Preschool Director - Hickory Foundation YMCA

Job Summary

The YMCA of Catawba Valley is seeking an experienced and passionate Preschool Director to lead the Hickory Foundation YMCA Child Development Center. This position provides overall leadership and management of a licensed preschool program serving children ages 8 weeks through 5 years.

About the Role

This role provides oversight and management of a licensed early childhood center, ensuring high-quality early childhood programming, compliance with NC DCDEE licensing regulations and YMCA standards, and fostering a positive team culture focused on excellence, accountability, and child outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate teaching staff
• Maintain compliance with NC DCDEE licensing regulations and YMCA standards
• Ensure safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Support curriculum implementation and classroom quality
• Build strong relationships with families through excellent communication and customer service
• Monitor enrollment, retention, and waitlists while supporting growth strategies
• Manage site-level budgets and operational performance
• Ensure readiness for licensing visits, audits, and quality assessments
• Foster a positive team culture focused on excellence, accountability, and child outcomes
• Promote YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, Human Services, Business Management, or a related field
• Level III Early Childhood Administrator Credential
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Child Care Director, Child Care Consultant, or other regulatory leadership position in early childhood or youth development
• Strong knowledge of NC child care licensing requirements and developmentally appropriate practices
• Experience supervising staff and managing program operations
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

Qualifications

• A strong leader who can build and develop teams
• Experienced in licensing compliance and quality improvement
• Customer-focused and relationship-driven
• Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Committed to creating exceptional experiences for children and families

Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Benefits

The YMCA offers an Employee Assistance Program and retirement contributions.

Pay

USD $45,000.00 - USD $50,000.00 /Yr.

Schedule

Full-time position.