RECE Program Manager
Permanent, Full-Time
Annual Salary: $ 80,000 to $95,000

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton operates full-day early learning and child care centres for infant, toddler, and preschool children, as well as extended day programs before and after school for kindergarten and school-age children throughout the Greater Hamilton Area.

We are currently recruiting for a collaborative, reflective, and operationally focused Program Manager (RECE) to join our Leadership Team.

As a large multi-site licensed childcare organization operating within HWDSB schools, Umbrella Family is committed to delivering high-quality early learning programs grounded in How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy.

Reporting to the Director of Childcare Programs, the Program Manager will provide operational, pedagogical, and people leadership across multiple child care locations. This role requires a strong leader who can effectively drive operations, support organizational priorities, lead teams through growth and change, and ensure high-quality service delivery across programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and performance management to Supervisors and program teams across multiple sites.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple child care programs, including staffing, scheduling, enrollment, occupancy, compliance, and program support.
• Support and monitor program quality to ensure alignment with How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio-inspired pedagogy.
• Support financial and operational accountability, including budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
• Analyze operational needs and implement strategies that support organizational effectiveness, service quality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support teams through change management initiatives while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• Build strong relationships with families, school partners, community stakeholders, and internal leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with the CCEYA, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and health and safety standards.
• Participate in organizational planning, leadership initiatives, and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Ten (10) years of experience working within a childcare centre and five (5) years of people management experience
• Demonstrated experience overseeing operations, staffing, enrollment management, and program administration.
• Strong business and operational acumen, including experience with budgeting, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational planning.
• Strong knowledge of the CCEYA, How Does Learning Happen?, and responsive pedagogy.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working within not-for-profit and/or unionized environments is considered an asset.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle required.

A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and current Standard First Aid/CPR certification are required.
Why Join Umbrella Family?
Umbrella Family offers a supportive, collaborative, and values-driven work environment committed to leadership development, diversity, belonging, and continuous learning.
We offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Pension plan with employer matching
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional learning and leadership development opportunities