Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) is the full-time, year-round chief executive officer of Tenney Preschool and Childcare (TPC), reports to the board of directors, and supervises all staff. The ED will work in coordination with the Board of Directors to pursue policies and organizational goals, budgets and other Board of Directors priorities and enact Board-approved actions. The ED is responsible for planning, administering, and managing all aspects of TPC. The ED serves as key advisor to the board of directors on the formulation of policies, procedures, and operational guidelines, and the ED is responsible for the implementation of those policies and directives, for administering contractual agreements with vendors, and for serving as liaison to and acting in compliance with state licensing and city accreditation bodies. The ED is responsible for the consistent direction of the school’s vision, strategic planning and sustainable operations management. The ED oversees daily fiscal functions and managerial work of TPC, and serves as liaison to parents, the community and all constituents. The ED will foster and administer TPC’s mission and by‑laws, offering an articulate program of play‑based instruction that operates in accordance with applicable local and state laws and licensing requirements. The ED will oversee curriculum and instruction and ensure a learning environment that supports the growth and development of every child. Duties Supervise and formally evaluate all staff. Recruit, hire, orient, mentor, address any performance concerns, respond to staff needs, set and monitor staff goals, and provide appropriate professional development and training. Foster cooperative work relationships among staff through open communication, mediation, in‑services and ongoing feedback. In consultation with staff, develop curriculum for each classroom. Support staff in ensuring that classrooms provide safe, responsive, and nurturing environments for children. Be qualified and able to function in the classroom as a substitute or float teacher, when needed. Stay calm in crises and when the unexpected happens, and lead by example. Director must complete annual continuing education in early childhood education, child development, and leadership. Minimum 20 hours per year recommended. Demonstrate knowledge of child development milestones, NAEYC standards for early childhood programs, effective teacher coaching, and classroom management best practices. Manage and administer all TPC functions. Implement the budget adopted by the board of directors, including both revenue and expense sides. Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Board of Directors, including donor development, annual giving, and grant writing and administration. Ensure compliance with all state and city rules and regulations. Review and understand updates in government regulations and programs, providing updates to the Board with plans to maximizeprogram funding. Initiate and implement periodic long‑range planning and goal setting. Evaluate all TPC activities and provide leadership in making improvements. Maintain the TPC building so that it remains clean and safe. Oversee school enrollment. Monitor classroom enrollment levels in accordance with ratio requirements. Anticipate and fill enrollment slots. Licensing & Compliance Responsibilities: Serve as the primary contact for Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and Madison city accreditation bodies. Maintain current knowledge of all state licensing rules and implement systems to ensure full compliance. Document compliance through internal audits and staff training. Financial Management: Demonstrate competency in non‑profit accounting principles, budget development and monitoring, financial reporting, and oversight of tuition/fee structures. Must be comfortable with data analysis and financial decision-making. Support and regularly report to the Board of Directors. Provide monthly budget reports. Consult with the board on needed policy changes. Implement Board directives. Advise the Board on best practices, Board composition, risk management, and any other matters that affect Board function. Request from the Board the support needed for TPC to operate well and thrive. Attend all Board meetings. Parent Cooperative Partnership: Given TPC's parent cooperative governance model, the ED must understand and support cooperative principles. Work collaboratively with parent leadership, facilitate parent volunteer programs, and communicate transparently regarding school operations and decision‑making. Use digital and non‑digital methods to communicate regularly and effectively with staff, families, regulators, donors and other funders, and with all other constituencies and communities, as appropriate. Be the spokesperson for TPC. Be highly visible with peer‑directors and community partners and within the TPC community. Communication Expectations: Establish regular communication schedules with staff (weekly), families (monthly newsletter minimum), and board (monthly agenda/minutes). Implement crisis communication protocols. Maintain professional social media presence. Log all important communications with regulatory bodies and retain documentation. And all other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. Requirements A bachelor's degree in early childhood education and three years' experience as an early childhood teacher or center director OR a two-year degree in early childhood education and four years' experience as an early childhood teacher or center director OR Department of Children and Families Registry certification indicating qualification as an administrator and two years' experience in a similar administrative position. Minimum two years in a managerial role Outstanding leadership, networking, and motivational skills Must be on‑site during all contracted work hours. Flexibility to attend evening/weekend board meetings and community events as needed. Strong knowledge of Emergent Curriculum and play‑based learning approaches Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 ecosystems Background clearance Current CPR and First Aid certification (child focused). Completion of mandatory reporter training on child abuse and neglect identification and reporting requirements. Must maintain current knowledge of Wisconsin child welfare laws and reporting obligations. Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking Dedication and commitment to the organization’s mission and values Must be an innovative, strategic thinker with initiative and passion Nice To Haves Master’s degree in Education, Business Management, or Non‑Profit Management Broad experience in planning, budgeting, managing, and working with a board of directors Experience in fundraising including planning, prospect development, donor stewardship, and grants Demonstrated ability to build donor and community relationships Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and financial procedures Experience in strategic planning Experience with or understanding of parent cooperative governance models Tenney Preschool and Childcare offers a 403b retirement program, professional development budget, tuition discount/reimbursement for TPC child enrollment, paid vacation, paid holidays, as well as spring and winter break. #J-18808-Ljbffr