Ames Community Preschool Center 

Position Title: Executive Director 

Salary: $75,000-85,000 

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Application Instructions: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to board@acpc-childcare.org by November 13, 2026. Please include “Executive Director Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line. 

ACPC is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

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Major Function: 

To facilitate the proper function and operation of Ames Community Preschool Center (ACPC) through effective personnel management, fiscal administration, maintenance of partner agency and family relationships, and as an agent of the Board of Directors. Responsible for ensuring high-quality programming through curriculum implementation, health/safety standards, and bringing new, innovative ideas to promote growth of the center. 

Key Job Responsibilities

Daily / Continuously

• Staff Communication: Communicate regularly with staff across both the Main Center and School-Age programs.
• Direct Supervision: Directly supervise the Administration Team and Lead Teachers.
• Family Tours & Engagement: Conduct family tours (assisting the Assistant Program Director as needed).
• Financial Monitoring: Perform weekly checking account reviews with First National Bank.
• Human Resources & Technology: Direct HR operations and oversee center technology systems.
• Staff Support & Leadership: Provide ongoing staff support across center operations.

Weekly

• Timecard & Accrual Oversight: Manage Buddy Punch sick and vacation accruals.
• Meetings Leadership: Lead Main Center staff meetings.
• Partner Collaboration: Meet with partner agencies to build and strengthen organizational connections.
• Financial Management: Code all deposits in QuickBooks.

Monthly

• Board & Committee Involvement: Attend monthly Board meetings and serve on community committees.
• Community Engagement: Attend community events to represent ACPC.
• Financial & Benefit Administration: Balance credit cards, process CACFP documents, and manage full-time staff benefits (IRAs, insurance inquiries, enrollments, etc.).
• Quality & Program Reviews: Manage IQ4K and NAEYC processes, order necessary supplies for Main Center and School-Age programs, and write the monthly Director’s Report.

Periodically

• Budgeting & Funding: Oversee the development and management of the Operating Budget and ASSET Budget.
• Reporting & Compliance: Complete required reports for community partners, maintain scorecards, complete ASSET mid-year updates and multiple-site reports, and oversee CACFP reviews (every 3 years) and annual renewals.
• Facility & Construction Management: Serve as Building Facility Manager, manage construction projects, and oversee building contracts/maintenance issues.
• Grant Writing & Strategic Development: Drive grant writing initiatives and explore funding opportunities to advance capital improvements and organizational growth.
• Strategic Partnerships & Coalitions: Maintain Childcare Coalition involvement, manage reports, and collaborate with community partners (e.g., NAEYC, Raising Readers, United Way).
• Staffing & Operations Support: Lead staff evaluations for Main Center staff, oversee workers’ compensation calls for Main Center and School-Age programs, and coordinate licensing visits.
• Center Events & Family Relations: Attend all-center events for staff and families, participate in professional development planning, coordinate family/teacher guided meetings for behavior supports, and manage family surveys.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or a related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Five years of childcare or other relevant education experience required.
• Five years of supervisory and/or managerial experience required.
• Experience working in a non-profit organization in an administrative capacity.

Iowa Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Center Licensing Regulations

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Completed at least one course in business administration or 12 contact hours in administrative-related training (personnel, supervision, record keeping, or budgeting) or possess one year of administrative-related experience.
• Must hold or schedule prior to start date,”certifications in infant, child, and adult CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions, Mandatory Reporter, and Essentials Training”.
• Must have achieved a total of 100 points obtained through a combination of education, experience, and child development-related training as listed in the IDHS provider handbook regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster a positive work environment, especially in times of high stress.
• Excellent communication skills and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure to manage, negotiate, and handle crisis situations.
• Ability to handle conflict and resolve staff issues in a respectful manner.
• Knowledge of community resources and childcare/preschool regulations.
• Excellent customer service skills when working with families.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Knowledge of accounting principles as it relates to managing a budget.
• Intermediate computer literacy (Google Workspace).
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, credit check, and physical examination.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Positions Reporting to Executive Director: Associate Director, Assistant Program Director, School-Age Director, and Lead Teachers

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk. The employee will occasionally crouch or crawl. The employee will frequently use and talk on the telephone and use a computer and other office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee may occasionally be required to drive a vehicle.
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently located inside an office building. While outdoors, the employee is occasionally exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• Work Hours: May be required to work overtime during busy periods, staffing shortfalls, or emergencies.