Director of Early Achievers Academy

Position Summary: The Director of the Early Achievers Academy is responsible for the full development of the program, creating program policies, maintaining its structure, creating activities and events for the children and families in the program, while also providing structure, motivation, training, and leadership to early childhood educators and program staff. The Director is also responsible for building and maintaining multiple partnerships with donors, funders, universities, community volunteers, and more.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Champion the Malone Center mission, vision, and values within Early Achievers Academy.

• Provide leadership and daily oversight of toddler and preschool programming, ensuring that classroom environments, routines, curriculum, and caregiving practices meet the developmental needs of each age group

• Design, implement, and continuously improve developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed early learning environments.

• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive setting for all children and families.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate teachers, assistants, interns, and volunteers.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development aligned with early childhood best practices.

• Provide leadership and daily oversight of staff schedules, classroom assignments, substitute coverage, and daily staffing adjustments to maintain required staff-to-child ratios, appropriate supervision, and licensed capacity at all times.

Compliance & Licensing

• Ensure full compliance with Nebraska HHS Childcare licensing regulations and Step Up to Quality standards.

• Oversee CACFP (food program) documentation and reimbursement processes.

• Manage DHHS Subsidies (Title XX) documentation and maintain accurate child records.

• Implement and document required health and safety procedures, including fire and tornado drills.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with families.

• Communicate effectively with parents regarding child development, concerns, and program updates.

• Collaborate with Lincoln Public Schools and community partners to support school readiness and transitions.

Partnerships & Collaboration

• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and service providers.

• Collaborate with internal therapy staff to support children with behavioral or developmental needs through individualized plans.

• Ensure alignment with grant requirements and program outcomes.

Operations & Administration

• Develop and manage the Early Achievers Academy budget; monitor expenses and financial documentation.

• Oversee enrollment, onboarding, and maintenance of child records and enrollment files.

• Ensure accurate data tracking and reporting, including use of systems such as Brightwheel.

• Develop, implement, and maintain program policies and procedures.

• Monitor classroom utilization, waitlists, and staffing costs to support program access and financial sustainability.

• Collaborate with organizational leadership and Development staff on grant proposals, program outcome reporting, donor engagement, and resource development, maintaining appropriate family consent and confidentiality.

Program Operations & Organizational Engagement

• Support program operations during and as needed, beyond standard hours.

• Ensure classrooms and shared spaces meet cleanliness, safety, and licensing standards.

• Participate in organizational meetings, events, and cross-department collaboration as needed.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Early Achievers Academy inquiries.

This position requires regular evening and weekend availability to support program operations, trainings, events, meetings, and organizational needs.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Minimum of at least 3years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of Nebraska HHS Childcare licensing regulations and Step Up to Quality.

• Experience with CACFP, HHS Subsidies (Title XX), and program compliance requirements.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Required Qualifications

• Understanding all positions that report to the Director with the ability to perform all the job functions in the absence of team members.

• Enroll in the business management program for childcare directors within one year of hire (if needed).

• Professional appearance when representing the Malone Center.

• Knowledge of CACFP and HHS Subsidy program.

• CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment.

• Food Handlers Permit or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment.

• Complete Safe Kids Transportation course within first 60 days of employment.

• Complete LLCHD Health and Safety training within first 60 days of employment.

• Complete Safe with You Training within 60 days of employment.

• Complete Mandatory Reporter training within first 30 days of employment.

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

• Experience in nonprofit or community-based programming

• Background in trauma-informed care and behavior support strategies.

• Experience with data systems such as Brightwheel or similar platforms.

Core Competencies

• Instructional leadership and program quality improvement.

• Staff development and performance management.

• Regulatory compliance and risk management.

• Family engagement and community partnership building.

• Financial and operational oversight.

• Equity-focused and trauma-informed practice.

Compensation and Benefit

Starting Salary: $60,000 annually, with the potential for a higher salary based on qualifications and experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Wellness resources

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, talk, or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.  

The Malone Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled 

About Malone Center

Since 1955, Malone has served neighboring families, youth, and the Lincoln community with inclusive, social, cultural, educational, employment and welfare services. With our active support against poverty and our vision to create unity and a prosperity consciousness in Lincoln, we are constantly re-evaluating our programs to ensure the current needs of the community are being met.