Co-Director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center

Job Title:

Co-Director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center Department:

The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center Reports To:

Chief Program and Impact Officer FLSA Status:

Exempt Location:

On-site Employment Type:

Full-time Why Join YWCA Princeton? YWCA Princeton is a mission-driven organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We advance this mission through a wide range of programs that foster equity and expand opportunity for women, girls, and marginalized groups at every age and stage of life. Our offerings include early childhood education, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, a Breast Cancer Resource Center, economic empowerment initiatives, racial and gender equity advocacy, and opportunities for professional development and community connection. About the

Role:

The Co-Director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center serves as a senior leader responsible for the shared strategic and operational leadership of YWCA Princeton's early childhood education program. Working in partnership with a second Co-Director, this role ensures the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and equitable early childhood education while advancing YWCA's mission. The Co-Director provides leadership across program quality, staff development, family engagement, operations, and compliance, ensuring that the Center remains a trusted, inclusive, and high-performing community resource. What You will

Do:

Here's how you will contribute in this role: Program Leadership and Quality Assurance (35%) Co-lead the planning, development, and implementation of high-quality early childhood programs aligned with NJ licensing and Grow NJ Kids standards Ensure programs meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical developmental needs of children Conduct regular assessments and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives Ensure a nurturing, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment Operations, Compliance and Resource Management (25%) Ensure full compliance with all licensing, health, safety, and accreditation standards Oversee daily operations including attendance, transitions, staffing patterns, facility readiness, and classroom supplies Collaborate with finance and admissions on enrollment, billing coordination, and recordkeeping Share responsibility for budget oversight, resource allocation, and operational efficiency Staff Leadership and Organizational Culture (15%) Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, and evaluate staff in partnership with Human Resources and executive leadership Foster a positive, supportive, and accountable workplace culture rooted in transparency, growth, and equity Lead professional development, coaching, and performance feedback for staff Serve as acting Director when needed and share leadership coverage with Co-Director partner Family and Community Engagement (15%) Serve as a primary point of contact for families, building trusting, respectful, and responsive relationships Ensure strong communication systems with parents and caregivers Collaborate with community partners to expand access, resources, and program impact Promote family engagement as a core component of children's success Organizational Learning and Mission Integration (10%) Participate in organization-wide training, leadership meetings, and retreats Align Center operations and culture with YWCA Princeton's equity and mission priorities Model leadership that integrates racial and gender equity into practice and decision-making

What You Bring:

We're looking for someone who brings a combination of the following:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related educational field (Master's preferred) Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership or supervisory experience Strong understanding of child development principles and early education best practices Knowledge of NJ state licensing requirements and health and safety standards Knowledge and experience of the quality rating process of Grow NJ Kids Experience supervising staff and managing program operations Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional ethics Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal database systems CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days) Preferred (not required): Experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization Experience working with Universal Pre-K programs. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred Familiarity with trauma-informed care and inclusive education practices We recognize that experience can come in many forms — if you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.

Who You Are:

Core Values & Competencies At YWCA Princeton, success is not just about what you do, it is about how you do it.

We value team members who:

Mission-Driven & Equity-Centered We work every day to eliminate racism and empower women. Equity guides our decisions, practices, and partnerships. Transparent & Trust-Based We foster open communication, clarity, and respect at all levels. Trust is the foundation of how we lead, collaborate, and grow. Growth-Minded & Learning-Focused We embrace curiosity, feedback, and professional development. Staff are supported in their growth and encouraged to innovate. Wellness & Care-Oriented We prioritize work-life balance and a culture of compassion. Our policies and benefits reflect a deep commitment to employee well-being.

What You Can Expect:

Work Environment & Accessibility:

Work is performed in-Office This role may require sitting, standing, lifting up to 50 lbs., and moving between classrooms and facilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Benefits and Compensation:

We offer a competitive compensation package, Compensation range: $75,000 - $85,000 , commensurate with experience. Paid time off, 13.5 holidays per year, and access to health and wellness benefits. Employees also receive professional development opportunities and are welcomed into a values-driven, people-first culture. All full-time YWCA employees are entitled to receive a 25% discount on childcare, classes, and summer program fees.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

YWCA Princeton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state (including NJLAD), or local law.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.