Children’s Center of the Stanford Community - Executive Director 

 
 

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO WORK IN THE OFFICE FIVE DAYS A WEEK.

ABOUT CHILDREN'S CENTER OF THE STANFORD COMMUNITY

Founded in 1969, the Children's Center of the Stanford Community (CCSC, or “Center”) is the only nonprofit, cooperative childcare center on the Stanford University campus and is one of the largest parent cooperatives in the State of California. CCSC currently serves more than 160 children of Stanford University faculty, staff, and students with 9 classrooms that offer part- and full-time early childhood learning programs for children from 8 weeks to 5 years old. In addition, thanks to a new facility (opened in 2019), the center has the ability to significantly increase capacity in the future.

CCSC prides itself on attracting outstanding early-childhood educators that are beloved by children and parents alike. Many of CCSC's teachers have been at the center for years, some for decades.

Accredited by the NAEYC, the educational philosophy of CCSC is grounded in the belief that children are competent, curious, and resourceful learners. CCSC’s highly regarded, parent-cooperative early-childhood education program is inspired by the RIE approach, as well as the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and Socio-Constructivism, wherein children’s interests and explorations provide the framework for curriculum and investigation. CCSC’s environment fosters children’s experiences, relationships, and opportunities for cooperative work. Materials are selected with purpose to provoke creativity and wonder, building upon children’s interests.

CCSC’s work with children hinges on respectful, collaborative relationships between staff, families, and the community. The active participation of parents is an essential element in the life of the school. Every teacher, student, parent, and administrative staff member are members of the community.

CCSC adheres to a set of values that influence decision‐making at all levels, from governance to operational management to everyday classroom activities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

CCSC is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to help CCSC build upon its historical legacy for quality of care and lead the Center through to a successful expansion and beyond. This role is a fantastic opportunity for a leader with a passion for early childhood education, group childcare, and appreciation for parent involvement that the cooperative model provides.

For more information, please visit https://www.ccscparentcoop.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Board of Directors and manages a team of six reports and sixty-two highly qualified and talented educators.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

The opportunity to serve as the bold, brave leader for a community-centric parent-teacher cooperative that provides excellence in education for children 8 weeks to 5 years of age.

  • Salary range is $120,000-$130,000

  • Benefits include: 

    • PTO: 24 days of paid time off, increasing to 30 days after the first year. Jury Duty, Bereavement and Holiday pay

    • Medical + Dental: Health benefits beginning on 1st day of the month after hire including medical, dental, and vision (100% employer-paid)

    • Insurance: Group Life Insurance ($25k) and Group Accidental & Dismemberment ($25k)

    • Retirement: After first year, 2% contribution to retirement fund

    • Stipends and Additional Benefits: 

      • Paid professional development day per year

      • Annual $300 professional development/education stipend

      • Discount on childcare 

      • Stanford University annual parking permit reimbursement

YOU ARE

  • Compassionate and caring community builder who is excited to bring together multiple stakeholders (parents, teachers, administrative staff, Board members, university representatives, etc.) in service of the children at CCSC

  • Collaborative, team-focused leader with the ability to communicate effectively and clearly across diverse stakeholder groups

  • Open, transparent, and optimistic in your interactions with key stakeholders; firm and decisive when needed

  • At your best when you are around children and in a teaching environment

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management

  • Ensure outstanding quality childcare for Stanford families.

  • Promote and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum which meets the standard of continued accreditation by NAEYC and support the teaching staff in creating a safe and developmentally appropriate environment responsive to children’s individual and group needs.

  • In collaboration with the board and teaching staff, develop a strategy for building CCSC’s capacity to a sustainable level, while maintaining its culture, traditions, and high standards.

  • In collaboration with the board and teaching staff, embrace and execute a collective vision for the future of CCSC.

  • Proactively work to recruit, retain, support, and empower CCSC teachers and staff.

  • Provide mentorship and growth opportunities to teachers and staff.

  • In accordance with the Operating Agreement with Stanford University, provide requested information to Stanford University liaison. Submit monthly and annually written reports to Stanford University liaison.

Board, Parent & Community Relationships

  • Serve as the "Chief Community Officer" for CCSC: build authentic, genuine relationships with parents, their children, teachers, Board members, and staff.

  • Serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors, reporting regularly to the board and the community on all matters of CCSC.

  • Serve as the professional representative of CCSC at campus and community meetings.

  • Collaborate seamlessly with the board, teachers, and administrative staff to promote good parent-CCSC relationships by ensuring high quality parent participation as part of the cooperative nature of the center.

  • Engage regularly and enthusiastically with parents.

  • Foster a spirit of collaboration and open communication with administrative and teaching staff and with the community at large.

  • Ensure that all Center communications accurately present information and policy.

  • Provide leadership and approve plans for center-wide community building events and parent development and parent support programs.

  • Conduct annual program and classroom surveys.

Operations & Finance

  • Manage all day-to-day operations in partnership with CSSC administrative staff and teachers.

  • Responsible for long-range strategy fund development.

  • Develop, write, and submit an annual, long-range budget to the Board of Directors for approval.

  • Manage the Center’s finances within the approved budget.

  • Supervise Business Manager and provide leadership and direction to the Business Office.

COMPETENCIES

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as a senior administrator in a school setting

  • Demonstrated ability to manage a nonprofit budget of at least $1M

  • Thorough knowledge and experience of different models of childcare and alignment with CCSC philosophy

  • Gifted, cogent communicator in speech and writing

  • Possessing a balanced, solutions-seeking approach to leadership

  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to group childcare

  • Previous teaching experience (preferably preschool)

  • Exposure and appreciation for fundraising

  • Experience living and/or working in tightly knit, highly engaged community

  • Ability to work independently with frequent interruptions

  • Familiarity with the RIE approach and schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy

  • BA or higher in Early Childhood Education or equivalent preferred

EQUITY STATEMENT

CCSC believes that equal opportunity for all employees is important for the continuing success of our organization. To the extent required by applicable law, CCSC will not unlawfully discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, family care status, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, or upon any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on employment related factors which include, but are not limited to, qualifications and job requirements.

To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, CCSC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Victoria Silverman at apply@cooksilverman.com.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

Children's Center of the Stanford Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.