Early Childhood - Center Director

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Forest Hill Child Care Center (FHCCC) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian early childhood education center located in Richmond’s Forest Hill neighborhood. We currently serve approximately 60 children, with plans to expand to 85 in the coming year through the addition of an infant care program. Our center primarily serves children ages 18 months to 5 years and is supported by a dedicated team of approximately 15 staff members.

We are seeking a visionary and compassionate Director to provide strong, mission-aligned leadership. The Director will ensure the daily operations of the center meet the highest standards of care, regulatory compliance, and community impact. This role requires a collaborative leader who is approachable, organized, and committed to building an inclusive, supportive, and cohesive team.

Duties

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Organizational Management

• Provide clear, consistent leadership rooted in early childhood best practices and nonprofit values.
• Guide the center through short- and long-term planning efforts with measurable outcomes.
• Enforce policies and procedures fairly and transparently for both families and staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability and follow-through on initiatives
• Ensure compliance with VDOE licensing standards and other applicable requirements.

Team Building and Staff Support

• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive workplace culture.
• Support team morale and cohesion through regular engagement, visibility, and listening.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Address personnel challenges, including chronic absenteeism, scheduling gaps, or morale concerns, with compassion and clarity.
• Create structured opportunities for staff socialization and cross-team relationship building.

Communication and Community Engagement

• Communicate with clarity, timeliness, and transparency across all levels of the organization.
• Be a visible and approachable presence for families, staff, and community partners.
• Ensure all families and staff understand current policies, schedules, and center practices.
• Represent FHCCC in the broader community through outreach and partnership engagement.

Operational and Administrative Oversight

• Oversee all center operations, including scheduling, drills, documentation, and compliance reporting.
• Streamline and digitize administrative processes; minimize reliance on physical records.
• Delegate key administrative responsibilities to appropriate staff (e.g., Administrator, Marketing Coordinator).
• Manage records related to licensing, staff training, child files, and enrollment.
• Seek additional funding resources through grants and potential donors.
• Participate in strategic planning with a third-party consultant.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of early childhood experience, with at least 2 years in an administrative or leadership role.
• Familiarity with budgeting, purchasing, and other aspects of business operations preferred.
• Supervisory experience, including hiring, performance management, and team development, is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of VDOE child care licensing standards and developmental best practices.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Comfort with technology for record-keeping, parent communication, and team coordination.

Nice To Haves

Personal Characteristics

• Empathetic, approachable, and emotionally intelligent.
• Mission-driven and community-oriented.
• Organized, proactive, and consistent in leadership presence.
• Capable of managing multiple responsibilities with clarity and composure.
• Dedicated to equity, inclusion, and respectful collaboration.

First-Year Priorities

• Build strong relationships with staff, families, and children through visibility and listening.
• Review and refine internal systems and operational structures.
• Establish transparent communication channels and regular staff touchpoints.
• Set clear short- and long-term goals with measurable steps and accountability.
• Begin digitizing records and streamlining paperwork and communications.

Benefits

Compensation and Timeline

• Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience and education.
• Benefits: Paid time off, paid holidays, childcare discount, and opportunities for professional development.
• Application Timeline: Priority review will begin on August 11. 2025. Applications will be accepted until September 6.

About Us

OUR MISSION

Forest Hill Child Care Center exists to nurture a love of learning in children, to prepare them for a transition into school, and to build relationships with families in the community.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a vibrant community where every child discovers their unique potential, every family feels supported, and a lifelong love of learning begins in a nurturing and inspiring environment.