Director

Full-Time | Exempt Position | YMCA of Greater Nashua | Merrimack Branch

Position Summary:

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Director of the Y Academy Early Education Center. As the largest early learning center in New Hampshire, we serve more than 350 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million.

The Director provides leadership for all aspects of the center, including program quality, operations, financial performance, enrollment, staffing, regulatory compliance, and family engagement. This role leads and supports a team of more than 70 educators and support staff, creating a collaborative, accountable workplace where teachers can grow and children receive high-quality care and education.

Working closely with the Curriculum Coordinator and Quality Coordinator, the Director ensures consistent, high-quality programming, supports staff development, and maintains compliance with New Hampshire Child Care Licensing regulations, YMCA policies, and accreditation standards. The Director is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the center while building strong relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.

This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys developing people, strengthening programs, and creating an environment where children, families, and educators can thrive.

About the YMCA of Greater Nashua:

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is a respected and growing association committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Through innovative programming and strong community partnerships, the YMCA serves thousands of children and families each year.

Located in southern New Hampshire, Nashua offers convenient access to Boston, the Seacoast, and the White Mountains while providing an outstanding quality of life for families and professionals alike.

Compensation and Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater Nashua offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick time
• YMCA family membership
• Program discounts for classes and youth activities
• Professional development opportunities
• YMCA-funded retirement contributions after eligible service requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership, Vision, Program Quality & Compliance

• Lead the continued growth of the Y Academy Early Education Center by evaluating programs and operations, improving outcomes, and promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with the Curriculum Coordinator and Quality Coordinator to strengthen program quality, support teachers, and improve educational outcomes.
• Build and lead a positive, high-performing team by setting clear expectations, encouraging open communication, and holding staff accountable for performance and professional conduct.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where children, families, and staff feel respected, supported, and engaged.
• Ensure compliance with all New Hampshire Child Care Licensing regulations, YMCA policies, Praesidium standards, and accreditation requirements.
• Monitor classroom quality and implement improvement plans to maintain high standards across the center.
• Partner with the Curriculum Coordinator to support consistent curriculum implementation, classroom practices, and child outcomes.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for children, families, and staff.

Program Operations & Financial Management:

• Provide overall leadership and supervision of the Early Education Center by establishing clear expectations, ensuring compliance with YMCA policies and licensing regulations, overseeing daily operations, coaching and developing staff, monitoring program quality and outcomes, and addressing operational challenges
• Ensure exceptional program quality while maintaining safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, enrollment, licensing compliance, and daily operations.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives that support program growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, supervise, and evaluate high-quality educators and leaders.
• Maintain accurate employee timesheets and ensure timely review and approval of time-off requests in accordance with YMCA policies and payroll deadlines.
• Foster a culture of coaching, professional growth, and leadership development.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, payroll, purchasing, and financial performance.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of YMCA resources.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and sustainable program growth.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish meaningful development plans.
• Collaborate closely with instructional leadership to ensure best practices are consistently implemented throughout the center.
• Serve as a leader and role model in upholding YMCA policies, procedures, and values, ensuring compliance, accountability, and consistent application across the center.
• Recognize and celebrate staff achievements while cultivating a positive workplace culture built on trust, collaboration, and excellence.

Family Engagement & Enrollment Growth

• Build strong, authentic relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Serve as a visible and approachable leader who actively listens, communicates, and responds to the needs of families.
• Conduct tours and welcome prospective families into the Y Academy community.
• Lead family engagement initiatives, conferences, special events, and community celebrations.
• Develop consistent communication strategies that keep families informed, connected, and engaged.
• Represent the YMCA throughout the community while expanding partnerships that strengthen opportunities for children and families.
• Develop strategies to increase enrollment and strengthen family retention.
• Monitor enrollment trends and waitlists.
• Partner with YMCA leadership and the Marketing Department to promote programs and celebrate successes.
• Position the Y Academy Early Education Center as a leader in early childhood education throughout the region.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in a licensed early childhood education or elementary school setting.
• Must have met all New Hampshire Child Care Licensing qualifications to serve as the Director on Record (He-C 4002).
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing program operations, budgets, enrollment, and staff development.
• Knowledge of New Hampshire Child Care Licensing regulations, child development, and quality early childhood education practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with child care management software (e.g., Brightwheel).
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) and ability to successfully complete all required background checks.

YMCA Child Protection Commitment:

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every child.

All staff are required to:

• Follow YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures.

• Immediately report safety concerns, policy violations, or suspicious behavior in accordance with YMCA, Praesidium, and New Hampshire Child Care Licensing requirements.

• Complete all required annual child protection and safety trainings.

• Uphold the YMCA’s unwavering commitment to child safety and risk management.

YMCA Competencies:

The successful candidate demonstrates:

• Mission-driven leadership
• Strategic vision and innovation
• Relationship building and emotional intelligence
• Inclusive leadership and cultural competency
• Team development and coaching
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Accountability and professionalism
• Adaptability and resilience
• Community engagement and collaboration

Our Culture:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture.

At the YMCA of Greater Nashua:

• We are welcoming: We are open to all and create spaces where everyone can belong.
• We are genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality.
• We are hopeful: We believe in your potential to make a meaningful impact.
• We are nurturing: We support your growth and development.
• We are determined: We work together to strengthen our community every day.

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve..

The YMCA of Greater Nashua does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.