Director of Early Learning

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,900 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are currently seeking a full-time Director of Early Learning to join our DuPage Team!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• As a member of the site leadership team actively participates in a variety of center-wide decision-making.
• Take leadership role in working with lead education agencies, organizations, institutions to carry out program goals.
• Implement and manage all aspects of early learning programs and ensure that all contract deliverables are met and ensure compliance with the agency code of conduct.
• Supervises area managers, including content area managers.
• Oversee all personnel matters across span of control, including hiring, assigning work, performance management and terminating staff. Fosters leadership potential of program staff.
• Recommend, develop, and monitors budgets across programs with assistance from Fiscal Manager and other appropriate leadership.
• Oversee programs to assure programmatic reporting, fiscal compliance (including in-kind strategies) of contracts, and implementation of annual and long-range plans. 
• Develop and implement integration of service across disciplines, and/or agency-wide systems approach to programming.
• Develop and foster relationships with community groups relating to Agency and/or program needs.
• Staffs the appropriate governing bodies (i.e. HSOB, Parent Policy Council).
• Ensure active supervision is provided, and provide active supervision when appropriate to ensure the safety of Head Start children while in the classroom, during transitions, and while on the playground. Ensure that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised.
• Assure the quality and quantity of services are being delivered and keep informed of client needs.
• Work effectively with diverse staff, external colleagues and service population.
• Responsible for developing and implementing strategies for growth and sustainability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field from an accredited college or university required.
• Five (5) years of supervisory and contract management experience in early learning with increasing levels of administrative responsibility required.
• State license related to educational leadership or early childhood education as required by the funder(s).
• Must possess Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificate or obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and develop professional relationships internally and externally.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, complex environment.
• Ability to think strategically and provide innovative leadership.
• Mobility for travel required.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or mover up to 50 pounds.

SALARY:

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $85,000 to $95,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals: 

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part-Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO)
• ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical
• MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front-loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
• Teladoc services provided to all employees: A no-cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance
• Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian
• VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago-land
• Company-paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional, employee-cost
• Company-paid individual Short Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Five Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options ranging from Health to Contribute your pre-tax dollars where you need them the most.
• Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% Match, vested at 100% on day one of
• 12 paid
• Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E-
• Pet Insurance options for your furry (or non-furry) friends.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free Will preparation services.
• On-staff notary available to
• ALEX, AI-powered assistance that will make your benefit decisions

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000