Co-Director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center

YWCA PRINCETON • Princeton, NJ

46d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Co-Director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center serves as a senior leader responsible for the shared strategic and operational leadership of YWCA Princeton’s early childhood education program. Working in partnership with a second Co-Director, this role ensures the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and equitable early childhood education while advancing YWCA’s mission. The Co-Director provides leadership across program quality, staff development, family engagement, operations, and compliance, ensuring that the Center remains a trusted, inclusive, and high-performing community resource.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related educational field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of child development principles and early education best practices
• Knowledge of NJ state licensing requirements and health and safety standards
• Knowledge and experience of the quality rating process of Grow NJ Kids
• Experience supervising staff and managing program operations
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional ethics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal database systems
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days)

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization
• Experience working with Universal Pre-K programs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and inclusive education practices

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership and Quality Assurance (35%) Co-lead the planning, development, and implementation of high-quality early childhood programs aligned with NJ licensing and Grow NJ Kids standards Ensure programs meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical developmental needs of children Conduct regular assessments and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives Ensure a nurturing, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment
• Operations, Compliance and Resource Management (25%) Ensure full compliance with all licensing, health, safety, and accreditation standards Oversee daily operations including attendance, transitions, staffing patterns, facility readiness, and classroom supplies Collaborate with finance and admissions on enrollment, billing coordination, and recordkeeping Share responsibility for budget oversight, resource allocation, and operational efficiency
• Staff Leadership and Organizational Culture (15%) Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, and evaluate staff in partnership with Human Resources and executive leadership Foster a positive, supportive, and accountable workplace culture rooted in transparency, growth, and equity Lead professional development, coaching, and performance feedback for staff Serve as acting Director when needed and share leadership coverage with Co-Director partner
• Family and Community Engagement (15%) Serve as a primary point of contact for families, building trusting, respectful, and responsive relationships Ensure strong communication systems with parents and caregivers Collaborate with community partners to expand access, resources, and program impact Promote family engagement as a core component of children’s success
• Organizational Learning and Mission Integration (10%) Participate in organization-wide training, leadership meetings, and retreats Align Center operations and culture with YWCA Princeton’s equity and mission priorities Model leadership that integrates racial and gender equity into practice and decision-making

Benefits

• We offer a competitive compensation package
• Compensation range: $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off, 13.5 holidays per year, and access to health and wellness benefits.
• Employees also receive professional development opportunities and are welcomed into a values-driven, people-first culture.
• All full-time YWCA employees are entitled to receive a 25% discount on childcare, classes, and summer program fees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director