ST. CATHERINE PARISH, 51ST STREET, MILWAUKEE

POSITION TITLE:                   CENTER DIRECTOR

STATUS:                                 FULL TIME, EXEMPT

REPORTS TO:                         DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

PRIMARY FUNCTION 

The Center Director oversees all aspects of St. Catherine Daycare Center, including programs, staff, finances, facilities, and daily operations (extended care), while complying with s. DCF 251.05(1)(c). The Director leads by fostering a caring, faith-based environment that respects each child's dignity and supports their overall development—physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual. Working closely with parents, the Director demonstrates virtues such as kindness, respect, and self-control and acts as a link between home and parish to help families engage with parish life.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership and Administration

• Plan, organize, implement, and monitor age-appropriate activities that promote children’s holistic development, including physical care, educational play, and spiritual formation.
• Ensure compliance with licensing rules — particularly those governing organization, administration, facilities, and personnel, including staff orientation and continuing education.
• Manage all administrative aspects of the Center, including facility, equipment, office supplies, payroll, food, budget, and preparing reports as required.
• Maintain accurate records and files for children, staff, and billing in accordance with licensing regulations, and maintain the Center’s state-issued license. 

Staff Supervision and Development

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate staff while fostering a team culture rooted in Gospel service and sensitive to diverse family backgrounds.
• Facilitate staff access to training programs for early childhood educators.
• Ensure that appropriate staffing-to-student ratios are maintained at all times, including taking an active role and being present on-site.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and faith-filled work environment.

Child Safety and Well-Being

• Oversee the well-being of enrolled children, prioritizing a safe, loving Christ-Centered environment.
• Perform background checks and suitability assessments for staff and volunteers in accordance with Archdiocesan safeguarding policies and Wisconsin law. Provide ongoing training to prevent abuse and exploitation of minors. Promptly report concerns to DCF, local authorities, and the Archdiocesan Office for Safe Environment. Candidates must pass background checks and health screenings.
• Provide constant supervision for all children indoors and outdoors.
• Maintain required documentation of behavioral issues and consistently apply positive behavior guidance and conflict resolution strategies.
• Administer first aid as needed and maintain required documentation and reporting.
• Ensure a safe, clean environment.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid/Shaken Baby Syndrome and experience in Catholic ministry, parish programs, or faith formation are all preferred.

 Parish and School Collaboration

• Serves as the primary contact for parents regarding enrollment, policies, and student issues, responding to concerns or feedback professionally and in a timely manner.
• Facilitates the Center’s connection to parish life, including age-appropriate participation in school Mass and, when applicable, connecting families with parish contacts to prepare for milestones such as First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with parents and parishioners by creating newsletters and other necessary social media communications.
• Collaborates with the parish, school staff, and principal on programs and shared spaces, including building maintenance.
• Supports a smooth transition between the school day and the extended care program.

Budgeting and Program Management

• Manage program budget, fees, supplies and inventory. Collaborate with Director of Administrative Services on annual budget planning.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Provide data for monthly and annual family billing statements
• Prepare any reports as required by the Parish.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment; a self-starter who works with minimal supervision.
• High School Diploma or its equivalent required; an Associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education in early childhood education or child development, or a license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to act as a kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, or early childhood (regular or special education) teacher, with 3–5 years of experience in childcare settings, experience preferred.
• One year of experience as a center director, supervisor/manager preferred, child care teacher in a licensed child care center or kindergarten, or satisfactory completion of one credit or non-credit department-approved course in early childhood education or its equivalent required.
• Complete at least 10 hours of training in supervision or personnel management within one year of assuming the position, if such training has not previously been received. This training may be counted toward the annual continuing education requirement.
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and practice, including Church teaching on family, education, and the sacraments; practicing Catholic in good standing preferred. Mature and able to model Christian virtues.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend over/crouch, engage in physical activity, use hands, speak, and hear throughout program hours.
• Two credit or non-credit department-approved courses in early childhood education, and, within one year of assuming the position, one course in the Wisconsin Child Care Administrator Credential or its equivalent.
• Obtain a certificate from The Registry (the Wisconsin early childhood professional recognition system) within 3 months of assuming the position (within 6 months for a school-age-only program). Registry Level 7 or higher is preferred. Persons holding a teacher license issued by the Department of Public Instruction are not required to obtain a Registry certificate.

TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and job application to [email protected].