Executive Director, San Francisco Early Learning Alliance

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Executive Committee of the Board

Position: Full-Time, On-Site, Exempt

Location: San Francisco, California

Salary: $110,000 - $140,000

About San Francisco Early Learning Alliance

Established in 2015, the San Francisco Early Learning Alliance (SFELA) is an energetic organization committed to expanding access to high-quality early childhood education.  SFELA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of childcare programs by offering efficient back-office services, enabling center leaders and staff to concentrate on what matters most: children, families, and teachers.

As a nonprofit organization, SFELA collaborates with client centers serving low-income children and families who, despite receiving government funding, grapple with paperwork and demands due to insufficient resources. The Alliance's unofficial motto is "Make the impossible doable." SFELA collaborates closely with each client center, identifying their pain points and providing customized business services, including accounting, enrollment, child care subsidy management, reporting, and human resource compliance.

To learn more about SFELA visit: http://www.sfela.org.

The Opportunity

As the Executive Director reporting directly to the Board of Directors at SFELA, you will play a crucial role in shaping the vision and advancing the mission of the San Francisco Early Learning Alliance. Your responsibilities encompass overseeing and driving all aspects of the organization’s operations, including financial management, program compliance, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. 

In collaboration with a Board of Directors, you will establish and achieve clear goals for SFELA, providing direction and leadership to a small staff and a team of partner agencies. You will deliver direct services to clients and passionately champion SFELA’s vision, goals, and values. SFELA is in search of a leader with a deep commitment to early childhood education and a successful track record in managing both financial and programmatic operations within a nonprofit setting.

Responsibilities

Financial Management and Operations (40%)

• Directly support client centers with operational finance, inclusive of managing accounting statements, bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, and payroll.
• Advise clients on P&L management through the design of effective fiscal systems and services.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure diverse and ongoing revenue streams, including enhancing SFELA’s fee-for-service model and engaging in fundraising efforts.
• Construct and communicate organization-wide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all financial and operational processes.

Program Oversight and Compliance (20%)

• Oversee the development, implementation, quality, measurement, and promotion of SFELA’s back-office services, ensuring programs meet the needs of client centers and contribute to their operational excellence.
• Anticipate, understand, and implement changes to meet public funding requirements for low-income children and families on behalf of client centers.
• Manage client centers’ city and state regulatory audits, including establishing systems for proactive and ongoing compliance, and maintaining transparency and accuracy in all records and documents.
• Establish and document proactive systems for ongoing compliance and continuously monitor and evaluate program performance to drive improvements.

Stakeholder Stewardship (20%)

• Establish and build strong, cooperative relationships with client centers, parents, families, donors, and key stakeholders within the childcare and shared services ecosystem.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to client centers and families, ensuring SFELA’s services align with their needs and expectations.
• Actively engage with the broader community to promote SFELA’s mission and values, building support and awareness.

Staff Leadership and Development (10%)

• Lead and inspire a diverse team of staff members, fostering an engaging and supportive work environment that motivates staff to excel in their roles.
• Support staff development through training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.

Board Relations (10%)

• Actively engage the Board in SFELA’s fundraising efforts and key organizational initiatives, ensuring Directors are well-informed and able to contribute effectively.
• Build and nurture relationships with the Board, leveraging Directors’ expertise in governance, finance, fundraising, and policy areas to guide the organization’s strategic direction.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in small business and or/ nonprofit accounting.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) highly preferred.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably in the field of early childhood education or a related nonprofit sector.
• Strong financial acumen and a commitment to operational excellence.
• Experience in planning, budgeting, and fiscal management including managing public contracts and vouchers.
• Strong understanding of the implementation and maintenance of local, state, and federal child care subsidies eligibility, or similar government programs.
• Experience navigating and managing complex government regulatory environments, ensuring compliance with detailed policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of and experience managing California subsidized early education funding streams preferred.
• Dedication and commitment to expanding access to quality early learning for low-income children and their families.
• Success building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including client centers, families, and community partners, while ensuring a high degree of cultural sensitivity. 
• Experience in staff leadership and development, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive organizational culture.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, including governance, compliance, and fundraising.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in an in-person office setting.

SFELA believes that diversity of background and experience enriches our team and stakeholders. If you do not have experience in the areas detailed above, we hope you will share your unique background with us in your application and how it can be additive to our team.

Physical Requirements

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee frequently sits and occasionally stands, walks, talks/listens, stoops, kneels, crouches or crawls, and reaches with hands and arms.  The employee occasionally lifts to 20 lbs.  Close and distance vision and manual dexterity to use a telephone and computer are required.

Benefits

The San Francisco Early Learning Alliance has enlisted Charity Search Group to manage the recruitment process for this position. To apply, please use the provided link below. For inquiries or if you need assistance with your application, feel free to reach out to Pascale Hughes at [email protected] or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com.

The San Francisco Early Learning Alliance is dedicated to fostering diversity at every level of the organization and is an equal opportunity employer. We understand the significance of avoiding judgments based on a singular identity and prioritize equity in our hiring procedures and our commitment to inclusivity for all staff members.