Child Support jobs in Toronto, ON

Executive Director

Confidential Search | Non-Profit Child Care Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Salary: $90,000–$118,000 annually, plus benefits

About the Opportunity

An established, community-focused, non-profit child care centre in Toronto is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director to lead its operations, programs, people, and long-term organizational development.

Serving approximately 133 children, the centre is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive, and responsive early learning experiences that support the social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative development of children. Its philosophy emphasizes the importance of strong relationships among children, families, educators, and the broader community.

The organization benefits from an engaged Board of Directors, a dedicated team of approximately 25 staff, supportive families, and a strong reputation in the community.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic direction, operational leadership, financial oversight, and organizational management while ensuring the delivery of high-quality child care programs in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Provide regular operational, financial, and program updates to the Board.
• Identify organizational opportunities and challenges and develop strategies to support long-term sustainability and growth.
• Represent the organization with community partners, government agencies, funders, and sector networks.
• Strengthen community relationships and advocate for quality early learning and child care services.

Operations and Program Excellence

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, licensing requirements, public health standards, and municipal operating criteria.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning programs.
• Support curriculum planning and evaluation in alignment with Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? pedagogical framework.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures that promote children's well-being, safety, inclusion, and development.
• Oversee enrolment, waitlists, records management, licensing documentation, health and safety procedures, and emergency preparedness.
• Foster an inclusive, multicultural, and anti-bias learning environment that respects the diverse needs of children and families.

People and Labour Relations

• Lead and support a dedicated team of early childhood educators, assistants, and administrative personnel.
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director to ensure effective staffing, resource allocation, and program delivery.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and professional development.
• Maintain positive labour relations and ensure compliance with the collective agreement and applicable employment legislation.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative, and supportive workplace culture.

Financial Management and Administration

• Oversee the organization's financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and financial reporting.
• Prepare annual operating budgets and monthly financial statements for the Board.
• Monitor expenditures, fee collection, municipal subsidies, grants, and funding requirements.
• Work with external bookkeeping and auditing professionals to ensure accurate financial records and appropriate financial controls.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications.
• Oversee benefits administration, purchasing, insurance renewals, and other administrative functions.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with parents, caregivers, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Promote open communication with families regarding children's development, experiences, and needs.
• Collaborate with community agencies and early intervention services to support children with additional needs.
• Participate in local child care networks and contribute to sector-wide initiatives.
• Ensure organizational policies and practices reflect equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will bring the following qualifications and experience:

• A minimum of 5–7 years of management experience in child care, ideally within a non-profit organization of comparable size and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing child care centre operations, policies, procedures, staffing, and program quality.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development, child guidance practices, behavioural observation, and inclusive programming, including support for children with additional physical or developmental needs.
• Proven financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, invoicing, and receivables.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, funders, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and applying a collective agreement is considered an asset.
• A degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE/RECE).
• Knowledge of relevant Ontario legislation, including the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel; familiarity with Sage accounting software is an asset.
• Proficiency with Quickbooks Online, Telpay, CSIS, Ceridian (payroll) is an asset

A valid Standard First Aid and Level C CPR certificate is an asset. The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check and meet applicable Toronto Public Health immunization requirements.

Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, community-minded leader who demonstrates:

• A genuine commitment to children, families, and quality early learning.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate competing priorities.
• The ability to motivate, support, and develop a cohesive team.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and continuous improvement.
• The ability to build productive relationships with families, staff, the Board, and external partners.

Compensation and Benefits

The organization offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Annual salary of $90,000–$118,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including prescription drug and dental coverage.
• Four weeks of vacation to start.
• Professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to lead an established organization supported by an experienced and dedicated team.
• Support and guidance during the transition into the role.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The organization is committed to fostering an environment grounded in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Candidates who share these values and are passionate about creating positive outcomes for children and families are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience, leadership approach, and interest in the position.

All applications will be treated confidentially. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

This is a confidential recruitment process. The organization's identity will be shared with qualified candidates at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process.

Pay: $95,000.00-$118,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person