Child Study & Development Center Director

University of New Hampshire•University of New Hampshire - Main Campus, NH

15d•$66,480 - $118,860•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Study and Development Center (CSDC) Director provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for a university-affiliated Child Care and Education Lab School with a mission encompassing teaching, research, and service. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality early childhood education programming while supporting university coursework, research initiatives, and community engagement. The CSDC is a 12-month program, with 15 staff members, that provides programs for children 6-months to 5-years old. The CSDC is an NAEYC-accredited center known for its Reggio Emilia-inspired and project-based curriculum and its special efforts to promote a diverse community of learners. HDFS programs focus on practical experience through internships, community engagement, and real-world applications. Our programs prepare students for success in child development, family support, and human services careers. Through intensive coursework and hands-on learning opportunities, you'll develop the essential skills needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families. Students selected options focused on (1) child development, (2) family and lifespan development, or (3) early childhood education teacher licensure. The administrative responsibilities include maintaining the CSDC’s position as a leader in childcare, early childhood education, and university laboratory schools; working with potential donors; advocating for children and families; and providing leadership to CSDC staff. The position also serves as a conduit to the HDFS programs through advising and supervising undergraduate and graduate students, teaching undergraduate courses in teaching methods and child development, and serving on academic and service committees.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field required.
Experience in a university or campus-based early childhood care and education center
Experience serving as an Executive Director for a licensed early childhood care and education center
Experience mentoring student assistants or interns
Familiarity with accreditation and licensing standards (e.g., NAEYC)
Knowledge of child development principles and best practices
Qualify as a Program Director under New Hampshire Child Care Licensing Rules
Knowledge of early childhood development and evidence-based teaching practices.
Knowledge of University lab school model (teaching, research, service integration).
Knowledge of New Hampshire childcare licensing regulations and national accreditation standards.
Knowledge of Program evaluation, curriculum design, and assessment tools.
Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
Budgeting, financial oversight, and organizational management.
Effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
Research coordination and academic partnership facilitation.
Ability to lead a complex, multi-mission program within a university setting.
Ability to foster inclusive, equitable environments for children, families, and staff.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain regulatory compliance.
Ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build partnerships.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a Director for an NAEYC-accredited
Knowledge of child development principles and best practices
Experience serving as a Director for a university laboratory school.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the lab school.
Oversee daily operations, including staffing, budgeting, enrollment, and facilities management.
Ensure compliance with New Hampshire licensing regulations, accreditation standards (e.g., NAEYC), and university policies.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and program improvements aligned with best practices in early childhood education.
Advise students on degree requirements, course planning, and academic progress.
Teach two undergraduate courses a year with CSDC practicums.
Contribute to the service responsibilities of the department and college.
Supervise and support teaching staff through mentoring, evaluation, and professional development.
Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive curriculum.
Facilitate the lab school’s role as a practicum and observation site for university students.
Collaborate with faculty to integrate coursework and field experiences.
Build strong partnerships with families, university departments, and community organizations.
Serve as a resource for early childhood education in the region.
Coordinate outreach, trainings, and community-based initiatives.
Develop and manage program budgets and funding sources.
Oversee staff recruitment, hiring, scheduling, and retention.
Maintain safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environments for children.