About Jack & Jill Center
Since 1942, Jack & Jill Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has served more than 30,000 children and families through comprehensive early education and family strengthening programs. We are wholeheartedly committed to our mission of strengthening children and families through innovative education, supportive programming, and community engagement.
Guided by a Two-Generation (2Gen) approach, we recognize that children thrive when their families thrive. By intentionally serving both children and their parents or caregivers, we work to create lasting pathways toward educational success, family stability, and economic mobility. Through high-quality early childhood education, parent and family support services, workforce development opportunities, and community resources, we empower entire families to achieve their full potential.
Each day, we strive to ensure that every child and family reaches their full potential. We live out our core values by treating others with respect and the highest degree of integrity, and by practicing effective communication to foster clarity and understanding in every interaction. We embrace innovation by encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement. Through teamwork, we cultivate a dedicated and unified staff passionately working toward one common mission.
At Jack & Jill Center, we take great pride in serving not only children, but also their parents, guardians, and members of our broader community. Through our 2Gen framework, we address the interconnected needs of families by supporting children's learning and development while helping caregivers build the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for long-term success. As we enter our next chapter, we remain committed to adapting to the evolving needs of those we serve and to continuing to make a meaningful, lasting impact on their lives, creating stronger families, stronger children, and stronger communities for generations to come.
Position Summary
The Director of Early Education provides operational, instructional, and people leadership for the early childhood education program. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of program operations, staff performance, enrollment, compliance, and family experience, ensuring that children from infancy through Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education that supports their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
The Director champions the organization's Two-Generation (2Gen) approach by fostering strong partnerships with families and integrating family-strengthening practices into program delivery. In partnership with the Chief Program Officer and organizational leadership, the Director ensures compliance with NAEYC accreditation standards, Broward Child Care Licensing requirements, School Readiness and VPK regulations, Early Learning Coalition (ELC) contracts, CACFP guidelines, and all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
As a key member of the team, the Director works collaboratively across departments to promote program excellence, enrollment sustainability, family engagement, staff development, and the overall success of the organization.
Primary Position Responsibilities
Program Development & Management
- Oversee daily operations of a nonprofit, accredited early childhood education center serving approximately 140 children, six weeks through 5 years old.
- Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of approved curriculum and program models.
- Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback, promoting school readiness and whole-child development.
- Ensure full compliance with NAEYC, School Readiness, VPK, ELC, CACFP, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage quality improvement plans, accreditation preparation activities, and corrective action efforts to ensure ongoing compliance and program excellence.
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
- Manage daily operational performance across classrooms and program functions.
- Ensure consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and program standards.
- Identify operational challenges and implement timely corrective actions to support program effectiveness.
Family & Community Engagement
- Engage families and promote meaningful participation in children's learning.
- Collaborate with Family Program to provide wraparound supports for families.
- Maintain and strengthen community partnerships that support enrollment, family engagement, and program success.
- Promote the 2Gen approach and represent the organization at community events and stakeholder meetings.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Lead the recruitment process and onboarding of new team members in partnership with the HR department.
- Lead, develop, and retain a team of approximately 25 education, administrative, and support staff through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, and talent development practices that support organizational excellence and program quality.
- Provide coaching and mentoring, administer evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure staffing plans maintain required ratios, credential requirements, and operational continuity.
- Manage daily staff performance, accountability, and workplace expectations.
- Address employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources.
- Lead workforce planning, scheduling, classroom coverage, and staffing continuity efforts.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
- Ensure consistent communication and implementation of organizational initiatives and expectations.
Data, Evaluation & Reporting
- Utilize organizational reporting systems and program data to monitor enrollment, attendance, child outcomes, compliance measures, staff performance, and other key performance indicators.
- Support continuous quality improvement and ensure accurate reporting to stakeholders.
- Utilize operational data and performance metrics to identify trends, address challenges, and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Enrollment, Budget & Resource Management
- Have an active role in enrollment initiatives, family tours, open houses, admissions processes, and retention efforts.
- Monitor enrollment trends and implement strategies to maintain full enrollment.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Family Services to support recruitment and retention.
- Manage departmental budget performance, purchasing, staffing allocations, and resource utilization in partnership with Finance and the Chief Program Officer to ensure responsible stewardship of approximately $2 million in program resources.
Development, Fundraising & Organizational Collaboration
- Support organizational fundraising efforts by providing program data, operational insights, and participation in donor engagement activities as requested.
- Provide accurate program information and outcome data for grant applications and reporting requirements.
- Participate in donor visits and stakeholder engagement opportunities as requested.
Policy & Advocacy
- Stay informed regarding local and state policy developments affecting early childhood education.
- Represent the program with regulatory agencies, accrediting bodies, and community partners as needed to support compliance, quality standards, and program operations.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, activities, and hours worked may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
EEO STATEMENT
Jack & Jill Center is an equal opportunity employer. All employment activities will be conducted in a manner to assure equal opportunity for all and will be based solely on the individual merit and fitness of applicants, candidates and/or employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation/preference, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Jack and Jill complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The Director of Early Education possesses the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Human Services, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Florida Director Credential required
- 5+ years of experience in early childhood education, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Experience with School Readiness, VPK, and Early Learning Coalition programs preferred.
- Experience with CACFP compliance and monitoring strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a nonprofit early childhood education environment preferred.
- Demonstrated success in enrollment growth, family engagement, and staff retention preferred.
- Experience leading licensing inspections, accreditation reviews, and quality improvement initiatives preferred.
- Experience working in mission-driven or nonprofit environments preferred
- A valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
- Proper documentation to work in the United States
- Successfully complete and pass a Level II Clearinghouse Background Screening - FL Clearinghouse | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Ideal Candidate
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Experienced Early Learning Leader with expertise in early childhood education, licensing, and program quality.
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People-Focused Manager who develops, coaches, and inspires high-performing teams.
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Strategic Operator skilled in enrollment, budgeting, compliance, and continuous improvement.
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Family & Community Partner committed to building strong relationships that support child and family success.
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Mission-Driven Leader who uses data, innovation, and equity-focused practices to drive meaningful outcomes.
Why Work With Us?
Working at Jack & Jill Center may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career. Here, your skills and passion directly contribute to transforming young lives and setting children on a path filled with opportunity. As a valued member of our team, you’ll be part of a community of educators, administrators, and professionals who are committed to creating an enriching and inclusive environment for both learning and work.
We also offer:
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Discounted childcare
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Ancillary benefits: STD, Critical Illness, Hospitalization
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Group LTD & Life Insurance
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Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Observed Holidays
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Paid Winter Break: December 24, 2026, to December 31, 2026
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Retirement matching program
Join us and be part of a team that makes an impact every single day!
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026
Application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline date. Early applications are encouraged.
