Childcare Center Director

Childcare Center Director 551 11th Ave SE, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 $45,760

• $54,080 a year
• Full-time $45,760
• $54,080 a year
• Full-time Job Description The Center Director provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for a nonprofit early childhood education organization serving approximately 70-80 children across three program sites.

The Director is responsible for overseeing daily operations, financial management, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and program quality while working closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission. This position plays a key role in expanding enrollment, growing fundraising efforts, strengthening staff comradery, and building sustainable funding sources to support long-term organizational growth. The Director ensures a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment for children, families, and staff while maintaining compliance with all childcare licensing and funding requirements.

Responsibilities Include:

Fundraising & Community Engagement (30%) Lead efforts to expand fundraising opportunities and diversify revenue sources. Promote the organization in the community to increase awareness and support. Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational strategic plans. Manage and update the organization's website as needed.

Manage funding reimbursement programs including:

Grant reimbursements and reporting, Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) tracking and submission, Early Learning Scholarship reimbursement tracking. Financial Management (20%) Oversee the organization's financial operations including: Budget tracking and financial monitoring of donations/grants Payroll processing (bi-weekly) Monthly and weekly bill payments Human Resources & Staff Leadership (30%) Provide leadership and support to all staff across three sites. Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and staff transitions. Oversee staff performance management and disciplinary actions when needed. Ensure completion of background checks and required employment documentation. Coordinate annual staff training requirements. Develop scheduling systems to ensure appropriate staffing levels. Develop policies and procedures that support efficient and effective program operations. Program Operations (20%) Ensure compliance with all childcare licensing regulations and program standards. Maintain Safe Serve Manager certification and oversee food service operations such as menu planning, food ordering, and kitchen operations as needed. Work closely with the staff leads who directly oversees childcare development, staff mentorship in ECD, and licensure requirements. Develop strategies to increase enrollment and maintain full program capacity. Oversee enrollment processes including new child intake, waitlist management, and internal classroom transitions. Monitor attendance tracking and reporting requirements. Required Experience Experience in early childhood education, childcare, or related fields have at least 9 quarter credits or 90 hours earned in any combination of accredited courses in staff supervision, human relations, and child development. Must be able to pass an extensive background check to safety work around children Leadership or management experience in operations, administration, or human resources Experience working with nonprofit organizations Experience in fundraising events or building community relations Strong organizational and financial management skills Preferred Experience Familiarity in grant writing or finding funding opportunities Familiarity with childcare licensing regulations and public funding programs Experience working with families and young children Ability to oversee multi-site operations and differing administrative systems This position requires a high level of activity and flexibility. This job description is not all inclusive and duties may fluctuate over time. Some days involve moving between classrooms, while others are focused on completing tasks at a desk. Occasional classroom coverage may be required as needed, though this is typically a last resort. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and remain standing for extended periods. The role also requires the ability to engage with children in a creative and supportive manner, while maintaining a professional and welcoming approach when interacting with families. Strong organizational skills are essential, including the ability to prioritize tasks based on urgency and level of need. This role includes leading community engagement and fundraising efforts, requiring strong planning, communication, and collaboration skills. We encourage those who demonstrate strong alignment with our mission and a readiness to grow with us to apply, as we are committed to finding the right individual to support Laker Prep's continued development. Apply by sending a professional resume and cover letter (introductory) to lakerprep.boardchair@gmail.com with the subject line " Center Director Position

• _(Your Name Here)_ ".

Pay:

$45,760.00

• $54,080.

00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person