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.