At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:
We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.
Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.
Your Mission in Action
A Center Director is responsible for ensuring that the Head Start Center adheres to Upbring standards, Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing Minimum Standards, as well as other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements concerning Early Head Start and Head Start education.
*This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.
Responsibilities
Oversee and supervise the teaching and center staff, ensuring high-quality educational experiences for children. Collaborate with leadership to ensure the program’s success and maintain compliance with all regulations and standards
Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all children and staff at all times. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
Coordinate the completion and monitoring of essential data (e.g., attendance, assessments, home visits) and maintain open communication with families, staff, and supervisors. Produce and distribute monthly newsletters and other communications as needed
Manage the center’s budget, ensuring expenditures align with the fiscal philosophy of the program. Collaborate with Regional Director and vendors for cost-effective operations, repairs, and maintenance while adhering to budget constraints
Foster a positive, nurturing work environment by working closely with staff, leadership, and other stakeholders. Collaborate with staff on child development, classroom management, and program goals, ensuring that all regulatory standards are met
Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all interactions with staff, children, families, and the community to foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse backgrounds
Work with family engagement staff to coordinate family activities, meetings, and community events. Build and maintain strong relationships with families, staff, and the community to ensure a supportive learning environment
Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, prioritizing and scheduling necessary repairs in partnership with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations. Ensure that resources and supplies are ordered, maintained, and meet program requirements
Lead by example, model Upbring’s core values, and maintain professional relationships with staff and stakeholders. Support the hiring, onboarding, and development of staff, fostering a strong team culture focused on program success and continuous improvement
Other duties as assigned
Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence.
Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, on-going, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
Work closely with management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff
Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A Child Development Associate credential or Certified Child-Care Professional credential with six college credit hours in business management AND at least two (2) years of experience in licensed childcare center
OR
An Early Childhood Administrator’s credential issued by a professional organization or educational institution and approved by Licensing based on criteria specified in Subchapter P of Chapter 745 of this title, (relating to Early Childhood Administrator’s Credential Program), AND at least two (2) years of experience in a licensed child-care center
OR
Nine (9) college credit hours in child development and nine (9) college credit hours in business management AND at least three (3) years of experience in a licensed child-care center
Computer skills with proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
Five (5) years of experience with Head Start or similar school readiness programs
Experience with inclusion of children with disabilities
Knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety licensing requirements
Bilingual (English and Spanish) with the ability to fluently converse and write in Spanish (based on student population and service area), highly preferred
CPR/First Aid Certification
Travel
This position may be required to travel up to 10%
Perks at Upbring
Competitive PTO & paid holidays
Health, dental, vision insurance & more
403(b) Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Discounted Gym Memberships
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
Position requires frequent standing, walking and time being mobile to coordinate events
Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs
The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.
Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.