Executive Director

Description

Position Summary: The Child Care and Learning Center (CCLC), a cornerstone of early
childhood education in Rappahannock County, Virginia with a 50-year history, is seeking a
visionary and community-focused Executive Director to lead our organization forward. As
the county’s largest nonprofit and fifth-largest employer overall, CCLC plays a crucial role in
supporting both the local economy and family well-being, serving children 3 months to 12 yrs
old and providing employment for 35 dedicated staff. We are proud to be the only early
childhood program in the surrounding area accredited by the National Association for the
Education of Young Children (NAEYC), reflecting our commitment to excellence. A hallmark of
our programs is nature-based learning. Our expansive ten-acre campus serves as a daily
outdoor classroom where our children build resilience, curiosity, social skills, and a deep
connection to the natural world.

The Executive Director will lead CCLC with vision and effectiveness, managing the
organization’s operations and strategic direction. The Executive Director will serve as the
public face of CCLC, engaging with the broader community, donors, funders, and
stakeholders to advance partnerships, advocacy efforts, and program development. This
position demands a blend of strong organizational leadership, a deep commitment to early
childhood education, and the capacity to foster authentic relationships with staff, families, and
community collaborators.

Job Duties

Key Responsibilities
The job duties and responsibilities for the Executive Director include, but are not limited to,
the following:

Organizational Leadership and Vision
• Establishes and executes operational strategies, policies, and objectives aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Guides both short-term initiatives and long-range strategic planning efforts.
• Prepares for and actively participates in Board meetings, fostering transparent and consistent communication with the Board of Directors.
• Ensures proper documentation and regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Cultivates a positive organizational culture that attracts, retains, and inspires mission driven staff.
• Enhances public visibility and community engagement with the organization and its programs.

Fundraising, Development, and Financial Management
• Leads and sustains fundraising initiatives to support existing programs, including identifying new funding opportunities and crafting targeted grant proposals.
• Partners with the Board of Directors to coordinate donor engagement strategies and execute fundraising campaigns.
• Oversees compliance and administration of all federal and state funding sources.
• Maintains accurate financial records and ensures robust internal controls, keeping expenditures aligned with budgetary goals.
• Collaborates with the Program Director to develop and refine the organization’s annual operating budget.
• Develops and executes a long-term plan for campus grounds upkeep and improvement.

Human Resources Management
• Ensures the effective management of human resources including hiring, supervision, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, and terminations.
• Leads, mentors, and supports the organization’s staff to a collaborative and high functioning team environment.
• Oversees required staff training and promotes ongoing professional development through internal programs and external learning opportunities such as seminars, workshops, webinars, and courses.

Operational Management
• Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services to ensure alignment with its mission and goals
• Collaborates with local and state officials, as well as support agencies, to uphold
compliance and respond to regulatory inquiries.
• Develops and oversees all insurance and benefit policies.
• Oversees administration of health care coverage, short-term disability, and the Simple Retirement Plan for staff.

Skills Required

Desirable experience and attributes
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across both private and public sectors
• Flexible and cooperative approach to problem-solving
• Experience working on a range of children’s services
• Knowledge of the funding landscape in the state of Virginia, including child welfare, family services, Medicaid, health insurance, and private philanthropic sources.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations related to child care, special education, Head Start and Early Head Start, child welfare, and child health and nutrition programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for engaging with children, families, staff, board members, and community partners.

Desired Credentials and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required, with a preference for candidates holding a master’s or higher degree in fields such as Nonprofit Management, Business, Human Services, Child Development, Education or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in child care management and leadership positions, early childhood education or related field.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership and organizational management.
• Strong background in financial oversight, including budgeting and fiscal planning
• Working knowledge of systems of care such as special education, early child development, and child welfare.
• Experience in overseeing children’s program development and management
• Skilled in fundraising and grant writing, with a strong ability to engaging and cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals

Additional Info

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the CCLC Board
of Directors Search Committee at generalinquiry@rappcclc.org.

Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted until the
position is filled.