director, Child Care & Learning Center

Position Summary: The Child Care and Learning Center (CCLC), a cornerstone of early childhood education in Rappahannock County, Virginia, with a 50-year history, is seeking a visionary and community-focused Executive Director to lead our organization forward. As the county’s largest nonprofit and fifth-largest employer overall, CCLC plays a crucial role in supporting both the local economy and family well-being, serving children 3 months to 12 years old and providing employment for 35 dedicated staff. We are proud to be the only early childhood program in the surrounding area accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), reflecting our commitment to excellence. A hallmark of our programs is nature-based learning. Our expansive ten-acre campus serves as a daily outdoor classroom where our children build resilience, curiosity, social skills, and a deep connection to the natural world.

The Executive Director will lead CCLC with vision and effectiveness, managing the organization’s operations and strategic direction. The Executive Director will serve as the public face of CCLC, engaging with the broader community, donors, funders, and stakeholders to advance partnerships, advocacy efforts, and program development. This position demands a blend of strong organizational leadership, a deep commitment to early childhood education, and the capacity to foster authentic relationships with staff, families, and community collaborators.

Key Responsibilities

The job duties and responsibilities for the Executive Director include, but are not limited to, the following:

Organizational Leadership and Vision

• Establishes and executes operational strategies, policies, and objectives aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Guides both short-term initiatives and long-range strategic planning efforts.
• Prepares for and actively participates in Board meetings, fostering transparent and consistent communication with the Board of Directors.
• Ensures proper documentation and regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Cultivates a positive organizational culture that attracts, retains, and inspires mission-driven staff.
• Enhances public visibility and community engagement with the organization and its programs.

Fundraising, Development, and Financial Management

• Leads and sustains fundraising initiatives to support existing programs, including identifying new funding opportunities and crafting targeted grant proposals.
• Partners with the Board of Directors to coordinate donor engagement strategies and execute fundraising campaigns.
• Oversees compliance and administration of all federal and state funding sources.
• Maintains accurate financial records and ensures robust internal controls, keeping expenditures aligned with budgetary goals.
• Collaborates with the Program Director to develop and refine the organization’s annual operating budget.
• Develops and executes a long-term plan for campus grounds upkeep and improvement.

Human Resources Management

• Ensures the effective management of human resources, including hiring, supervision, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, and terminations.
• Leads, mentors, and supports the organization’s staff to a collaborative and high-functioning team environment.
• Oversees required staff training and promotes ongoing professional development through internal programs and external learning opportunities such as seminars, workshops, webinars, and courses.

Operational Management

• Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services to ensure alignment with its mission and goals
• Collaborates with local and state officials, as well as support agencies, to uphold compliance and respond to regulatory inquiries.
• Develops and oversees all insurance and benefit policies.
• Oversees the administration of health care coverage, short-term disability, and the Simple Retirement Plan for staff.

Desired Credentials and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a preference for candidates holding a master’s or higher degree in fields such as Nonprofit Management, Business, Human Services, Child Development, Education or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in child care management and leadership positions, early childhood education or related field.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership and organizational management.
• Strong background in financial oversight, including budgeting and fiscal planning
• Working knowledge of systems of care such as special education, early child development, and child welfare.
• Experience in overseeing children’s program development and management
• Skilled in fundraising and grant writing, with a strong ability to engage and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals

Desirable experience and attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across both private and public sectors
• Flexible and cooperative approach to problem-solving
• Experience working on a range of children’s services
• Knowledge of the funding landscape in the state of Virginia, including child welfare, family services, Medicaid, health insurance, and private philanthropic sources.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations related to child care, special education, Head Start and Early Head Start, child welfare, and child health and nutrition programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for engaging with children, families, staff, board members, and community partners.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Please submit your resume, three references and cover letter.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000-$120,000 based on experience
• Simple Retirement Plan, Health insurance, including vision and dental coverage, and Short and Long Term Disability insurance
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays
• Education or training benefit

Proficient in English.