Executive Director – Early Learning Center

Sunshine Academy•Billings, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We're hiring an Executive Director to lead our well-established early childhood center located on HWY 312 in Billings, Montana — just minutes from downtown, with quick access to the Yellowstone River, Lake Elmo, and everything the Billings Heights has to offer. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced early childhood professional who wants real authority, clear expectations, and the chance to lead a quality program without big-city bureaucracy. The Executive Director leads operations, people, and performance at the center. This is not a classroom or caretaker position — it's a leadership role for someone who understands that excellent childcare is built on strong systems, capable staff, and sound business practices. You'll work within established policies and systems, with the authority to make day-to-day operational and personnel decisions.

Requirements

3+ years of leadership experience in early childhood education or a comparable operational leadership role
Demonstrated experience managing teams, schedules, and center operations
Working knowledge of budgeting, labor management, and financial reporting
Eligible for Montana ECP Practitioner Registry Level 3+ (Level 4 preferred)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent leadership experience

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations to hit enrollment, staffing, and compliance targets.
Manage schedules, ratios, and staffing plans for consistency and cost control.
Keep the center audit-ready at all times.
Hire, onboard, coach, and when needed, make termination decisions.
Set clear expectations and follow through.
Build a team that stays and performs.
Serve as the primary on-site leader for families, tours, and meetings.
Handle concerns professionally and proactively.
Represent the organization with warmth and competence.
Reviewing operational and financial summaries and making decisions that support long-term center health.