CEO: Wonderspring Early Education

Wonderspring Early Education, was founded in 1964 as the Day Care Association of Montgomery County, Inc. to address unmet needs for childcare locally, including those from low-income families. From its original location at one site in Ambler, PA, the agency has grown to be a large, multi-site organization whose programs now extend to 10 sites in Montgomery County and Philadelphia. In 2020, the name was changed to Wonderspring Early Education to better represent the wide geographical area it encompasses. As a regional childcare provider, Wonderspring’s early childhood education and school-age programs serve over 1000 children from six weeks to twelve years of age. Wonderspring is committed to providing and maintaining a culture of accountability at every site, every day, and in every word, action, and program delivered. The mission of Wonderspring is “to develop, provide and advance accessible, high-quality early childhood and school-age programs.” For more information about Wonderspring Early Education, please visit the website at www.wonderspring.org.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) drives strategic planning and implementation and ensures revenue streams, operational, marketing, human resources, technology and programmatic outcomes that support the established mission, goals and values of Wonderspring’s Early Learning Centers. With four direct reports, the CEO provides leadership to the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors, including consistent communication of the vision of what the organization can be at its best.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Vision and Leadership

1. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team, develop and implement organizational plans and goals that advance the achievement of Wonderspring’s mission and values.
2. Motivate, lead and sustain a high-performance senior management team to ensure the continued development and management of a professional and efficient organization.
3. Establish and maintain effective decision-making and conflict resolution processes that will enable Wonderspring to achieve its short and long-term goals and objectives.
4. Establish credibility throughout the organization and with the Board as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.
5. Ensure that customer services are held to the highest standard while managing for current and future growth.
6. Set strategic visions for continued and new revenue streams as well as follow through on the implementation of those goals as directed by the Board.
7. Become the face of Wonderspring by developing relationships with the community, agencies, partners, funders, advocates and government officials.
8. Inspire staff to work to their fullest potential, taking the lead role in the creation of a culture of excellence and accountability.
9. Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the organization.

Board Relations

1. Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board and ensure open communication about the measurement of financial, programmatic and impact performance against stated milestones and goals.
2. Present timely and accurate information to the Board about the status of agreed upon objectives, revenue streams, finances, staffing and other relevant issues.
3. Recommend policies and/or programs to the Board and its committees.
4. Support the Board in increasing the number of members as appropriate.

Program/Services

1. Ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and best practices to all clients in compliance with external/governmental requirements, applicable laws and regulations.
2. Update, maintain and implement procedures and practices relating to child safety. This includes reporting practices, internal controls, interaction with government officials, law enforcement and the community.
3. Increase programmatic efficiencies and consistency throughout the organization.
4. Ensure that programs and operations are supported by sufficient technological systems and business infrastructure.

Financial Management and Operations

1. Oversee the financial status of the organization including developing long- and short-range financial plans/revenue streams, monitoring the budget ($10 million annually) and ensuring that sound financial controls are in place.
2. Regularly assess and refine the organization’s structure and staffing to ensure maximum effectiveness, the highest quality of services and appropriate operational capacity.
3. Formulate and execute comprehensive marketing, branding, and development strategies that will enhance revenue from clients, major donors, foundations, government agencies and corporations.
4. Oversee the risk management and legal activities of the organization.
5. Ensure operational and fiscal viability of all current or new facilities of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Passion for and commitment to Wonderspring’s mission and core values.
2. Minimum of ten (10) years progressively responsible senior leadership role with profitable growth and business development in childcare or related industries. Prior experience creating, generating and implementing new sources of revenue is preferred.
3. Effective leadership and mentoring skills that will motivate and inspire staff to be subject matter experts while setting high expectations and professional direction.
4. Experience developing and managing an effective board.
5. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven successful record of building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal staff and board and external stakeholders including parents and donors.
6. Extensive experience in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development and strategic planning; demonstrated success developing and monitoring systems to manage both operational and programmatic work that involve high levels of collaboration.
7. Self-confidence and humility combined with a sense of humor and a collaborative management style.
8. Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast moving environment while also driving clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
9. Possess an executive presence with outstanding presentation and communication skills and the experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder.
10. A vigilant steward of an organizational culture of diversity, learning and acceptance.
11. Knowledge of Early Childhood and School Age programs, curriculums, partnerships and funding climate.
12. Knowledge of policies and legislation impacting early childhood education and the ability to be an advocate for effective policies.
13. Experience with crisis management is preferred.
14. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is preferred.
15. Willing and able to travel as needed to program sites within a 75-mile radius. Travel to meetings, conferences, workshops and other relevant gatherings. May involve long distance travel and overnight stays.

Wonderspring Early Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer (“EOE”). Our policy with respect to decisions affecting the terms and conditions of employment is to treat applicants and employees equally without regard to race, creed, color, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability and veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law, except where such considerations are bona fide occupational qualifications permitted by law.

Wonderspring Early Education will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs every aspect of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.