Executive Director
Location: Aurora, ON
About:
Aurora Children’s Centre (ACC) is a well-established, not-for-profit childcare corporation with sites in Aurora and East Gwillimbury. For nearly 40 years, ACC has been a leader in early learning, earning a reputation as one of the most recognized and highly-regarded childcare providers in central-north York Region.
Operating two in-demand locations with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces, the organization provides programs for children from toddlers through school age, including full-day childcare, preschool, before and after-school care, and summer camps. Programs are grounded in play-based learning and designed to support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
ACC’s continued success is the result of strong, empathetic leadership and a committed and caring team of experienced educators. Our focus on exceptional care, responsiveness to the needs of the community and building strong relationships with families make us a top choice for families in Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and beyond.
Role Summary:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership across two childcare sites, ensuring high-quality programming, financial sustainability, and strong organizational performance. This is an opportunity for a thoughtful, empathetic and strategic individual to build on an established foundation, support a cohesive team, maintain operational stability, and guide the organization through its next phase of growth and evolution. The Executive Director will play a key role in strengthening financial oversight, navigating government funding frameworks, and aligning day-to-day operations with longer-term strategic priorities.
Why This Role Stands Out?
Aurora Children’s Centre offers a unique opportunity to lead a well-established organization with a strong reputation, stable team, and high community demand. Featuring two distinct sites – one well-established and the other a welcomed addition to a rapidly-growing community – ACC is well-positioned for sustainable growth. Our next thoughtful and inspiring leader will formulate and execute strategy, strengthen operations, and make a positive difference for families in central-north York Region.
- A leadership position with a manageable scope, allowing focus on strategy, people, and long-term impact
- A stable, well-run organization with a strong reputation in the community
- A positive, team-oriented culture with long-tenured and committed staff
- The ability to work with engaged families and help foster a lifelong passion for learning
- Two-site configuration provides growth opportunities over a large and vibrant catchment area
- Ample opportunities for professional development and growth
- A supportive, engaged, and collaborative Board of Directors
Key Responsibilities:
Key Priorities for the Incoming Executive Director:
- Maintain operational stability and team cohesion during leadership transition
- Strengthen financial sustainability and navigate evolving government funding models
- Support strong enrollment and community demand across both sites
- Establish a supportive presence at both sites
- Align Board governance with operational leadership
- Position the organization for thoughtful, long-term growth
- Lead, motivate and collaborate with staff to maintain the respectful, nurturing culture of the organization
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Provide overall leadership and direction for the organization, supporting long-term planning while maintaining operational stability and continuity.
- Operations & Program Oversight: Oversee day-to-day operations across both sites, ensuring high-quality programming, regulatory compliance, and a safe, supportive environment for children and staff.
- Financial Leadership: Lead budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, supporting sustainability and providing clear, meaningful insight to the Board for decision-making.
- People & Culture: Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture; support recruitment, retention, and development of a strong and engaged team.
- Governance & Board Relations: Build an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors, supporting good governance while maintaining clear operational leadership.
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with families, community partners, and stakeholders to support enrollment and the organization’s reputation in the community.
- Systems & Continuous Improvement: Support the effective use of systems, technology and processes to enhance operations, reporting, and overall organizational effectiveness.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, within a not-for-profit or community-based organization, ideally within the childcare or education industries.
- Experience working with or supporting a Board of Directors.
- Comfort with operational and financial management, including budgeting and oversight, with the ability to identify risks and support sound decision-making.
- Experience working within regulated or publicly funded environments.
- Proven ability to lead teams and build strong, collaborative relationships.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, families, and stakeholders.
- A calm and practical approach to decision-making.
- The ability to build trust and strong relationships with staff, families, and the Board.
- Confidence in managing operations and finances, with an eye to sustainability.
- A collaborative style, while maintaining clear accountability and boundaries.
- An openness to new ideas and the ability to adapt in a changing environment.
- Possesses a valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for the purposes of business travel between sites.
Assets:
Experience in childcare or early learning environments
- Familiarity with government funding models (e.g., CWELCC)
- RECE designation or related education training
- Knowledge of Child Care and Early Years Act
- Experience with Lillio Child Care Centre Management platform
Compensation:
- Salary: $95,000-115,000, commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including Group Health Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 4 weeks’ vacation to start
Leaders Helping Leaders … We Welcome Your Valued Referrals!
If this opportunity is not aligned with your experience or career interests, we encourage you to share it with members of your professional network who may be interested.
We welcome applications from qualified candidates and invite you to submit your resume in confidence. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Maxwell Management Group Ltd. is committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace. We respect and celebrate diversity and are dedicated to providing a barrier-free recruitment experience.
Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the selection process.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00-$115,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
