Childcare Center LeaderAre you passionate about creating a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive? UAF is seeking an experienced and dedicated leader to oversee our childcare center and support the children, families, and employees who make up our campus community. In this role, you'll provide leadership and day-to-day oversight of center operations, staff, enrollment, budgeting, licensing and regulatory compliance, safety, and program quality. You'll recruit, supervise, and develop a team of teachers and staff while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace. You'll also oversee a high-quality, play-based and developmentally appropriate program, build strong relationships with families, and ensure the center continues to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for children. This is a great opportunity to combine early childhood education, leadership, staff development, and family engagement while making a meaningful difference in the UAF community. To thrive in this role, you will need strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage the day-to-day operations of a childcare program. You should be comfortable supervising and developing employees, managing budgets and enrollment, interpreting and applying licensing and regulatory requirements, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for children and staff. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as you will work closely with families, university leadership, regulatory agencies, and community partners. The successful candidate will be adaptable, solutions-focused, and committed to providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming for young children.
Minimum Qualifications:
Five years of progressively responsible day care/ child care experience and three years of management experience, including supervisory and leadership responsibilities, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Preference will be given to a Bachelor's in education, early childhood education, or a related field. Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field. Age & Verification: Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass state/federal background checks per Alaska childcare licensing standards (7 AAC 57.300).
Certifications:
Current Pediatric CPR / First Aid / AED Certification (or ability to acquire within 30 days of hire).Alaska Child Care Facility Administrator Qualifying Pathway - Must meet state licensing administrator eligibility through at least one of the following:
Alaska SEED Level 7 Certificate or higher.
At least 12 semester hours of college credit in Early Childhood Development, Child Psychology, Elementary Education, or a related field (up to 3 credits may be in business/management).Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Valid MACTE-accredited Montessori Certification.
Approved national or state School-Age / Child & Youth Care credential.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing a childcare facility within a higher education or institutional setting. Alaska Early Childhood Administrator Credential (AK-ECAC) or National Administrator Credential (NAC). Proficiency with childcare management software (e.g., Brightwheel, Procare).
Position Details:
This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 83, based on education and experience. Application review will begin on October 1, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled. The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status. The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check. Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.
