DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNING
JOB POSTING
ABOUT YWCA SASKATOON:
The YWCA Saskatoon is a dynamic team dedicated to positively impacting the lives of women, their families, and the community. YWCA Saskatoon is a vibrant organization providing inclusive community services on Treaty Six territory and the homeland of the Métis peoples since 1910. We look forward to the possibility of you joining our team.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT:
At the YWCA Saskatoon, we believe in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to creating and cultivating an inclusive workspace and workforce that represents the communities we serve. We acknowledge that certain groups have been historically disadvantaged and continue to face barriers in the workforce. In collaboration with the Canadian Employment Equity Act, we have identified the following groups, which have experienced historical and/or current obstacles, as part of our equity priority group:
These include:
- Indigenous peoples
- Persons of colour
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- 2SLGBTQ+ community
- Newcomers to Saskatchewan
We base our selection process on merit and encourage all diverse groups to participate fully. We acknowledge the barriers that affect equity groups, and we’re committed to addressing, mitigating and accommodating these barriers to strive for equity in the workplace.
If at any time during the application and selection process you require accommodation, please email Areesha Kansi at AKansi@ywcasaskatoon.com.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Child Development Centre, is responsible for the overall management functions such as program delivery, administration, financial controls, funding applications, ensuring compliance with government regulations and employee supervision within a unionized setting. The incumbent keeps themselves informed of emerging and on-going needs for women and their families as they relate to early childhood learning and care, and works to provide services that reflect and meet these needs.
As a member of the YWCA's Senior Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organizational strategy, policy, risk management, resource allocation, community leadership and the achievement of strategic priorities. The Director provides leadership to the Child Development department, ensuring the safe service delivery and operation of all daycare centre locations.
POSITION REPORTING: Reports to CEO
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Rewarding work; contribute to meaningful change for clients and our community
- An inclusive and supportive team
- Fitness membership at Fitness on 25th and a discounted rate on eligible programs
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and more
DIRECT REPORTS: CDC Manager, 15 – 20 ECE’s, Administrative Support, and Cook
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide Leadership and oversee Child Development Center programs and operations.
- Work collaboratively with the CEO, Director of Finance and Operations, and Human Resources to support effective department operations.
- Support the Child Development Centre Manager at the Wall Street location in overseeing centre operations and addressing major operational decisions.
- Develop, implement and evaluate all programs according to the needs of operating daycare centres.
- Oversee staff scheduling, including call-in shifts, in accordance with the collective agreement and ensure required educator-to-child ratios are maintained.
- Follow accepted HR practices in relation to recruitment, training, supervision, performance management, coaching, performance evaluation, and progressive discipline.
- Ensure appropriate application of the current collective bargaining agreement in the administration and operation of both daycare centre locations.
- Provide leadership, direction, coaching, resources and overall support to Manager and direct report ECEs;
- Ensure Child Development Centre programs and operations comply with provincial legislation, child care licensing requirements, funding conditions, and YWCA policies.
- Maintain a strong working relationship with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, including providing required documentation and responding to licensing and compliance matters.
- Foster a collaborative culture and team approach that creates a harmonious work environment that is sensitive to cultural and socio-economic differences in and between children and employees.
- Provide support to the Parent Advisory Committee as needed to help ensure its activities run smoothly, including assisting with fundraising initiatives and other requests.
- Maintain employee and client records while ensuring confidentiality in the organization.
- Monitors revenue levels and financial position of the department.
- Ensure operating daycare centres function at full capacity.
- Identify potential sources of revenue and submit funding proposals and grant applications.
- Create contingency plans in event of shortfall in revenue or increase in expenses, outside of approved budget.
- Compile and prepare yearly budget for approval and consolidation into complete budget.
- Promotes a consistent image and professional presence in the community.
- Represent YWCA Saskatoon on internal and external committees as appropriate.
- Maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship with referral sources and other community agencies in order to deliver appropriate services to YWCA clients and/or refer individuals to appropriate agencies.
- Maintain cooperative and effective partnerships with agencies providing similar services.
- Deliver educational sessions to internal and external audiences.
- Implements processes that supports exemplary customer service.
- Resolve client inquiries, concerns and information requests relating to program areas, either personally or delegated through other department staff.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Relevant post-secondary education with an ECE Level III minimum;
- At least five years of progressive management experience in early learning and child care;
- Demonstrated ability to meet timelines and targeted outcomes;
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills;
- Understanding of child development principles;
- Management experience in a unionized setting preferable;
- Understanding of, and commitment to, the values, mission and vision of YWCA Saskatoon;
- First Aid and CPR certifications;
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector clearance
APPLICATION METHOD:
This position is projected to start by mid to late November, with the start date to be determined. Applications in the form of a resume and cover letter will be accepted until November 2nd, 2026 through the Career Centre website. For any questions regarding this posting, you can reach us via email through careers@ywcasasktoon.com.
