Child Development Center Director

WHO WE ARE: Respond, Inc. is a charitable, not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization created by community residents to enhance and promote the economic independence and general welfare of individuals and families residing in Camden City and county. This mission is carried forth in the provision of comprehensive services in child care, a senior adult center, programs for homeless adults, rental housing and home ownership, youth services, employment, economic development and associated programs that help people help themselves.

RESPOND, Inc. is seeking a Child Development Center Director. The Director assists in the overall management of the curriculum, oversees the physical facility, and manages staff and the overall image of the center under the direction of the Director of Early Care and Education. The Director should be organized, energetic, someone who will dedicate themselves to the mission of Respond. Inc.; and must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment while taking initiative to resolve complex issues. This position requires knowledge of local, state and federal laws regarding safety requirements, inspections and certification procedures to ensure the center complies with those requirements. This is a full time, exempt position, Monday through Friday.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Is a member of total team effort in maintaining best possible environment for children
• Implements classroom curriculum
• Maintains on-going relationships with all employees, parents, and stakeholders
• Is a part of team effort in initial intake work and parent conferences
• Plans, schedules, and executes trips for the center
• Organizes center parent meetings; and encourages parent participation
• Directs the mission of the positive development (physical, mental, emotional, and social) of children involved in the program
• Assists with attendance, inventory, personnel records, and petty cash
• Develops reports as necessary, i.e., vouchers, food program quarterly monitoring, child development, etc.
• Keeps open lines of communication within agency
• Directs short-and long-term planning of overall center operations
• Keeps current license and certifications on site as necessary
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervision of employees in the center as assigned
• Supervision of care and maintenance of the physical facility
• Supervision of on-going curriculum
• Supervision of kitchen facilities
• Supervision of food ordering and inventory
• Has input in menu planning
• Supervision of individual children's progress (via progress reports)
• Supervision of transportation for field trips, and others as needed
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft, Google applications and fundraising software, GiveSmart, Convio and social networking platforms
• Ability to support and eloquently promote the mission of Respond, Inc.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to set clear goals, organize projects, develop work processes and manage volunteers
• Goal and outcome focused, reflecting a clear appreciation of both the needs of diverse client populations and the organization’s operational limits
• Strong awareness of the social, economic, political environment in which the Respond, Inc. operates, since part of its effectiveness is in partnering in the larger community
• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or above from an accredited college or university required
• 5 years experience working with children required
• Child Development Associate Certification required
• Valid New Jersey Instructional Pre-k-3 Teacher’s Certificate required (NJ Praxis Teacher Certification Pre-k through grade 3) preferred
• Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
• CPR Certification
  
  

Compensation

• $45,000 to $50,000 a year
  
  

We Offer The Following Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Competitive Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life Insurance/AD&D
• Supplemental/Voluntary Benefits
• 401 K
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.
  
  

Respond, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.