Executive Director Early Learning Center

We're hiring an Executive Director to lead our early childhood center located on HWY 312 in Billings, Montana. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced early childhood professional who wants real authority, clear expectations, and the chance to lead a quality program without big-city bureaucracy. About the Role The Executive Director leads operations, people, and performance at the center. This is not a classroom or caretaker position — it's a leadership role for someone who understands that excellent childcare is built on strong systems, capable staff, and sound business practices. You'll work within established policies and systems, with the authority to make day-to-day operational and personnel decisions. What You'll Own Enrollment and full-time occupancy (FTE) Staffing stability, scheduling, and labor cost management Licensing compliance and inspection readiness Team hiring, coaching, performance, and accountability Family experience and the center's reputation in the community Reviewing operational and financial summaries and making decisions that support long-term center health Key Responsibilities Operations & Performance Lead daily operations to hit enrollment, staffing, and compliance targets. Manage schedules, ratios, and staffing plans for consistency and cost control. Keep the center audit-ready at all times. People Leadership Hire, onboard, coach, and when needed, make termination decisions. Set clear expectations and follow through. Build a team that stays and performs. Family Experience Serve as the primary on-site leader for families, tours, and meetings. Handle concerns professionally and proactively. Represent the organization with warmth and competence. Business Competence You don't need to be a finance expert, but you do need to be comfortable with numbers — reviewing center-level financials, understanding how staffing and enrollment drive the bottom line, and using data to make decisions. How Success Is Measured Enrollment and FTE stability, staff retention, labor cost adherence, licensing compliance, team performance, and family satisfaction. Who Thrives Here Leaders who are calm and decisive, comfortable holding adults accountable, think in systems, and value structure and continuous improvement. This is not the right role for someone who avoids financial conversations, resists structure, or wants to stay primarily in the classroom. Qualifications 3+ years of leadership experience in early childhood education or a comparable operational leadership role Demonstrated experience managing teams, schedules, and center operations Working knowledge of budgeting, labor management, and financial reporting Eligible for Montana ECP Practitioner Registry Level 3+ (Level 4 preferred) Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent leadership experience What We Offer $50,000-$55,000 base salary, based on experience Bonus opportunities tied to center performance Paid time off and holidays Childcare benefit / employee discount Professional development and leadership growth Clear expectations, real authority, and established systems Support from an engaged executive leadership team

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off Professional development assistance Application Question(s): What would prevent you from saying yes to this position?

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

Leadership:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person