ELV Executive Director

Executive Director Scaling a National Social Enterprise

Hybrid Role — Candidates Must Reside in the Denver Metro Area

Early Learning Ventures (ELV) is seeking a bold, results-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of significant national expansion. This role is ideal for a proven executive who knows how to scale organizations, grow revenue, build high-performing teams, and translate mission into sustainable business impact.

This is not a caretaker role. We are looking for a leader who has successfully taken organizations to the next level—expanding reach, strengthening infrastructure, and driving disciplined growth—while staying deeply anchored in purpose.

About Early Learning Ventures (ELV)

Early Learning Ventures is a nationally recognized nonprofit social enterprise strengthening the child care sector through technology, shared services, and business solutions. Founded in 2009 by the David & Laura Merage Foundation, ELV became an independent public nonprofit in 2016 and operates from its headquarters within the Foundation's offices.

We partner with child care providers nationwide—most of whom are small businesses—who face increasing regulatory, financial, and operational complexity. ELV addresses these challenges through Alliance CORE, our licensing-compliant child care management system, and a growing portfolio of shared services that streamline operations, improve quality, ensure compliance, and strengthen financial sustainability.

ELV pioneered the Child Care Shared Services model, now operating in 20 states, and is positioned for strong continued expansion. The next Executive Director will lead this growth—scaling proven solutions, expanding partnerships, and solidifying ELV's role as a national leader in early childhood systems innovation.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director will serve as ELV's chief executive, responsible for scaling the organization's impact, revenue, and operational capacity while advancing equitable access to high-quality early learning nationwide.

This role requires an executive who can think like a CEO—balancing strategy, growth, execution, and financial sustainability—and who is energized by building systems that work at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational Strategy & Growth Define and execute a clear, growth-oriented strategy that expands ELV's national footprint and long-term impact. Identify and pursue new markets, partnerships, and revenue opportunities. Translate mission into scalable, repeatable business models.
• Business Scaling & Financial Sustainability Lead revenue diversification and growth across earned revenue, contracts, and philanthropy. Strengthen financial discipline, forecasting, and performance metrics. Ensure the organization has the infrastructure, systems, and processes to scale effectively.
• Product & Technology Leadership Oversee product and technology strategy, ensuring solutions remain competitive, user-centered, and scalable. Drive innovation aligned with provider needs and evolving sector demands.
• Operational Excellence Ensure operational effectiveness across programs, finance, technology, and people operations. Establish clear goals, KPIs, and accountability across the organization.
• Talent & Culture Build, coach, and retain a high-performing leadership team. Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, continuous improvement, and results.
• Board & External Leadership Partner closely with the Board of Directors on strategy, performance, and governance. Represent ELV nationally with funders, partners, policymakers, and field leaders.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Demonstrated success scaling an organization—nonprofit, social enterprise, or mission-driven business. Strong business and financial acumen, including revenue growth and operational scaling. Experience leading organizations through growth, change, or transformation. Comfort operating at both strategic and execution levels. A leadership style that drives accountability, clarity, and results. Passion for mission-driven work; experience in early childhood, education, or tech-enabled services is a plus but not required.

Why This Role Matters

This is a chance to lead an organization at a pivotal moment—where strong fundamentals meet real national growth potential. The Executive Director of ELV will help define the future of how child care businesses are supported across the country, shaping systems that benefit children, families, and communities at scale.

Travel Requirements Approximately 30% domestic travel.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $150,000–$170,000 base (plus bonus)

Benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Company-paid life insurance Short-term and long-term disability insurance 401(k) with company match Company-paid Employee Assistance Program Paid vacation, personal days, holidays, and sick leave