Associate Executive Director

We are seeking an Associate Executive Director to lead a team of Early learning professionals keeping strategy at the forefront. 
Job Description

The Associate Executive Director supports leadership in ensuring the financial, operational, and programmatic success of the Disney Learning Center Childcare site. This role focuses on managing budgets, supervising department leads, fostering team development, and enhancing family satisfaction through high-quality programs and responsive engagement. The incumbent will collaborate with staff to maintain DCF compliance, accreditation, VPK requirements and outcomes, quality delivery of curriculum and age appropriate learning environments. As a key member of the leadership team, this position aligns daily operations with YMCA standards and strategic goals, supporting a positive impact on families and the broader community.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development or related field of study preferred. 
  • A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development or related field. 
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience with fiscal management, enrollment growth and retention, fundraising, program management, community relationship building, and facility care preferred. 
  • Microsoft Office proficiency required; Paylocity and Procare experience a plus. 
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certifications. 
  • Effective leadership, management and supervision skills to drive operational success of a Learning Center. 
  • Excellent skills to recruit, select, motivate, coach, develop, train and retain highly qualified staff. 
  • Excellent verbal, planning, written and interpersonal communication skills; must make effective and persuasive presentations to staff, senior management, community partners, corporate executives, families and volunteers. 
  • Must exhibit a professional, courteous and welcoming demeanor. Excellent customer service skills.  
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability. 
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work independently in a fast-paced multi-priority environment. 
  • Must be able to handle diverse responsibilities resourcefully and multi-task effectively. 
Essential Functions
  • Financial Oversight: Support the Executive Director and/or DVP in managing the Learning Center’s budget, monitoring financial performance, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions to meet revenue and EBIDA targets. Review monthly financial reports and enrollment targets.
  • Supervise Operational Leads: Oversee day-to-day operations and provide direct supervision to Program Supervisors to promote cohesive and integrated approaches to childcare services. Ensure alignment with YMCA policies and high-performance standards.
  • Leadership Development & Staff Engagement: Recruiting, developing, and retaining department leads and staff. Adhering to established HR procedures and processes that ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with YMCA values. Foster a positive team culture through regular check-ins, performance reviews, and career progression planning, promoting staff retention and succession within the Learning Center.
  • Family Engagement & Satisfaction: Ensure a high level of family satisfaction by monitoring activity participation and addressing family feedback. Collaborate with department leads to develop quality programs that meet family needs and improve retention.
  • Facility and Equipment Management: Coordinate with Operations and Facilities teams to ensure the cleanliness, functionality, and safety of all facilities and equipment. Support the implementation of maintenance schedules and family/staff interactions to maximize usage and satisfaction.
  • Volunteer and Community Relations: Actively recruit and engage volunteers, helping to build a diverse and inclusive volunteer advisory board. Strengthen relationships with community leaders, schools, and organizations to support the Learning Center’s objectives and visibility.
  • Annual Campaign Initiatives: Collaborate with Association resources to support and lead specific components of the Learning Center’s Annual Campaign, assisting in volunteer recruitment, donor engagement, and event planning.
  • Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure operational compliance with YMCA safety standards, policies, and risk management procedures. Proactively identify risk exposures and ensure staff certifications and trainings are up to date.
  • Operational Efficiency: Support the Operations Director in managing scheduling and staffing strategies to maximize family engagement and operational effectiveness. Utilize data reports to monitor usage trends, staff scheduling, and resource allocation.
  • Brand Integrity & Family Experience: Uphold YMCA brand standards through quality assurance in program offerings, facilities, and marketing alignment. Monitor family satisfaction metrics and assist in implementing improvements as needed.
  • Leadership Team Participation: Serve as a key family of the Learning Center leadership team, contributing to strategic discussions, participating in professional development, and supporting the goals of the YMCA of Central Florida.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Ensure proper documentation of incidents, injuries, and daily operations, following established YMCA procedures. Provide periodic reports and updates to the Executive Director and/or DVP on assigned responsibilities.
  • Support Community Campaigns & Events: Participate in planning and executing community initiatives, campaigns, and events to enhance community impact and Learning Center visibility.
  • Other Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director and/or DVP, providing flexible support across both strategic and operational needs.
  • Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor and follow the Association’s current employee and family injury reporting procedures.