Executive Director
Executive Director
Full Description
Due to retirement, the Campus Children's Centre is currently seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to take on the role of Executive Director at our Centre. This full-time, permanent, in-person position reports directly to the Centre’s Board of Directors and receives oversight from Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) and the Childcare Learning Coordinator.
Our Centre is dedicated to providing high-quality early learning experiences in a nurturing environment. Located on the Fort Garry campus of the University of Manitoba, we offer care for children aged 3 months to 6 years, exclusively for the families of university staff, faculty, and students. With 138 spaces, our Centre features specialized rooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, a spacious gym for active play, and a fully equipped and staffed kitchen for healthy snacks. Our natural outdoor space encourages exploration and learning, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere where every child can thrive.
Campus Children’s Centre is a not-for-profit organization that has proudly served our community with exceptional childcare services for the last 50 years. The Centre continues to thrive and grow, with an expansion planned in the near future at the Fort Garry site (projected increase to 232 total spaces) and the addition of a second daycare location at the Bannatyne campus which is planned to be licensed for approximately 90 child spaces.
We are committed to fostering an environment that supports the holistic development of children – encompassing social, physical, emotional, cognitive, and creative growth. Thanks to a supportive, collaborative and respectful culture, we proudly maintain many long-term staff (including the outgoing Executive Director) and enjoy very low turnover. Campus Children’s Centre is a place where educators thrive and families feel supported.
The successful candidate will oversee all operational aspects, including staff management, program development, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance. The Centre operates Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the exception of provincial statutory holidays and University of Manitoba closure dates. Some evenings are required when facilitating Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or other sessions as needed.
What We Offer:
- Competitive wages (starting at $42.55/hour, commensurate with experience)
- Paid vacation
- Health benefits and pension plan
- A supportive team and strong sense of community
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
How to Apply:
If this exciting opportunity sounds like you, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Emily Walker, Chair of the Board
Email: Emily.Walker@zoho.com
Subject line: Executive Director Application
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. First-round interviews will be scheduled for the week of February 17, 2026.
Campus Children’s Centre values diversity and inclusion as essential to creating a welcoming environment for children, families, and staff. We believe that different abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, and perspectives strengthen our community and enrich the learning experience. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of racialized groups. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process by contacting Emily Walker.
The Ideal Candidate Is
Our ideal candidate will:
Provide Leadership and Mentorship: Foster a positive and supportive workplace culture by offering guidance, teaching and support to staff members, children and families.
Visionary: Work with the Board of Directors to implement technological and operational changes to support growth of the Centre and improve efficiency for staff and stakeholders.
Manage Operations: Oversee program management, organizational operations, financial oversight, human resources, and public relations with accountability and professionalism.
Develop and Implement Programs: Create and execute age-appropriate curriculum and activities that support the cognitive, social, physical and emotional development of young children.
Ensure Compliance: Maintain adherence to all relevant regulations, licensing requirements, human resources, public health and safety standards to ensure the Centre operates smoothly and safely.
Engage Professionally: Interact effectively with children, families, staff, other childcare providers, university staekholders and various levels of government to build and maintain strong relationships.
Requirements:
- Must have ECE III (with a minimum of 1 year with this qualification)
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a supervisor, assistant director and/or administrator in an Early Learning and Child Care setting
- Minimum 10 years' experience in a childcare or early learning setting
- Current Valid First Aid and CPR Certification
- Clear vulnerable sector check
- Clear criminal record check
- Clear child abuse registry check
Essential Skills:
Financial Expertise: Strong financial knowledge with proven experience in budget development, financial analysis, and resource management.
Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks, including all ELCC reporting, subsidiary and licensing requirements.
Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and public speaking abilities, with a proven track record of building rapport and fostering relationships with professionalism and integrity.
Child Care Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of childcare regulations, best practices, and development.
Partnership Development: Ability to cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with university stakeholders, school divisions, administration, vendors, and regulators.
Staff Management: Experience in supervising, training, and managing childcare staff.
Parent Communication: Advanced skills in communicating with parents about their child's development, addressing concerns, and resolving issues.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with computers and software programs such as Microsoft Office is required. The ability to be able to learn new programs and help transition the daycare to new technology platforms is essential.
Contact Information
Emily Walker, Chair of the Board
Email: Emily.Walker@zoho.com
Subject line: Executive Director Application