Associate Executive Director

The Associate Executive Director is a critical member of the Executive team, responsible for leadership agency-wide, achieving integration of all programs and departments, and continuously monitoring diverse agency and program/operational needs. Through the direction of organizational needs and strategic visions, develops and implements effective programs and initiatives to further the organization. This individual is responsible for creating alignment across organization programs and services to ensure consistency, collaboration, and high-quality services are always provided. The Associate Executive Director provides coverage for the Executive Director in their absence.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Provides direct leadership over agency programs and operations
2. Coach, develop, and supervise Regional Managers, FGP Director, Maintenance, Curriculum, and Central Kitchen
3. Oversees programming aspects across the agency and agency support services
4. Monitor all compliance and regulation entities (DCF, NAEYC, YoungStar) and ensure practices are reflective of any updates
5. In conjunction with the Executive Director, develops and leads short and long-term strategic planning
6. Provides support on matters related to the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board
7. Become involved in local and state committees, coalitions, task forces, etc.
8. Provides leadership and direction to the Director of Curriculum to ensure best practices are identified and executed
9. Consistently investigates new and innovative approaches to programming and operations for all departments under supervision
10. Monitor and analyze financial reports to ensure projections are being met and if not, work with team members on action plans
11. Ensure quality early education programming is implemented and tracked to show the progress of children
12. Support Regional Managers and department leaders in ensuring fiscal/operation aspects of the center/programs are exceeding or at expected amounts
13. Collaborate with agency leaders and various departments to ensure the needs of operations are being met
14. Work with Regional Managers and Advocates to appropriately coordinate Advocate workload while ensuring effective and impactful support services

The ideal candidate has:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Education/Education, Business, Administration, or a related field required.
• At least 5 years’ experience in high-level leadership roles or relative non-profit leadership experience is highly desired.
• Knowledge of early education and childcare industry standards through prior work experience or education in the field preferred
• Ability to think strategically and articulate complex ideas
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Proven ability to build, steward, and maintain varying relationships
• Accountable and adaptable in high-stress situations
• Collaboratives across multi-functional departments
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Exhibits agency values in daily work and demonstrates commitment to agency mission

Physical Requirements:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Moderate noise level in the work environment and often required to stand, bend, and lift to 30 pounds.
• Required to talk, hear, and have the ability for close vision.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb/balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.