Executive Director - Lake Dillon Preschool

Summary

The Executive Director leads the organization with a focus on supporting children, their families, and a safe, high-quality learning environment. This role advances the mission by ensuring excellent early childhood programs, maintaining regulatory compliance, and overseeing the center’s financial and operational health. The Director works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, families, and community partners to foster a nurturing and thriving community.

Duties

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction aligned with the organization’s mission and goals by guiding decision making, setting clear operational priorities, and modeling inclusive and accountable leadership.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all state licensing, public health, and safety requirements by maintaining strong policies, monitoring implementation, and promoting consistent standards across the school.
• Oversee overall school operations and staff structure, including role clarity, team coordination, staffing ratios, classroom transitions, and high quality program delivery in partnership with the Education Director.
• Direct talent management and workplace culture through hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development that strengthens collaboration and growth.
• Foster meaningful relationships with families and community partners through clear communication, responsive problem solving, and a welcoming enrollment experience.
• Collaborate with the Finance Director to oversee budget alignment, tuition processes, financial tracking, and benefits strategy that supports recruitment and retention.
• Advance program quality initiatives with the SEAL and Administrative team to support social emotional learning, inclusive practices, and strong classroom environments.
• Coordinate fundraising and resource development efforts, including grant strategy, proposal oversight, reporting, and collaboration with Board and committee leadership.
• Guide oversight of the school nutrition and food program to ensure regulatory compliance, responsible budgeting, and high standards for child health and safety.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide support as needed to keep the school running smoothly, including helping with classroom or daily operations when staffing gaps arise.
• Work closely with the administrative team to coordinate schedules, staffing needs, and daily activities across the school.
• Oversee the care and safety of the building, playground, transportation, and kitchen to ensure clean, safe, and healthy environments for children and staff.
• Manage purchasing for the school, including classroom materials and supplies, by choosing high quality items and making thoughtful, budget aware decisions.
• Support special projects, events, and new initiatives that help strengthen the preschool community and overall program.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support changing program and organizational needs.

Requirements

• PDIS Credential Level 3 or higher
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred) or equivalent job experience 
• Three (3) or more years of leadership or management experience in early childhood education or nonprofit management
• Knowledge of childcare licensing and nonprofit operations
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred

Ideal Candidate

• Mission-driven leader, passionate about early childhood education
• Collaborative, ethical, and community-focused
• Skilled at balancing program quality with financial sustainability

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• EPIC Ski Pass
• Paid Time Off / sick leave
• Retirement with employer match
• Childcare discount
• Professional development

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This job opening is scheduled to close on March 15 or when the position is filled.