Shenandoah University is seeking an experienced and passionate Center Director for their child care center. We’re looking for a leader who inspires both children and teachers, builds meaningful community relationships, and is committed to creating a thriving educational environment. If you are enthusiastic, driven, dependable, and dedicated to helping children and educators learn and grow, we may be the perfect fit for you. This is a full-time benefited position located in Winchester, VA.

Our ideal Center Director is an energetic mentor who empowers teachers, communicates effectively, and excels at organization and multitasking. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring the success of the center by fostering strong relationships with families, staff, and the community while maintaining a high-quality, fast-paced childcare environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the center in compliance with applicable Virginia licensing standards.
• Recruit new students to the center. Maintain an impartial standard for student admittance.
• Oversee the financial health of the school, including budgeting, billing, tuition collection, fundraising, vendor relations, and supply inventory.
• Experience with CACFP guidelines and implementation.
• Lead human resources functions including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and, when necessary, termination of staff.
• Implement staff training and professional development to enhance skills and ensure high classroom quality.
• Ensure staff complete required training hours per licensing expectations.
• Evaluate school programs through classroom observations and create improvement plans.
• Maintain the safety, cleanliness, and upkeep of the school grounds and facilities.
• Serve as the first responder to all emergencies. Send out emergency alerts to families and communicate any closures or changes in operations with all stakeholders.
• Attend required meetings to support school operations and organizational growth.

Essential Skills:

• Understanding of supervision, training, instructional methods, and early childhood program philosophies.
• Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Have physical dexterity and the ability to reach arms above head, sit on the floor with the children, and be able to kneel, bend, squat and crawl.

Required Skills

Requirements-Educational and Licensing:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in early childhood education or similar, in lieu of degree an early childhood professional credential (CDA, AAS in Early Childhood Education) and 6-8 years experience in a licensed child care setting either as assistant director or director.
• Knowledge of Virginia laws, regulations, and best practices for childcare operations.
• Minimum of ten hours of management training per Virginia Licensing requirements.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, preferably as the Director or Assistant Director in a licensed Child Care Center.
• Successful completion of the Virginia Pre-Service Training for Child Care Staff.
• Ability to pass background checks, drug screens, and meet all VA licensing requirements.
• Infant, Child, Adult First Aid and CPR certified

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

**Note: A pre-employment background check and urine screening will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Required Experience

Requirements-Educational and Licensing:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in early childhood education or similar, in lieu of degree an early childhood professional credential (CDA, AAS in Early Childhood Education) and 6-8 years experience in a licensed child care setting either as assistant director or director.
• Knowledge of Virginia laws, regulations, and best practices for childcare operations.
• Minimum of ten hours of management training per Virginia Licensing requirements.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, preferably as the Director or Assistant Director in a licensed Child Care Center.
• Successful completion of the Virginia Pre-Service Training for Child Care Staff.
• Ability to pass background checks, drug screens, and meet all VA licensing requirements.
• Infant, Child, Adult First Aid and CPR certified

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

**Note: A pre-employment background check and urine screening will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.