Executive Director – River Road Early Learning Center
About The Position
River Road Early Learning Center (RRELC), a ministry of River Road Presbyterian Church, seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead its early childhood education program in Richmond, Virginia. RRELC serves children from six weeks through Junior Kindergarten and offers purposeful, play-based learning, developmentally appropriate curriculum, after-school enrichment, year-round programming, and summer camp. Although affiliated with the church, RRELC is not a Christian school. The Executive Director will guide the Center’s mission and program quality, lead and develop staff, oversee daily operations and regulatory compliance, manage enrollment and community engagement, and work with church leadership and the RRELC Ministry Board. In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, the Executive Director will develop and manage budgets and monitor financial performance. The role requires an active on-site presence and engagement with staff, families, and the church community.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
- Classroom teaching experience with infants through Junior Kindergarten.
- Experience in a highly rated early childhood center or school.
- Strong operational and financial management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and website maintenance.
- Current CPR certifications covering infant, child, and adult; First Aid certification; and Medical Assistance Training.
- Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to lead effectively and diplomatically.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership to advance RRELC’s mission and ensure program excellence and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement curriculum aligned with the Center’s philosophy, current research, and state guidelines, emphasizing play-based, age-appropriate learning.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment for children, families, and staff.
- Stay current with early childhood education trends and engage in relevant professional organizations.
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-quality teachers and staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Oversee staff supervision, evaluation, and professional development, promoting career growth and team cohesion.
- Ensure staffing meets regulatory requirements and supports optimal teacher-to-student ratios.
- Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, enrollment, waitlist management, and compliance with regulatory and church policies.
- Develop and execute marketing strategies to drive enrollment and community engagement.
- Maintain accurate records, manage communications, and protect the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Collaborate with church leadership and the RRELC Ministry Board, providing regular reports on performance, finances, and program activities.
- Partner with the Director of Finance and Administration to develop and manage annual budgets, monitor financial performance, and recommend tuition or contract changes.
- Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in Center operations.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing requirements.
- Oversee safety procedures, drills, and child protection policies.
Benefits
- Dental insurance provided.
- Vision insurance provided.
- Short-term disability insurance available.
- 403(b) retirement account available through River Road Presbyterian Church.
- 20 days of paid time off per year.
- Eight paid holidays per year.
- Continuing education allowance of $1,000 per year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
