Program Director

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How to Apply

For full consideration, please provide a resume with a cover letter describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position requirements. Due to system limitations, please submit your cover letter and resume as a single PDF.

Job Summary

The Program Director is a member of the Children's Centers, which is a part of University Human Resources division of Business and Finance and reports directly to the Center Director. You will support the daily operations and programmatic leadership of the center, providing daily guidance to teaching staff. This critical role supports classroom scheduling, licensing compliance, staff coaching, and routine family communications to ensure high-quality childcare and education standards. The Program Director ensures smooth daily administration of Center operations by assisting with organizational goals and strategic execution.

Responsibilities*

Staff Planning and Operational Management

• Coordinate classroom schedules and staffing coverage in accordance with state licensing requirements, quality standards, collective bargaining agreements, and the Center's pedagogical philosophy.
• Manage daily timekeeping and review leave requests in partnership with lead teachers and Center leadership.
• Support employee accommodations and coordinate short- and long-term absence coverage.
• Develop staff through classroom observations, coaching, feedback, conflict resolution, performance support, and annual goal-setting.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, onboarding, and training regular, temporary, and student employees.
• Promote positive labor relations by applying collective bargaining agreement provisions and departmental procedures.

Business Operations and Administration

• Conduct routine safety audits and coordinate maintenance needs to maintain a safe, clean, and well-functioning environment for children and staff.
• Partner with Center leadership and compliance staff to maintain classroom compliance with Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) licensing requirements and U-M/Children's Centers policies.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs, provide licensing guidance and staff training, and assist with corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary contact for MiLEAP inspections and reporting in the Director's absence.
• Help monitor operational expenses and provide recommendations related to spending, enrollment, class-size projections, and tuition planning.

Community Engagement and Relationship Building

• Coordinate regular and as-needed communication with staff and families.
• Plan and execute family and staff engagement events.
• Support campus partnerships and academic collaborations.
• Represent the Center's mission and values within the U-M community and with external partners.
• Address routine family questions, connect families with resources, and support teachers in resolving classroom-level concerns with empathy and clarity.
• Escalate complex family or operational matters to the Director and assist with resolution.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Advise the Director on Center goals, operational priorities, and long-term staffing needs.
• Assume operational leadership of the Center in the Director's absence.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• Minimum of three years progressively responsible early childhood experience that includes exposure to infant, toddler and preschool age groups.
• Experience coaching and mentoring teachers
• Knowledge of licensing procedures, state of Michigan preferred.
• Familiarity with state and national standards for early childhood education quality, Michigan QRIS preferred

Modes of Work

This position is primarily onsite, requiring a presence at the Children's Center to support daily operations. Some hybrid work may be available after an initial training period; Center Director and successful candidate will work together to establish a schedule that meets business needs. The role requires flexibility to respond to operational needs and provide leadership during the Center's hours of operation.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

This position is based at Towsley Children's House. To learn more about Towsley, see the Center Overview.

Additional Information

Please see this link to view more detail about the position: Program Director Job Description

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including family leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.