Christian Life Santa Fe Daycare Director

*** THIS POSITION IS FOR CHRISTIAN LIFE SANTA FE CHURCH NOT CITIZEN CHURCH***

Christian Life Santa Fe is preparing to open its doors, and we're looking for a passionate, experienced leader to help us build something special

Location:  Santa Fe, New Mexico

Salary:  $61,000-78,000 annually

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

Required Experience & Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

- Minimum of five years of professional experience working in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program.

- At least two years of supervisory or management experience, including direct responsibility for managing employees.

- Demonstrated experience recruiting, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating staff.

- Proven experience communicating with parents, resolving complaints, navigating difficult conversations, and building positive family relationships.

- Working knowledge of childcare licensing, health and safety regulations, staff-to-child ratios, and classroom operations.

- Strong organizational, administrative, and problem-solving abilities.

- Ability to develop systems, establish expectations, and hold employees accountable.

- Must meet all applicable New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) director qualifications, including education, credentials, experience, and minimum age requirements.

- Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, certifications, and training.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

Center Operations & Licensing

- Help complete the final preparations necessary to obtain licensing and open the Learning Center.

- Oversee daily operations, enrollment, classrooms, schedules, and regulatory compliance.

- Establish clear procedures for safety, communication, and accountability.

Staff Leadership & Development

- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop childcare employees.

- Establish a positive, professional, Christ-centered workplace culture.

- Conduct staff evaluations, address performance concerns, and develop future leaders.

Parent & Family Relationships

- Build trust with parents and families.

- Address concerns and resolve conflicts professionally.

- Maintain clear, consistent communication with families.

Financial & Administrative Leadership

- Assist with budgeting, financial stewardship, staffing, and resource management.

- Maintain accurate records and ensure operational efficiency.

- Work collaboratively with Christian Life Santa Fe leadership.

Spiritual Leadership

- Foster a Christ-centered environment for children, families, and employees.

- Model Christian values, integrity, servant leadership, and spiritual maturity.

- Support the mission, vision, and Statement of Faith of Christian Life Santa Fe.

Preferred Qualifications

- Previous experience as a childcare center director, assistant director, or preschool administrator.

- Experience opening a new childcare facility or preparing for licensing inspections.

- Experience managing enrollment, staffing budgets, and multiple classrooms.

- Experience leading a faith-based childcare or preschool program.

Christian Ministry Expectations

Christian Life Learning Center is a ministry of Christian Life Santa Fe.

The Director is expected to:

- Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with biblical Christian values.

- Affirm and support Christian Life Santa Fe's Statement of Faith, including our Pentecostal beliefs.

- Demonstrate a commitment to church involvement, spiritual leadership, and the ministry's mission.

- Meet the church membership, attendance, and tithing expectations established for this ministry leadership position, subject to applicable employment law and final policy review.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $61,000-$78,000

Compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's education, professional experience, leadership qualifications, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Working Conditions

- This position is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and requires on-site leadership.

- This position will have a working schedule of Monday - Friday. A typical work schedule may be 8am - 5pm.

- Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

- This is a Christian ministry leadership position with specific faith and organizational expectations.

- The selected candidate will play a significant role in preparing the Learning Center to open and establishing its long-term success.