Current Job Openings 

Executive Director Vacancy

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $50,000 per year

Benefits:

• Paid training for training required by licensing

• Annual PTO

• Paid sick leave

• Health stipend

• Employee discount on childcare fees

Reports To: Board of Directors

Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia

ABOUT SECOND HOME LEARNING CENTER

Second Home Learning Center is a community-based nonprofit childcare and educational support program serving families with limited resources in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable childcare and education that supports children’s growth, development, and school readiness while enabling parents to pursue educational and employment opportunities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Second Home Learning Center seeks an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead our organization and continue building an inclusive learning environment where children, families, and staff thrive together. The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board of Directors, and provides strategic leadership for all aspects of Second Home’s operations, programs, staff development, and community engagement.

This position requires a highly organized leader with demonstrated experience in education or related areas, strong business acumen, and a deep commitment to serving families and children in the community. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the successful operation of Second Home in compliance with all federal and state regulations, while advancing the organization’s mission and building sustainable programs for the future.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Board Relations

• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic vision, mission, and long-range plans

• Provide regular reports to the Board on organizational performance, financial status, and program outcomes

• Attend Board meetings and work collaboratively with the Board leadership to advance organizational goals

• Ensure the Board is kept informed of all important developments, regulatory changes, and compliance matters

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of Second Home, ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive development of all children in the organization’s care

• Ensure all operations comply with Virginia state licensing requirements (8VAC20-780), federal regulations, and organizational policies

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate, high-quality educational programs aligned with best education practices

• Maintain strong working relationships with state licensing authorities and serve as primary contact during inspections

• Oversee enrollment processes, waitlist management, and ongoing monitoring of program capacity

• Ensure proper documentation and recordkeeping for student files, personnel records, health and safety compliance, and incident reporting

Human Resources & Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate qualified staff members who are committed to the organization’s mission

• Ensure all staff meet Virginia requirements of good character, capability, and communication skills (pursuant to 8VAC20-780-180)

• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide ongoing professional development opportunities

• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that supports staff growth and retention

• Establish and maintain open communication with staff, addressing concerns and celebrating achievements

• Plan and facilitate staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities

Financial Management

• Assist in developing and managing the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board

• Maintain sound financial practices and internal controls

• Ensure spending remains within budget

• Oversee billing, fee collection, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes

• Manage contracts and agreements with landlord and other agencies

• Ensure timely completion of tax returns and related required filings

• Procure financial reports (e.g., compilations and audits), as needed

Community Relations & Fundraising

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for Second Home in the community

• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, businesses, and government representatives

• Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement fundraising strategies to support organizational sustainability

• Research and pursue grant opportunities to supplement operating revenue

Family & Client Relations

• Create an inclusive, welcoming environment that values and supports all families

• Establish effective communication systems to keep families informed and engaged

• Address parent concerns and complaints professionally and in accordance with organizational policies

• Provide support and resources to families as needed, connecting them with community services

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (8VAC20-780-190)

Educational and Experience Requirements

The successful candidate shall meet one of the following:

• Graduate degree in a child-related field (e.g., elementary education, child development, and nursing, recreation) from a college or university and six months of programmatic experience in childcare; OR

• Bachelor’s degree or endorsement in a child-related field (e.g., elementary education, child development, nursing, and recreation) from an accredited college or university and one year of programmatic experience; OR

• Forty-eight (48) semester hours or 72 quarter hours of college credit (of which 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours are in child-related subjects) and one year of programmatic experience; OR

• Two years of programmatic experience with one year in a staff supervisory capacity and one of the following:

  • A one-year early childhood certificate from a college or university (at least 30 semester hours); OR

  • A Child Development Credential (CDA) or equivalent, which meets the requirements described in 8VAC20-780-190(A)(4); OR

  • A certification from an internationally or nationally recognized Montessori organization.

Management Training Requirement

If the candidate does not have prior management experience, they must complete one of the following:

• One college course in a business-related field; OR

• Ten (10) hours of management training covering planning, budgeting, staffing, and monitoring; OR

• One childcare management course covering planning, budgeting, staffing, and monitoring.

NB: Management experience is defined as at least six months in an administrative position requiring supervising, orienting, training, and scheduling staff.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Of good character and reputation

• Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities

• Capable of accepting training and supervision

• Capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing in English

• Capable of communicating with emergency personnel

• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)

• Satisfactory national background check with fingerprinting, Central Registry of Child Protective Services search, as well as Tuberculosis screening

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Seven or more years of professional experience in education or childcare program administration

• Five or more years in a leadership, administrative, or supervisory role

• Demonstrated success in nonprofit management

• Experience with budget development and financial management

• Proven track record in staff recruitment, supervision, and professional development

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of childhood development principles and best practices

• Strong understanding of Virginia childcare licensing regulations (8VAC20-780) and compliance requirements

• Expertise in business operations, including human resources and financial management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and willingness to learn other software employed by Second Home

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with Board, staff, and community partners

• Proficiency in Spanish is useful, but not required

Personal Attributes

• Passion for working with young children and commitment to high-quality care and education

• Strong commitment to serving families with limited resources and promoting equity in education

• Demonstrated integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership

• Entrepreneurial mindset with creative problem-solving abilities

• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic nonprofit environment

• Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

• Full-time position based in Harrisonburg, Virginia

• Standard work schedule Monday through Friday during regular Second Home hours

• Occasional evening or weekend work required for special events, Board meetings, and community engagement

• Work environment includes active childcare setting with young children

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit to boardpresident@secondhomelc.org the following materials:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the required qualifications

• Current resume or CV

• Documentation of educational credentials

• List of three professional references with contact information

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early application is encouraged.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience in working with a diverse student population. Apply today!