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Job Description
Daystar Children's Center Director Lighthouse Worship Center in Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director for Daystar Children's Center. The Director will provide strategic, operational, and spiritual leadership for a Christ-centered early childhood education program committed to academic excellence, child development, and family engagement. The ideal candidate is a proven leader who can effectively manage daily operations while advancing a long-term vision for Daystar Children's Center. This individual will possess strong leadership, communication, marketing, fundraising, and community partnership skills, along with a passion for nurturing children, developing staff, and supporting families in a faith-based environment. Daystar Children's Center provides a Christ-centered learning community that promotes academic excellence through biblical principles, godly character, and meaningful relationships.
Position Summary Job Title:
Director, Daystar Children's Center Location:
Lighthouse Worship Center Daystar Children's Center 6409 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA 22310
Work Schedule:
Full-Time Salary Range:
Competitive; commensurate with experience and qualifications
Pay Schedule:
Bi-Weekly Reports To:
Senior Pastor, along with accountability to the
Board of Directors Supervises:
Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and other Children's Learning Center personnel
Work Location:
In person Primary Responsibilities Strategic Leadership The Director will provide visionary leadership for Daystar Children's Center and work collaboratively with church leadership, staff, and parents to ensure the continued growth and success of the Center.
The Director will:
Develop and implement short-term and long-term strategic plans. Establish goals, objectives, and performance measures that support the mission and vision of Daystar Children's Center. Identify opportunities for program expansion, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provide leadership in developing a positive organizational culture focused on excellence, accountability, and Christian values. Present regular reports, including considerations for the center's improvements to church leadership. Educational Leadership Ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children. Oversee curriculum implementation and classroom quality. Support teachers in utilizing resources and delivering engaging educational experiences that promote school readiness and child development. Monitor student progress and ensure compliance with educational standards and licensing requirements. Promote continuous improvement through staff development and coaching. Stay abreast of current and emerging educational innovations in early childhood development. Personnel Management Recruit, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff. Foster a collaborative and positive work environment. Conduct staff meetings, performance evaluations, and professional development activities. Address personnel matters in accordance with church policies and applicable employment regulations. Model professionalism, diplomacy, fairness, and integrity. Operations and Compliance Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local licensing regulations and requirements. Maintain readiness for inspections and audits. Oversee risk management, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness procedures. Manage daily operations, enrollment processes, staffing schedules, and recordkeeping systems. Ensure all policies and procedures are consistently implemented and maintained. Enrollment, Marketing, and Community Engagement Develop and implement strategies to increase enrollment and retention. Promote Daystar Children's Center through community outreach, social media, church communications, and marketing initiatives. Build and strengthen relationships with local schools, county agencies, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners. Strengthen relationships with current families and create meaningful relationships with prospective families. Grant Development and Financial Stewardship Research, pursue, and manage grant opportunities that align with the goals of the Children's Learning Center. Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting obligations. Manage expenditures responsibly and recommend financial strategies that support long-term sustainability. Collaborate with church leadership regarding financial planning and resource allocation. Parent and Family Engagement Foster strong partnerships with parents and families. Communicate effectively regarding program activities, policies, and student progress. Address parent concerns professionally and promptly. Develop opportunities for family involvement and engagement within the Daystar Children's Center and church community. Qualifications and Requirements Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and meet one of the following Virginia licensing qualifications for
Child Day Center Directors:
Option 1 Graduate degree in a child-related field (such as Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Nursing, or Recreation) Six months of programmatic experience Option 2 Bachelor's degree or teaching endorsement in a child-related field One year of programmatic experience Option 3 48 semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) of college credit At least 12 semester hours (or 18 quarter hours) in child-related subjects One year of programmatic experience Option 4 Two years of programmatic experience One year in a staff supervisory capacity PLUS one of the following: One-year Early Childhood Certificate consisting of at least 30 semester hours; OR Child Development Credential (CDA or equivalent) Applicants without prior management experience must possess one of the following: A college course in a business-related field; OR Ten hours of management training; OR One child care management course that satisfactorily covers the management functions of: Planning, Budgeting, Staffing, and Monitoring. Preferred Skills and Experience Experience with strategic planning, organizational leadership, and program development. Demonstrated success in enrollment growth, marketing, or resource development preferred. Strong financial management and budgeting experience. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and educational management systems. Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Lighthouse Worship Center. Demonstrated Christian character and ability to serve effectively in a faith-based environment. Professional Development The Director will demonstrate a commitment to continuous spiritual, personal, and professional growth by participating in conferences, workshops, leadership development opportunities, and ongoing training. Additional Qualifications Must be able to lift 50 pounds or more. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and move around easily throughout the day while actively supervising children. Ability to meet the physical demands of working with young children, including lifting, bending, and active supervision. Must be willing to get a tuberculosis screening done. Must be willing to complete a fingerprint-based criminal record check. Must be willing to complete a Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check. Must be willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification for adults, children, and infants before start date. Application Process Please send your resume to lighthouseworship6610@outlook.com or apply directly on Indeed. Thank you for your interest. This job announcement serves as a general guideline for the Director position. Specific duties and responsibilities may be modified to meet the evolving needs of Daystar Children's Center, its families, and the ministry of Lighthouse Worship Center Church.
Pay:
$55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance
