Early Education Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED), Early Learning serves as the strategic and operational leader for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles’ early learning portfolio, overseeing a comprehensive system of fee‑based preschool, grant‑funded preschool, California State Preschool Program (CSPP), and federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, this role is responsible for ensuring high‑quality, compliant, and sustainable early learning programs that advance the YMCA’s Center for Community Well‑Being framework and Youth Development strategy, with a focus on closing opportunity gaps and supporting school readiness for children ages 0–5. This position leads to a complex, blended funding model across multiple sites and regulatory environments, requiring deep expertise in federal, state, and local requirements. The ED serves as the primary liaison with key external partners including the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), California Department of Education, Head Start governing bodies, and other public and private stakeholders. The role ensures excellence in program quality, compliance, data reporting, fiscal stewardship, and continuous quality improvement across all early learning programs. The YMCA is a delegate agency of LACOE for Head Start and Early Head Start. The ED directly supervises a senior leadership team that includes two Operations EDs and key content area specialists required for Head Start and state preschool programming, including but not limited to Nutrition, Disabilities and Mental Health, ERSEA, Family Services and Education. This role is in close collaboration with YMCA center leadership and shared services teams to ensure alignment, integration, and impact across the association. As a key member of the Youth Development leadership team, this position contributes to broader organizational strategy, cross‑functional initiatives, and large‑scale community impact efforts.

Essential Functions, Strategic Leadership & Program Operations

Provide strategic leadership and direction for all early learning programs, including fee‑based preschool, CSPP, Head Start, and Early Head Start; Oversee HS/EHS program planning through the development of organizational goals that address program needs; Lead the implementation and evolution of the YMCA’s Early Learning strategy, aligned with the YMCA’s Cradle to Community Well‑Being framework; Ensure all programs are operating at high levels of quality, enrollment, and impact across multiple sites and funding streams; Develop and implement strategies to expand access, improve outcomes, and ensure long‑term sustainability of early learning programs; Oversee program design, curriculum alignment, and school readiness outcomes in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards and state requirements; Lead Continuous Quality Improvement efforts, including monitoring systems, site evaluations, and corrective action planning.

Operations & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations including Head Start, Early Head Start, CSPP, Community Care Licensing, and LACOE requirements; Oversee all data reporting, audits, and monitoring processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with funding requirements; Lead the organization’s relationship with LACOE and other regulatory agencies, serving as the primary point of contact for oversight and compliance; Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Governing Council, and related stakeholders to articulate priorities, evaluate services, and guide staffing and organizational structure decisions; Ensure systems are in place for licensing, record keeping, incident reporting, and program documentation; Oversee ERSEA functions including enrollment, eligibility, recruitment, selection, and attendance to meet program requirements.

Staff Leadership & Development

Provide direct supervision and leadership to two Operations Executive Directors and key content specialists including Nutrition, Disabilities and Mental Health, ERSEA, Family Services and Education; Build and lead a high‑performing, mission‑driven team across multiple sites and program areas; Ensure staff are properly trained, certified, and supported to meet performance and compliance expectations; Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies for early learning staff; Foster a culture of belonging, accountability, and continuous learning across the department.

Fiscal Management & Resource Development

Develop and manage a multi‑million dollar operating budget across multiple funding streams, including public and private sources; Ensure appropriate use and stewardship of federal, state, and local funds in compliance with all funding requirements; Monitor financial performance through forecasting, variance analysis, and expense control; Support and lead efforts to secure additional funding through grants, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives; Maintain strong relationships with funders and stakeholders through regular communication, reporting, and program visibility.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Build and maintain strong relationships with LACOE, school districts, community partners, and early childhood stakeholders; Serve as a leader and representative of the YMCA in early learning and education spaces across Los Angeles County; Engage families and communities in meaningful ways to support program participation and outcomes and ensure full enrollment; Oversight and support parent engagement structures including Parent Advisory Councils and family involvement initiatives; Support YMCA‑wide events and initiatives, contributing to broader youth development and community well‑being efforts.

Safety & Risk Management

Ensure all programs meet YMCA safety standards, licensing requirements, and risk management protocols; Oversee incident reporting and response processes, ensuring appropriate follow‑up and documentation; Ensure all staff are trained in mandated reporting and report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with laws and YMCA policies.

General Administration

Attend staff meetings and training as required; Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management; Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility, in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff; Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth; All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

YMCA Leadership Competencies

The Y’s Leadership Competency Model is comprised of multiple leadership competencies (knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of cause driven leadership: Advancing Our Mission & Cause, Building Relationships, Leading Operations, and Developing & Inspiring Others. The following competencies are critical to success in this position: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Program/Project Management, Developing Self & Others’ Emotional Maturity.

Minimum Qualifications

Age: 21 years‑old or older.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university with a major in Education, Public Administration, Child Development, or a related field is required. • Master’s degree in a related field and Administration Credential is preferred.

Related Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education, including supervision, fiscal management, and multi‑site program administration. • One year of management and supervisory experience managing Head Start, Early Head Start, CSPP, or other publicly funded early learning programs. • Experience working within complex regulatory environments and managing compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. • Experience leading teams and developing staff across multiple program sites.

Certifications

Child Development Program Director Permit required or ability to obtain; Must hold or be willing to obtain within 60 days: Infant‑Child‑Adult CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, TB clearance, health screening, immunization records, etc.

Desired Skills & Expertise

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