JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Community Services Administrator, the Child and Family Development Centre Manager provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program direction for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Child and Family Development Centre. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, culturally grounded, inclusive childcare and family support services that reflect Tsleil-Waututh values and community priorities.

In addition to strategic and administrative leadership, the Manager provides direct operational support to ensure compliance with Child Care Licensing Regulations, supports educators in daily program delivery, and steps in as needed to maintain safe staffing ratios and quality care. The role requires strong expertise in early childhood development, Indigenous-centered and strengths-based programming, non-profit management practices, and the ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams. The Manager also plays a key role in identifying funding opportunities, developing proposals, and ensuring accurate reporting to funders and governing bodies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Provide visionary and values-based leadership to ensure the Centre promotes holistic, strengths-based early childhood development that supports children’s spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of culturally grounded programming informed by early childhood research, community priorities, and guidance from local knowledge keepers.
• Monitor program outcomes and implement quality assurance practices to ensure excellence in service delivery.
• Identify service gaps and emerging needs within the community and develop innovative, responsive strategies to address them.

Operational Oversight & Licensing Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable Child Care Licensing Regulations and maintain operational readiness for inspections and audits.
• Oversee daily operations of the Centre, including staffing ratios, health and safety practices, documentation, and program implementation.
• Provide hands-on operational support to educators, including stepping into classrooms when necessary to maintain ratios and ensure continuity of care.
• Support staff in managing classroom routines, behaviour guidance, inclusion strategies, and implementation of individual support plans.
• Ensure all required records, policies, procedures, and documentation meet licensing and funding standards.
• Develop and maintain internal systems to monitor compliance and operational excellence.

Governance, Reporting & Accountability

• Develop and oversee systems for accurate data collection, evaluation, and reporting.
• Prepare and submit timely program, financial, and outcome reports to funders, leadership, and governing bodies.
• Support audits, evaluations, and continuous improvement processes.
• Ensure accountability to funding agreements and organizational policies.

Financial Management & Funding Development

• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets to ensure responsible financial stewardship.
• Identify, pursue, and secure funding opportunities from government, foundations, and other granting bodies.
• Lead the development of funding proposals and grant applications to enhance and expand services.
• Ensure programs operate effectively within approved budgets while maximizing available resources.

Human Resources & Organizational Leadership

• Recruit, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of qualified and motivated staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching and direct support to educators in delivering high-quality early learning experiences.
• Ensure completion of probationary reviews and annual performance evaluations.
• Facilitate access to professional development and training opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to TWN personnel policies, workplace health and safety standards, and best practices.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and culturally safe work environment.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with parents, guardians, caregivers, Elders, and community members.
• Ensure meaningful family engagement in Centre programming.
• Facilitate respectful and proactive conflict resolution processes.
• Collaborate with the Community Development team to provide coordinated wraparound services for families.

Departmental Participation

• Actively participate as a member of the Community Development Department leadership team.
• Contribute to departmental planning, cross-program collaboration, and strategic initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Education or a related discipline. A combination of education and extensive experience in licensed childcare settings may be considered.
• Valid BC Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate, including Infant & Toddler and Special Needs certification.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working in a licensed childcare setting, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role within an early learning environment.
• Strong working knowledge of BC Child Care Licensing Regulations, including staffing ratios, health and safety standards, documentation requirements, and inspection processes.
• Demonstrated experience providing direct operational oversight in a childcare centre, including supporting daily classroom routines, stepping into ratio when required, and assisting educators in implementing developmentally appropriate programming.
• Proven experience coaching and mentoring educators in classroom management, behaviour guidance, inclusion practices, and implementation of individual support plans.
• Demonstrated ability to manage daily centre operations, including scheduling, attendance tracking, maintaining required records, and ensuring compliance with licensing standards.
• Experience managing program budgets, monitoring expenditures, and supporting financial accountability within a non-profit or publicly funded setting.
• Experience preparing operational reports, funding documentation, and maintaining accurate program records.
• Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous communities and families, with the ability to apply trauma-informed and culturally grounded approaches in practice.
• Experience working in a First Nations community and/or Indigenous organization is an asset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, families, community members, and funders.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic data management systems.
• Valid BC driver’s license and reliable transportation is an asset.
• Up-to-date immunizations and tuberculosis screening as required by licensing.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Able to fill front-line duties on the floor as needed.