Executive Director, Early Learning Center

National Children's Center • Washington, DC

9d • $130,000 - $145,000

About The Position

National Children's Center (NCC) is one of the Washington metropolitan area's premier nonprofit providers of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our Early Learning Center (ELC) is a vital community resource and center of excellence in Ward 8, providing inclusive early childhood education and early intervention services that transform the lives of young children ages six weeks to five years old.

We're seeking a visionary leader to serve as Executive Director of our Early Learning Center. This is more than a management role—it's an opportunity to shape the future of inclusive early childhood education in the nation's capital and position ELC as a premier provider of early intervention services regionally and nationally. Our ELC is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in SE Washington, DC.

This position has an annual salary range of $130,000 - 145,000

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education or child care center management
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Deep knowledge of best practices in early childhood education
• Expertise with DC OSSE requirements, including DCPS Pre-K standards
• Strong understanding of Creative Curriculum and NAEYC guidelines
• Proven financial management and fundraising capabilities

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Experience with inclusive education models
• Track record of building community partnerships and organizational growth

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight and direction for the ELC, including our Clinical Service Program and Early Intervention Program
• Ensure seamless integration between clinical, educational, and administrative teams
• Position ELC as a leader in inclusive early childhood education and a vital contributor to Ward 8's stabilization and revitalization
• Direct operations according to the highest standards set by OSSE, DCPS Pre-K, DOH, NAEYC, Creative Curriculum, and NCC
• Lead and supervise key Clinical and Education team members and provide oversight of all ELC staff
• Maintain financial stability and secure diverse funding streams in a challenging fiscal environment
• Build and manage strategic community relationships and partnerships
• Lead fundraising initiatives, corporate partnership development, and creative revenue generation
• Serve as a powerful advocate for the ELC and NCC's mission
• Drive innovative approaches to expand our reach and impact

Benefits

• NCC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off, and generous holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees