How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Center Director is a member of the University Human Resources division of Business and Finance, and reports to the Director of Child and Family Care. The Center Director oversees the operation and administration of the Center, including staff, budget, enrollment, facilities, policies/procedures, and best practices for the program. The Center Director fosters collaboration with academic departments and students at the University that will best meet the needs of the Center's children, families and student learners. The Center Director in the University of Michigan Children's Centers provides an early care and education program that supports excellence in learning.
In compliance with Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements through MiLEAP, this position may be onsite or hybrid, but requires the Center Director to be physically present at the child care center during most working hours. Occasional local travel may be required for meetings, professional development, or campus events. Flexible work arrangements may be considered based on business needs, reviewed annually, and are subject to change.
Responsibilities*
- Oversee classroom staffing and scheduling to meet licensing requirements, quality standards, and the center's pedagogical philosophy.
- Forecast staffing needs based on enrollment trends and workforce planning.
- Support staff performance and development through goal-setting, check-ins, feedback, and classroom observations.
- Address performance, behavioral, and conflict-resolution concerns to support a positive work environment.
- Ensure compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and maintain positive labor relations.
- Oversee hiring processes for regular, temporary, and student staff in partnership with HR and center leadership.
- Conduct regular facility safety audits and address potential hazards.
- Coordinate routine and emergency maintenance with Facilities partners.
- Ensure compliance with MiLEAP licensing requirements across classrooms and center operations.
- Serve as a primary contact for MiLEAP inspections, reporting, and compliance follow-up.
- Monitor budget activity and approve expenditures in partnership with the Administrative Services Manager.
- Oversee enrollment planning, including age-group projections, class sizes, tuition changes, and enrollment adjustments
- Oversee planning and execution of family and staff engagement events.
- Represent the center's mission and values within the University and external communities.
- Partner with families to address incidents, concerns, and support needs with empathy and clarity
- Be respectful to and effectively interact with people of all cultures, in a manner that upholds the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
- Lead strategic planning efforts aligned with University and UHR priorities.
- Guide participation in state and national quality systems, including Great Start to Quality.
- Establish measurable goals for center growth, program quality, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field meeting State of Michigan Licensing requirements;
- Minimum of two years of experience in administration of a large children's center (or oversight of multi-site program comparable to a large center), including supervisory responsibilities
- Minimum of three years of early childhood teaching that includes infant, toddler, and/or preschool
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices for early childhood education.
- Experience with Child Care Center Licensing procedures, state of Michigan preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with change management, and conflict resolution.
Modes of Work
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
There are two openings available, one opening at Towsley Children's House and one opening at Health System Children's Center. In your cover letter, please indicate if you are interested in one or both locations.
Additional Information
For more details on the position, please review the job description: Child Care Center 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
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
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.