Early Childhood Education; ECE​/Academy Director

Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Academy Director

Reports To:

Unit Director Classified:
Full-Time, Exempt Salary: $50,000-$55,000/year, depending on experience Mission:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Job Summary

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Academy Director serves as the Program Administrator for licensed early childhood and academy programs and is responsible for the overall leadership, compliance, and quality of programming. This role oversees daily operations, supervises staff, ensures full compliance with South Dakota Child Care Licensing requirements, Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) standards, and Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains (BGCNP) policies and procedures.

The ECE/Academy Director builds strong relationships with families, manages budgets and grants, supports staff development, and ensures a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports positive youth outcomes.

• Ensure full compliance with all South Dakota Child Care Licensing requirements and BGCA and BGCNP policies, procedures, and regulations, including staff‑to‑child ratios, documentation, programming standards, and required trainings.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight of licensed early childhood and academy programs, ensuring safe, high‑quality operations aligned with state licensing and Club standards.
• Recruit, interview, hire, supervise, evaluate, and discipline assigned employees in accordance with state licensing regulations, BGCA standards, and BGCNP policies and procedures.
• Supervise staff to ensure all personnel meet state licensing, BGCA, and BGCNP requirements, including background checks, training, and certification requirements.
• Maintain program compliance with South Dakota Child Care Licensing, BGCA, and BGCNP standards, including:
  • Health and safety practices
  • Staff‑to‑child ratios
  • Accurate documentation and recordkeeping
  • Required trainings and certifications
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families by providing clear, professional, and consistent communication, fostering positive relationships, and upholding Club values and expectations.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date licensing and compliance documentation and coordinate licensing visits, inspections, internal reviews, and corrective actions as needed.
• Model and uphold the Club Values of excellence, being impact‑driven, teamwork, and good character in all interactions with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
• Manage and monitor program budgets, ensuring fiscally responsible purchasing and alignment with organizational priorities and grant requirements.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians through phone calls, emails, and daily interactions to support family engagement, transparency, and trust.
• Support youth social‑emotional development by addressing behavioral challenges and assisting with the development and implementation of youth success plans, consistent with Club behavior guidance practices.
• Plan and execute special programming events each semester that align with BGCA priority outcomes and developmental best practices.
• Oversee licensed program budgets and assist with financial tracking related to Academic Success, Good Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.
• Implement, monitor, and track assigned grant‑funded programs, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, reporting timelines, and organizational standards.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings and participate in required Club trainings, including monthly all‑staff meetings and required professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program quality, compliance, and organizational goals.
• Hours of operation:
  Monday–Friday
  • Summer
    
    Hours:
    
    7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • School Year
    
    Hours:
    
    6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and after school until 6:00 p.m.
  • Occasional weeknight and weekend hours may be required to support special events, family engagement activities, trainings, or organizational needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University is preferred.
• Must meet South…