Job Description
Job Description
Summary
The Executive Director of Dorman Center Preschool serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and is responsible for overall leadership, management, and strategic direction. The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board of Directors to ensure the center fulfills its mission of providing high-quality, inclusive early childhood education and developmental support for young children. This role oversees operations, finances, programming, staffing, community engagement, and long-term sustainability of the organization. The role is approximately 70% administration and program oversight and 30% public relations and fundraising.
Duties
Organizational Leadership Strategy
• Provide visionary leadership to advance the mission and values of Dorman Center Preschool.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, accreditation, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a positive, inclusive organizational culture that values children, families, staff, and community partners.
Program Oversight
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive early childhood education programs.
• Support program staff in maintaining best practices in curriculum, classroom environments, and child development.
• Work with the Program Director to evaluate program outcomes and use data to improve services and demonstrate impact.
• Maintains a clean and organized workspace.
• Oversees overall appearance of facility and maintenance.
Financial Management Fundraising
• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Program Director.
• Oversee financial operations, including payroll, billing, grants, and reporting.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including grant writing, donor relations, and community partnerships.
• Work with the Program Director to identify and apply for grants.
• Seek new revenue streams and funding opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate with bookkeeper on facility finances.
• Provides guidance on donor stewardship, including acknowledgement and donor relation management plans.
Human Resources Staff Development
• Recruit, hire, and supervise leadership and administrative staff; ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff at all levels.
• Promote a safe, supportive, and professional workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and policies.
Board Relations Governance
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff.
• Provide timely, accurate reports on organizational operations and financial health.
• Support the Board in governance, policy development, and fundraising activities.
Community Family Engagement
• Act as the public face of Dorman Center Preschool, building strong relationships with families, donors, and community partners.
• Promote the center’s mission through advocacy, public speaking, and outreach.
• Collaborate with local agencies, schools, and organizations to expand resources and support for families.
All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of leadership/management experience, preferably in early childhood education or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and oversight.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite as well as email.
• Proven success in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education.
• Full-time salaried position, typically Monday -Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends for events, meetings, or community engagement.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet state childcare employment requirements.
Nice To Haves
• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Nonprofit Leadership, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience working with children with special needs and inclusive preschool programming.
• Familiarity with Kentucky childcare regulations and state/federal funding streams.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) a plus.
Benefits
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development support.
• Opportunity to lead a mission-driven organization making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
About Us
With over 60 years of service, the Dorman Preschool Center is a devoted organization dedicated to providing quality childcare for children and families of all needs in Shelby County. The programs of Dorman Preschool provide a learning environment in which a child is helped at his or her own level to learn how to plan his own life-actions: