Executive Director

Lead a Lowcountry institution that has been shaping young lives since 1967.

For nearly six decades, The Children's Center (TCC) has given Hilton Head Island families a place where their youngest children develop skills for kindergarten readiness and life-success in a caring and nurturing environment. Each year we serve 100 to 150 children, from six weeks of age through preschool, and with after-school and summer camp programming. Our sliding scale tuition keeps quality early education within reach for working families across our community. Now, as our longtime Executive Director is preparing to retire, the Board of Trustees is looking for a visionary, mission-driven leader to carry TCC into its next chapter.

The opportunity

As Executive Director, you will be the chief administrator and public face of an organization that matters deeply to this community. You'll partner closely with an engaged Board and Board Chair, lead a dedicated team of educators and staff, and steward an annual operating budget of approximately $1.8 million. You'll shape how TCC grows, funds its work, and serves families for years to come. This is a role where your decisions show up in classrooms, in families' lives, and in the strength of the island's workforce.

What you'll do

• Set the vision. Work with the Board of Trustees to develop and carry out approved board strategy and help the Board govern effectively alongside the Board Chair.
• Lead and grow a team. Hire, support, and develop staff, and build a positive, professional, multicultural workplace where people want to stay and grow.
• Steward our finances. Prepare and manage the annual budget with the Board Treasurer and finance committee, oversee the audit, and keep the Board, funders, and the public confident in TCC's accountability.
• Build support for our mission. Develop annual giving, business partnerships, major and planned gifts, special events, and grant proposals, and nurture relationships with current and future donors.
• Be our ambassador. Represent TCC alongside the Board and key staff to civic groups, the chamber, local government, businesses, media, and the nonprofit and education communities.
• Protect quality and safety. Oversee day-to-day operations, safety standards, and best practices in early childhood curriculum. Direct campus maintenance and facility upgrades. Maintain compliance with all oversight agencies.

What you bring

• A bachelor's degree and five or more years of progressively responsible management experience in the nonprofit or early childhood education sector (advanced degree preferred)
• A track record in fund development and in writing grants and proposals
• The ability to inspire and unite staff, volunteers, and Board members around shared goals, welcome new ideas, and make tough decisions when needed
• Clear, persuasive communication in both formal and spontaneous settings, and a genuine passion for early childhood education
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, and proficiency with software commonly used in nonprofit management
• Availability for evening and weekend meetings and events
• Ability to pass DSS and SLED background checks for working with children
• A valid SC driver's license and good driving record; some travel is required

Compensation and benefits

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience
• Performance based bonus opportunities
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
• Paid time off
• Professional development
• Childcare Discounts, Membership in appropriate ECD organizations
• Hugs & Smiles daily!

Why TCC

• A mission people believe in, with deep community roots and a loyal base of families and supporters
• A supportive Board and a dedicated team
• A beautiful island community in the South Carolina Lowcountry

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 3 years (Preferred)
• Fund Development/Non Profit: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person