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Do you have a passion for working with children and exploring the outdoors? Do you see your work as more than just a job? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

Wee Wild Ones is expanding! Currently operating in Calgary, Alberta, we are excited to open our first location in Saint John( New Brunswick) and are looking for an experienced Program Director to join our team.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the opening of a brand-new centre, taking it from an empty space to a fully licensed, operational, and thriving early learning environment. The Program Director will play a key leadership role in centre readiness, including licensing preparation, enrollment, family onboarding, staff recruitment and onboarding, and the development of family-facing systems and documentation.

Once the centre is open, the Program Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre, providing leadership and support to the Team Supervisor, Educators, and support staff. They will foster strong relationships with families, ensure high-quality programming and operations, and champion the Wee Wild Ones values and mission in everything they do.

This is an ideal opportunity for a leader who thrives in independent, hands-on environments and is excited to build something from the ground up.

This position reports to the Executive Program Director.

Role Specific Info

Requirements for this role include:

• ECE Designation
• Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR
• Experience with the Reggio Emilia approach, NB's Framework, or similar child-led, inquiry-based philosophies
• Fluent reading, speaking, and writing in English
• 3+ years of combined experience, as a centre director
• Familiarity with New Brunswick Child Care Licensing, Accreditation, and Health regulations
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, hours to be determined.

The Program Director is to provide support in the centres daily operations. This would include, but is not limited to:

Licensing & Regulatory Leadership

• Lead and manage the full childcare licensing process from application to approval
• Coordinate and complete all Health Services requirements
• Prepare for and manage all fire inspections and approvals
• Ensure the centre meets all provincial regulations and requirements for opening
• Primary point of contact with all regulatory bodies
• Track all requirements, timelines, and milestones to ensure progress stays on track
• Provide regular, proactive updates to leadership on progress, challenges, and next steps

Centre Setup & Readiness

• Lead the physical setup of the centre, including furniture assembly and classroom setup
• Organize and prepare learning environments to meet licensing and Wee Wild Ones standards
• Ensure all materials, documentation, and systems are in place prior to opening
• Begin hiring of key centre positions and Educators with Executive and HR support
• Ensure all environments, materials, and systems reflect Wee Wild Ones standards and philosophy
• Identify and take initiative on all tasks required to bring the centre to a fully operational state

Project Management & Execution

• Work independently to move all aspects of the project forward
• Take initiative in problem-solving and decision-making throughout the setup process
• Maintain accountability to timelines and opening goals
• Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership on progress

Nice to have:

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and organized
• Genuine love for children conveyed through co-created learning experiences
• Superior interpersonal skills and is open to learning and embracing curiosity & innovation
• Highest degree of initiative, dedication, and ownership
• Cooperative team player and enjoys building trusting relationships
• Inclusive and accepting of others
• Commitment to high-quality programming for children and a supportive work environment for team members
• Comfortable using technology, for documentation and communication

What we Offer

• Parking
• Competitive Wages
• Growth Opportunities
• Childcare benefits/discount
• Comprehensive Health Benefits, Life Insurance and Dental Benefits
• Employee Development Funding (tuition, training, workshops, etc).
• A community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about educating our future generation

Why Wee Wild Ones?

We genuinely love and care for children and see our work as more than just a job. We strive to make a difference in the lives of children and others by developing our future critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow.

It is our mission to elevate, continuously innovate, and challenge the standard of high-quality childcare for the modern family. In doing so, our innovative culture values our youngest citizens, engages team members, partners with families, and strengthens our community to best serve and sustain the well-being of all.

If this sounds like something you’d be a great fit for, please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter on Indeed. We would love to hear from you and look forward to chatting with you soon!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Experience:

• director: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• NB ECE or equivalent provincial certification? (required)

Work Location: In person