Director – Child Development Center

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Full Consideration Date:

Job Description:

Primary Function: Oversees the day-to-day operations of the UNI Child Development Center (CDC), providing leadership in family engagement, enrollment processes, communication, and support for children’s care, health, and well-being; collaborates in the development and implementation of the CDC’s educational standards, goals, policies, and procedures; ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, national accreditation standards, and all reporting and documentation requirements; manages the CDC’s operating budget and related financial accounts, including grants and contracts, to ensure fiscal sustainability; leads the development of programmatic and revenue-generating initiatives and serves as a liaison among UNI faculty, administration, staff, and community partners to support teaching, research, and field placements; hires, supervises, evaluates, and provides professional development for staff and student employees; and evaluates program effectiveness annually to measure progress toward UNI and state goals.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, business, family consumer science, or related field; at least three years of experience in administering a licensed early childhood program; current certifications in infant/child CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, and OSHA or ability to become certified within two months of hire; strong working knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices; commitment to the needs of all children in an educational environment; and excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree; experience with NAEYC accreditation process or Iowa’s Quality Rating System (QRS) requirements; and knowledge of business operations and Iowa DHHS licensing regulations preferred.

Position Details:

Job Category: Professional and Scientific

Type of Position: Term

Service Schedule: Calendar Year

Application Instructions:

All application materials received by May 25, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 319-273-2422.

Compensation:
$65,000 to Commensurate

Pay Grade: 119

Pay Basis: Salary

Iowa enjoys a lower cost of living than many other states. See how the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area compares by utilizing the cost of living calculator. Our overall compensation package is enhanced by excellent benefits for eligible non-temporary positions. To learn more about the vibrant Cedar Valley community, visit https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at [email protected] or call (319) 273-2422.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

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