Center Director for Early Learning Center

WHO WE ARE: Respond, Inc. is a charitable, not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization created by community residents to enhance and promote the economic independence and general welfare of individuals and families residing in Camden City and County. This mission is carried forth in the provision of comprehensive services in early learning centers, and programs for homeless adults. At Respond our motto is "Empowerment through Early Education".


RESPOND, Inc. is seeking a Child Development Center Director. The Director assists in the overall management of the curriculum, oversees the physical facility, and manages staff and the overall image of the center under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood Education. The Director should be organized, energetic, someone who will dedicate themselves to the mission of Respond; and must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment while taking initiative to resolve complex issues. This is a full time, exempt position, Monday through Friday.


Duties/Responsibilities:

• Is a member of total team effort in maintaining best possible environment for children
• Implements classroom curriculum
• Maintains on-going relationships with all employees, parents, and stakeholders
• Is a part of team effort in initial intake work and parent conferences
• Organizes center parent meetings; and encourages parent participation
• Directs the mission of the positive development (physical, mental, emotional, and social) of children involved in the program
• Assists with attendance, inventory, personnel records, and petty cash
• Develops reports as necessary, i.e., vouchers, food program quarterly monitoring, child development, etc.
• Keeps open lines of communication within agency
• Assists with food ordering and inventory
• Directs short-and long-term planning of overall center operations
• Keeps current license and certifications on site as necessary

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervision of employees in the center as assigned, including the Cook and Assistant Cook
• Supervision of care and maintenance of the physical facility
• Supervision of individual children's progress (via progress reports)

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to support and eloquently promote the mission of Respond, Inc.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to set clear goals, organize projects, develop work processes and manage employees
• Goal and outcome focused, reflecting a clear appreciation of both the needs of diverse client populations and the organization's operational limits
• Strong awareness of the social, economic, political environment in which the Respond, Inc. operates, since part of its effectiveness is in partnering in the larger community
• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 45 pounds

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or above from an accredited college or university required
• 5+ years experience working with children required
• Child Development Associate Certification preferred, or be willing to be certified within the first year of employment
• Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status

Compensation:

• $50,000 a year

We offer the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 100% company paid medical plan for employee
• Generous Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays
• Paid December Holiday week off at end of year
• Multiple Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Employer paid Life Insurance/AD&D
• Multiple Supplemental/Voluntary Benefits, including Aflac
• 401 K

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.

Respond, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.