Director, Tomorrow Academy

About the Role

The Director is responsible for the overall performance and daily leadership of the center, ensuring strong enrollment, regulatory compliance, high-quality early learning experiences, and positive family relationships. This role leads center operations, supports educator development, and maintains a safe and engaging environment for children and staff. The Director works closely under the supervision of the Executive Director to implement the Playing to Learn curriculum and uphold program quality standards. Through strong communication and leadership, the Director fosters a collaborative culture that supports staff growth and positive outcomes for children and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operations and performance of the center, ensuring high-quality early learning experiences for children and families.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, safety procedures, and program policies.
• Develop and implement enrollment strategies to support center capacity and program sustainability.
• Monitor enrollment trends, retention, and waitlist management to support program stability.
• Oversee hiring processes and support recruitment of qualified educators and center staff.
• Lead staff development by fostering a collaborative culture that supports professional growth and strong classroom practices.
• Supervise center staff by providing coaching, feedback, support, and accountability for performance expectations.
• Ensure staff credentials, required training, and professional development requirements are maintained.
• Ensure implementation of the Playing to Learn curriculum and maintain high standards for classroom quality.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs and observations to monitor program quality and learning environments.
• Ensure developmental documentation and assessment practices are completed with quality and consistency.
• Oversee incident reporting procedures and risk management practices within the center.
• Maintain strong relationships with families and address concerns through open communication and support.
• Coordinate family engagement opportunities that support strong partnerships between families and the center.
• Support community partnerships and represent the center in outreach and relationship-building efforts.
• Provide classroom coverage as needed to maintain required staff-to-child ratios and ensure continuity of care.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• ECE3 Category – Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or a related field required.
• Minimum of 9 college credits in business, programs, or administrative competencies.
• At least five years of experience working in a licensed childcare setting.
• Experience managing staff, including supervising at least two direct reports.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and administrative operations, including scheduling, time-off management, timesheets, and community relations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized, with experience leading compliance and quality initiatives.
• Understanding of front-line operations in early childhood programs.
• Proactive, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented.
• Able to remain calm and effective under stressful situations.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and budget management experience.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility.
• Up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, worth $1,200+ annually.

Pay

$64,000 to $69,000 annual salary, depending on experience.

Work Location

4000 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, Texas 78704, United States

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families, and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community's greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community, and a better world. We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp. Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future—for all.