Executive Director

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for an experienced Executive Director for our client, an independent public charity that is committed to improving the quality of early childcare by supporting providers in helping children develop strong learning foundations through universal access to high-quality early childhood education. They seek a strategic, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven individual to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and national impact.

The Executive Director will play a defining role in shaping the future of early childhood education by combining innovation, operational rigor, and mission-driven leadership to create lasting, equitable impact. They will be responsible for scaling a nationally recognized, technology-enabled nonprofit that strengthens the childcare ecosystem by equipping early learning providers (many of whom are small businesses) with novel software and shared services.

The role centers on expanding the organization’s national footprint, strengthening operational and financial sustainability, and advancing equitable access to high-quality early childhood education for children under five. This full-time, hybrid role (2-days in office) is based in Englewood, Colorado, and open to candidates within a 50-mile radius. It requires approximately 30% domestic travel to be successful.

• Define and execute a clear, forward-looking strategic vision that advances the mission, drives measurable impact, and positions the organization as a national leader in early childhood systems change.
• Lead and accelerate national expansion across new markets, scaling their technology-enabled shared services model while maintaining operational excellence and service quality.
• Strengthen financial sustainability by driving revenue diversification, long-term financial planning, and disciplined operational scaling.
• Oversee product strategy and technology development to ensure their software solutions reduce administrative burden, ensure regulatory compliance, and meet the evolving needs of childcare providers.
• Apply strong business acumen across marketing, branding, and partnership development to expand their reach, visibility, and influence within the early childhood education sector.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire a high-performing leadership team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build and steward strategic partnerships with funders, policymakers, providers, and sector leaders to advance ELV’s growth and mission impact.
• Leverage technology and data to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and drive systemic change across the childcare ecosystem.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency, strong governance, and alignment between strategy, performance, and mission.
• Champion the mission by bringing a deep understanding of the challenges facing early childhood education providers and a demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for children, families, and communities.

• An MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred, or comparable executive-level experience demonstrating rigorous business and leadership training.
• Deep commitment to mission-driven work, with a clear passion for improving societal outcomes and advancing equitable access to early childhood education.
• Experience in nonprofit and for-profit environments preferred, with the ability to navigate both mission and market dynamics.
• Strong understanding of the challenges facing early childhood education providers, particularly small business operators, and a commitment to supporting their success.
• Proven track record of successfully scaling organizations, including expanding operations, growing revenue, and strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• Advanced business acumen across marketing, branding, strategic communications, and partnership development to drive growth and organizational visibility.
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational leadership capabilities, with the ability to translate vision into disciplined execution.
• Demonstrated experience…