Description: |
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of a nonprofit early childhood education organization and reports directly to the Board of Directors. This role provides strategic leadership, oversees day-to-day operations, implements board-directed policies, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and safe programming aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
Salary
$80,000 – $100,000 CAD
Core Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
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Lead all organizational operations, including program development, administration, and policy implementation.
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Guide the development and delivery of curriculum and programming that is age-appropriate, inclusive, respectful, and safe—aligned with mission and pedagogical values.
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Represent the organization in the community to foster partnerships, advocacy efforts, and program expansion.
Board Relations
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Act as the primary liaison between the Board and staff.
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Advise the Board on legal compliance, operating procedures, and necessary policy considerations.
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Prepare agenda materials and reports for Board meetings, and contribute to strategic visioning and training initiatives.
Policy & Compliance
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Implement all Board-approved policies and recommend updates or new policies as needed.
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Ensure compliance with provincial and municipal legislative requirements—such as early learning regulations, public health, workplace safety, fire codes, and employment standards.
Human Resources & Team Leadership
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Lead recruitment, hiring, performance management, corrective action, and dismissal in accordance with employment laws.
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Develop and maintain job descriptions, oversee orientation, probationary assessments, ongoing evaluations, and professional development.
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Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture among staff, volunteers, and placement students.
Program Planning & Management
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Oversee the planning, implementation, and assessment of early learning programs and special projects.
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Ensure programming adheres to best practices in early childhood development and reflects inclusive, evidence-informed approaches.
Financial Oversight
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Manage budgets, accounts receivable/payable, invoicing, fee collection, and expenditure controls.
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Coordinate with accounting staff and Board Treasurer to prepare annual budgets and financial statements, monitor fiscal performance, and explore alternative funding sources and grants.
Administrative Oversight
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Maintain systems related to administration and finance, ensuring accuracy and timely compliance.
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Guarantee confidentiality and secure handling of personnel, student, volunteer, and family records.
Succession Planning & Governance
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Create leadership pipelines by developing clear roles and training for site leads or direct supervisors.
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Collaborate with the Board to formalize succession strategies and train staff to lead in the Executive Director’s absence.
Family & Community Engagement
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Promote respectful, inclusive relations with families through timely and transparent communication.
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Respond to inquiries within two business days, manage concerns per established protocols, and support children’s development and family engagement.
Community Advocacy & Strategic Planning
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Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders—including government agencies, community groups, and Indigenous partners—to further organizational goals.
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Lead strategic planning by setting goals, assessing resource needs, and adjusting to changing community needs.
Risk Management & Health & Safety
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Identify organizational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
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Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and familiarity of staff with policy limitations.
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Oversee health and safety training, compliance with occupational health standards, and safe, inclusive environments for all.
Qualifications & Experience
Education & Certification
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Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field.
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ECE Level III or equivalent certification and management training.
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Valid Standard First Aid.
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Up-to-date criminal record and child abuse registry checks.
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Knowledge of relevant provincial, municipal, and public health legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Professional Experience
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Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership position within early years education or child care.
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Demonstrated knowledge of inclusive programming, human resource management, risk and financial oversight, and governance best practices.
Skills & Abilities
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Strategic thinking, critical decision-making, and strong organizational skills.
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Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication.
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Proficient in budgeting, financial analysis, and program planning.
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Ability to lead with empathy, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to respectful community engagement.
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