Join Our Team as Executive Director at Children First Enterprises, Inc.!
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our region?
Are you a passionate leader with a heart for early childhood education?
Children First Enterprises, Inc., in Granby, MA, is seeking an Executive Director to lead our nonprofit organization into an exciting new chapter!
About Us
Children First Enterprises offers high-quality early childhood education and out-of-school care, fostering curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional development. Located on a beautiful 4.5-acre property, our mission-driven approach supports families and nurtures young learners through play-based and nature-based learning.
Your Impact
As Executive Director, you will:
• Lead with Vision – Develop strategic plans, oversee programs, and champion our mission.
• Ensure Excellence – Manage operations, compliance, and financial sustainability.
• Support a Strong Team – Hire, train, and empower staff in a collaborative culture.
• Engage the Community – Build relationships with families, partners, and stakeholders.
• Drive Fundraising & Growth – Manage budgets and secure funding opportunities.
What We’re Looking For
• Proven leadership in nonprofit management, early childhood education and/or out-of-school time care.
• Expertise in financial oversight, fundraising, and strategic planning.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for inclusive, high-quality early education.
What We Offer
• A collaborative, mission-driven team that values your leadership.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• The chance to shape the future of a well-respected organization.
• Make a lasting impact on children, families, and the community!
Please review the job description and additional information about Children First, below, or at https://strategies-cij.com/current-searches.
Apply Today! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning March 24, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
All candidates must include a resume and cover letter, which describe how your qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of CF. Both may be submitted by email to jim.ayres@cfofgranby.org.
Children First Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, children and families. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know.
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Job Description
Executive Director – Children First Enterprises, Inc.
Classification: Full Time, Exempt, Salaried Position Location: 40 Pleasant St., Granby, MA
Reports To: Board of Directors
General Summary:
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leading the overall management and administration of Children First Enterprises, including operations, finances, human resources, compliance, and strategic planning, under the governance of the Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities:
Governance & Board Relations:
- Serve as primary liaison with the Board of Directors, facilitating communication, attending meetings, and providing updates on personnel, enrollment, finances, and facilities.
- Develop policies, strategic plans, and organizational initiatives for Board approval.
- Maintain timely compliance with regulatory requirements and prepare/oversee necessary filings.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
- Act as the organization's liaison with state and local regulatory bodies (MA Dept. of Early Education and Care, Dept. of Children and Families, Granby School Committee, etc.).
- Ensure timely compliance with licensing, fire safety, health codes, facility regulations, and insurance requirements.
- Manage/prepare annual filings and audits related to operations, health, safety, and funding.
Financial Management & Fundraising:
- Develop and monitor the organization’s annual budget.
- Oversee/prepare financial reporting, audits, and compliance with funding sources.
- Supervise financial operations including payroll, contracts, grants, and fundraising efforts.
- Ensure that the management of accounts, expenditures, and reserve funds are consistent with general accounting practices and recognized best practices in the field.
Facilities & Operations:
- Oversee facility maintenance, safety, and improvements.
- Manage service contracts (e.g., cleaning, landscaping, utilities, IT support, equipment maintenance).
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and emergency preparedness measures.
Educational Leadership and Program Development:
- Ensure high-quality educational programming aligned with the organization’s mission, goals, and values.
- Promote a pedagogical approach that supports play-based and nature-based learning, social-emotional development, and inclusive education.
- Oversee age-appropriate curriculum development, family engagement, and programming that align with best practices in early childhood education and out-of-school time care.
- Monitor compliance with applicable state and federal child development standards.
- Provide professional development and mentorship for educators to enhance instructional quality and innovation.
- Ensure that student progress reports are used to support individualized learning and growth, and to inform parents and families.
Staff Leadership & Human Resources:
- Hire, train, and supervise staff, ensuring compliance with employment laws and professional development requirements.
- Oversee performance evaluations, benefits administration, and personnel policies.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture.
Enrollment & Family Engagement:
- Develop strategies to maintain full enrollment and effective marketing efforts.
- Manage student intake, placement, and transition planning.
- Cultivate relationships with families, addressing any concerns and promoting engagement opportunities.
Community Relations & Advocacy:
- Act as the public face of the organization, advocating for early childhood education at local, state, and national levels.
- Establish partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and funding bodies.
- Develop, maintain, and review external communications, including newsletters, social media, and public outreach efforts.
Qualifications, Requirements, & Skills:
- Strong leadership, financial management, and strategic planning abilities.
- Deep knowledge of early childhood education regulations and best practices.
- Experience in nonprofit administration, compliance, and program management.
- Highly effective communication, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Minimum 4 years in a supervisory/administrative capacity role within the early care and education field, out-of-school-time field, or similar (more preferred).
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in related field, (or the equivalent of 10 years in an early care and education setting.
- Current Massachusetts EEC Director 1/ Director 2, credential/certification.
Additional Considerations:
- Requires authentic flexibility, patience, warmth, problem-solving orientation, and commitment to the organization's mission.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required.
This role demands a dynamic, strategic leader committed to providing high-quality early childhood education while ensuring operational and financial sustainability.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is $85,000 to $105,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental coverage, retirement match up to 3% of salary, 14 paid holidays, paid time off, and free childcare tuition if your child is age eligible and a slot is available
About Children First:
Children First is a highly regarded non-profit (501c3) early care and education center, established in 1999, in Granby Massachusetts. Programs include toddler and preschool programs, out-of-school-time care, and a private, nature-based kindergarten program. Children First operates out of a bright, recently expanded 12,000 square-foot facility that sits on a beautiful and accessible 4.5-acre property that helps facilitate CF’s play-based and nature-based approaches to learning.
Children First is licensed for 121 slots, including 9 toddlers, 60 preschoolers, 52 school-aged children, and 15 slots for private kindergarten program when OST is not in session. The center has an experienced staff of 30. In addition to the Executive Director and the teaching staff, Children First has a full-time Assistant Director, Full-Time Business Manager, as well as an Education Coordinator, Kindergarten Program Coordinator, and School-Age Program Coordinator, each of whom are also members of the teaching staff.
The organization’s annual budget is $1.6 million, with $3.6 million in overall assets. While primarily funded through parents paying tuition (private pay), the Center accepts state subsidies through vouchers and works with ChildCare Aware to serve families with military subsidies.
Children First Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, children and families. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
