Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – GERTRUDE REMMEL BUTLER METHODIST CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC.

The Gertrude Remmel Butler Methodist Child Development Center, Inc. (CDC), affiliated with First United Methodist Church Little Rock, provides comprehensive early childhood education in a loving Christian environment. The Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for the overall success of the Center. This role provides vision, strategic leadership, and operational management to ensure excellence in early childhood education, high standards of care, staff development, regulatory compliance, and strong relationships with families and the broader community. The Executive Director drives enrollment growth, maintains financial health, and cultivates a culture of collaboration and professionalism, in alignment with the CDC’s mission of nurturing children in a loving Christian environment and preparing them for lifelong learning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP

• Champion and model the CDC’s mission, philosophy, and Christian values while cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with staff, the church, and the broader community.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, inclusivity, and professionalism aligned with the preschool’s mission and values.
• Lead, recruit, develop, evaluate, and support administrative staff and teachers (50+ employees), including providing mentorship, training, and professional growth opportunities.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and maintain open communication with employees and families.
• Attend board and committee meetings; prepare timely reports on finance, enrollment, staffing, and key initiatives.
• Maintain regular collaboration with the church’s Children’s Minister and related educational leaders.

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS

• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including maintaining licensing and required records, and communicate regularly with state agencies (ADH, DHS, ADE) and other regulatory bodies.
• Oversee enrollment, staffing schedules, and personnel management.
• Lead development and management of the annual operating budget for board review and approval, including monitoring expenses and financial performance, and develop a financial plan for the sustainability and growth of the Center.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the First United Methodist Church Little Rock Leadership Council.
• Guide long-term strategic initiatives, including potential facility expansion and program growth.
• Pursue grants, fundraising, and donor development opportunities.
• Oversee major events, parent conferences, community engagement, and maintain clear, effective communications including website and social media updates.

Childhood Development & Educational Excellence

• Ensure a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants through school-age children, integrating Christian principles where appropriate.
• Encourage collaborative curriculum planning with staff input.
• Maintain a visible, engaged presence in classrooms, interacting regularly with children and teachers.
• Represent the preschool to current and prospective families; conduct tours and build strong parent relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required; experience in an educational setting preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of management experience in a licensed childcare facility, preschool, or early education center.
• First Aid and CPR Certification required.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strong leadership and personnel management abilities
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Highly organized, efficient, and innovative
• Collaborative team builder
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Quickbooks, PDF tools, and social media platforms
• Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors
• Experience with organizational financial management

Reporting Structure
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and works in collaboration with the leadership of First United Methodist Church Little Rock.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A competitive benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan options; paid holidays; vacation; and sick leave, subject to organizational policy and budget approval.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Gertrude Remmel Butler Methodist Child Development Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person