Job Description

Guilford Center for Children is seeking an Executive Director who will provide strategic leadership and ensure the development and delivery of quality preschool, before and after school programming, and summer programming for the children and families in the Guilford Community and surrounding area. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the organization through programmatic, operational and financial oversight in accordance with the goals and values of the Board of Directors and organizational stakeholders. The Executive Director is responsible for building relationships and strengthening the Guilford Center for Children’s mission within the community of Guilford.

Guilford Center for Children is a nonprofit organization offering high-quality early education and before and after school programs for working families in Guilford and surrounding towns. Our early education center was started in 1971 in order to offer early care and education to some of Guilford’s youngest citizens. The NAEYC-accredited early education program serves preschool children ages 3 through 5. We provide quality opportunities for the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of each child in a warm and nurturing atmosphere.

The before and after school care program is available for children ages 5-12 for families needing childcare before public school starts and after school ends. We operate out of three of the four elementary schools in Guilford and offer all-day care on certain school holidays, during spring break and a full day camp during summer vacation.

We strive for economic diversity, and offer a sliding scale to support that goal.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Organizational Leadership:

· Support and engage approximately 325 families from Guilford and surrounding towns with children aged 3-12.

· Drive an open culture of collaboration, integration, quality and intelligent use of resources.

· Provide executive oversight across all aspects of the organization including academic excellence and standards, planning, implementation and evaluation.

· Promote and steward inclusive programs that meet community needs and promote ongoing community interest and engagement.

· Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and program directors to set and achieve the organization’s strategic plan.

· Establish organization-wide annual goals that are aligned with the strategic plan.

· Ensure that GCC is well positioned to identify and implement new initiatives that address critical needs or gaps in services to the Guilford community.

· Serve as a liaison to Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Guilford Public Schools, Guilford Town Hall, and local and state funders.

People and Operations Management:

· Maintain an organizational culture that attracts, develops and retains excellent staff.

· Coach, develop, manage, and directly supervise two directors who oversee a team of approximately 20 full-time and 25 part-time early education, before and after school care, and summer camp staff.

· Develop high standards for programs and provide guidance for existing and new childcare programs.

· Leverage and design systems and protocols that ensure program excellence and compliance with early childhood best practices.

· Develop and oversee the organization’s budget with the Board of Directors and leadership team.

· Supervise part-time accountant.

· Identify and implement cost effective ways to deliver state of the art early education programs.

· Ensure that GCC is in compliance with relevant local, state and federal laws regulations and standard accounting procedures.

Relationship Building and Stakeholder Engagement:

· Cultivate and support all stakeholder groups including children, parents, staff and donors.

· Serve as a community spokesperson, delivering a clear and compelling message of the mission and work of Guilford Center for Children raising the visibility of the organization.

· Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that board and committee goals are carried out in an effective and timely manner.

· Engage and update the Board of Directors on matters related to GCC’s operations; consistently update the Board on relevant news and progress.

Resource Development:

· Grow a sustainable, diversified funding base including individual donors, corporations, and foundations, enabling GCC to fund it’s annual budget of approximately 1.4 million dollars.

· Provide oversight and support of the staff’s activities with annual giving that include grant writing, cultivation and stewardship of donors, direct mail and fundraising events.

· Oversee production of compelling fundraising marketing materials which communicate the organization’s mission and impact of GCC’s work effectively to donors and supporters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· 5+ years of senior leadership experience; must have some nonprofit experience.

· Strong motivational and staff leadership abilities.

· Preferred candidate has demonstrated fundraising abilities and experience in the field of early childhood education or out of school time programming and/or other social service organizations.

· Compelling communicator, speaker and writer.

· Budget and financial management experience, including P&L capability.

· Experience leading teams and achieving goals through clear and actionable planning and execution.

· Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.

• Ability to deliver, receive, and respond to constructive feedback.
• Strong work ethic and project management skills.

COMPENSATION, SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

This is a full-time, exempt, year-round position with a competitive health benefits package, 403b plan, and paid time off. The salary range is $105,000-$120,000 dependent on relevant qualifications and experience.

The work schedule will require the Executive Director to occasionally work a nontraditional work week for fundraising events, board meetings, and other community events and will require occasional travel. This job will be based on-site at our main building in Guilford, CT.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Guilford Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Guilford Center for Children does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and a compelling letter of interest via email. All cover letters and resumes should be sent as ONE PDF DOCUMENT titled “Last Name ED Cover Letter and Resume” to Michael Duggan at: guilfordcenterforchildrenboard@gmail.com Please title emails as “Executive Director Search” in the subject line. Resumes will be accepted until Friday, February 14, 2025.

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