Program Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

Scion Nonprofit Staffing has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for an Interim Program Director on behalf of a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health, education, and community well-being throughout Santa Cruz County. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early childhood education leader to provide strategic and operational leadership for a large Early Education Division during a critical transition period.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for assigned early education programs and centers.
• Oversee daily program operations to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and licensing regulations.
• Lead long- and short-term program planning, goal setting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the division with community partners, funding sources, and external stakeholders.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets in partnership with finance staff.
• Ensure timely completion of required reports, enrollment documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Establish and monitor procedures related to enrollment, program participation, and family services.
• Recruit, supervise, coach, and evaluate teachers, aides, and support staff.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and families.
• Collaborate with staff, families, and community organizations to support children's educational and developmental needs.
• Support parent engagement initiatives and maintain strong relationships with advisory committees and community partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
• Must possess or qualify for a California Child Development Program Director Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Significant leadership experience overseeing early childhood education programs, centers, or divisions.
• Strong knowledge of child development principles, licensing requirements, and state and federal regulations governing early education programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, staff, compliance activities, and program operations.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

REFERRED TOOLS

• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred).
• Experience working within nonprofit or community-based organizations (preferred).
• Experience engaging with funding agencies and external stakeholders (preferred).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to successfully complete all required background clearances and screenings.
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to meet all health, immunization, CPR, and training requirements associated with licensed early childhood programs.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE

• Full-time, exempt interim assignment.
• Six-month contract engagement.
• 100% onsite within Santa Cruz County, CA.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

ABOUT OUR SEARCH FIRM

Scion Nonprofit Staffing is an award-winning national nonprofit recruitment and staffing specialist for nonprofit organizations, foundations, associations, and educational institutions! Since 2006, we have had the pleasure of successfully placing thousands of talented professionals supporting incredible missions and programs. Through our innovative team-building and recruiting solutions, we bridge the gap in executive leadership searches, direct-hire nonprofit recruiting, interim leadership placement, and temporary professional staffing. We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online. Scion Nonprofit Staffing is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Nonprofit Staffing proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.