Director, Early Learning Center; Faculty

Overview

Director of the Auburn University Early Learning Center (ELC) leads a nationally accredited early childhood education program serving children ages 2–5. The Director manages the Center’s overall operations, educational leadership, staff development, research coordination, and community outreach, and reports to the Head of the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

Nine‑month, non‑tenure‑track faculty position: full‑time Director of the Auburn University Early Learning Center, beginning August 1, 2026.

The Department of Human Development and Family Science includes 32 faculty, 300 undergraduates, and 60 graduate students, offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also administers the Auburn University Marriage and Family Therapy Center and the Harris Early Learning Center in Birmingham.

Auburn University is a land‑grant institution with a diverse student enrollment of over 26,000, located in Auburn, Alabama. It provides instruction in approximately 70 academic departments and maintains graduate research and public service programs.

• Manage the NAEYC‑accredited early care and education program for approximately 45 children.
• Supervise teaching and support staff.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, client relations, enrollment, tuition management, and facility management.
• Provide feedback to the department head for annual employee evaluations.
• Maintain NAEYC accreditation standards and other quality indicators.
• Maintain Department of Human Resources licensure standards.
• Collaborate with the College of Human Sciences Advancement office to seek additional external funding.
• Maintain policies and procedures for health and safety.
• Maintain required staff and university student records.
• Participate in budget management for the ELC alongside the department head.

• Communicate and train staff on developmentally appropriate practices, NAEYC standards, and state regulations.
• Attend relevant training and professional conferences to remain current in best practices for early childhood education.
• Oversee placement and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students for observation, practicum, and internships.
• Provide orientation, training, and guest lectures for university students.
• Attend faculty meetings.
• Participate in the evaluation of students engaged in Center activities.
• Serve as faculty of record for assigned Human Development and Family Science courses.

• Represent the Center, Department, College, and Auburn University within the local and state early childhood education community.
• Coordinate special projects and events such as parent seminars and the Week of the Young Child.
• Foster partnerships with corporate sponsors, community stakeholders, and educational agencies.
• Facilitate research conducted at the Center by Auburn University and collaborating institutions.

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Human Development and Family Science, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field at the time of employment.
• Experience directing an early learning center and supervising center employees.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Possession of U.S. work authorization at the start of employment and throughout the term.

• Experience administering an NAEYC‑accredited early learning center and laboratory.
• Experience teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
• Active membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Continuing

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