Lead the Way: School Age Care Director Opportunity with Commander, Navy Installations Command

Are you a driven leader with a passion for child development and a commitment to serving military families? Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a dynamic School Age Care Director to play a pivotal role in nurturing the growth and well-being of children within Navy communities. This is a remarkable opportunity to shape impactful programs, lead a dedicated team, and contribute to the vital mission of supporting our nation's service members and their families. Join us in providing exceptional care and enriching experiences for military youth.

About Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC)

Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is at the forefront of delivering consistent, high-quality shore support and services to the U.S. Navy fleet, Sailors, and their families worldwide. CNIC operates and manages a vast network of installations and facilities, ensuring readiness and enhancing the quality of life for those who serve. The Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Programs, under CNIC, are dedicated to maximizing the physical, emotional, and social development of the fleet and their families. Within FFR, the Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) are essential in providing safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments for children. By offering innovative programs and comprehensive support, CNIC empowers military families to thrive, knowing their children are in excellent care. Working with CNIC means being part of a mission-driven organization that values its employees and offers competitive compensation, robust benefits, and extensive opportunities for professional growth.

Your Role: School Age Care Director

As a School Age Care Director, you will be instrumental in administering and operating a vital youth program designed to foster the holistic development of children. Whether managing a small facility for up to 99 children or a medium-sized program serving 100-199 children, your leadership will ensure a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of crucial functions:

• Program Management: Apply your expertise in child and youth development to create and oversee programs that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. You will ensure programs align with Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Navy (DoN) policies and standards, adapting them to meet patron needs.
• Budgeting and Financial Oversight: Develop budget inputs, analyze financial variances, and prepare justifications for program resource needs. You will manage the collection, accounting, and reporting of patron funds, ensuring strict adherence to regulations governing appropriated and non-appropriated funds.
• Personnel Management: Supervise employees and volunteers, initiate personnel actions, and champion Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) objectives. You will establish performance standards, evaluate staff, provide guidance, and manage employee relations, including disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Program Operations: Contribute to the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficient program management. You will collaborate with other CYP Directors, manage parent involvement initiatives, and ensure program spaces are utilized effectively. Quick filling of vacancies will also be a key focus.
• Compliance and Safety: Guarantee adherence to all regulations, including the Military Child Care Act (MCCA) and Council on Accreditation (COA) standards. You will ensure programs meet health, fire, safety, and facility guidelines and support compliance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Community Engagement: Maintain liaison with local institutions and community organizations to stay informed about trends and provide additional opportunities for families. You will interact professionally with employees, parents, volunteers, and installation command personnel.
• Emergency Preparedness: Possess the ability to identify and respond appropriately to emergency situations, including evacuations, child illness, and physical or emotional disorders.
• Mandatory Reporting: Serve as a mandatory reporter for Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services, upholding the highest standards of child safety and welfare.

Requirements for Success

To excel in this role, you will need a strong educational background combined with extensive practical experience. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in a field directly related to youth programs, such as youth recreation, physical education, elementary education, secondary education, or home economics with an emphasis in human development or youth development.
• Specialized Experience: A minimum of three years of full-time, specialized experience working directly with children and/or youth. This experience must be clearly demonstrated in your application.
• Alternative Qualifications: A combination of education and experience will be considered if the coursework in a child-related field totals at least 24 higher-level semester hours, coupled with the required three years of specialized experience.
• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive knowledge of child and youth development principles; principles of designing and managing complex programs (safety, security, employee training, activities, parent involvement, facility management); DoD, DoN, and local childcare regulations; Federal and State laws on child abuse/neglect; facility design and maintenance for childcare; financial management, budgeting, and purchasing for youth programs.
• Skills: Proficiency in program planning, organizing, and coordinating; exceptional communication skills (oral and written English); the ability to supervise others effectively; strong interpersonal and leadership abilities; and the capacity to identify and respond to emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not mandatory, candidates who demonstrate experience working with military families and an understanding of military lifestyles will have a distinct advantage. Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills that foster a collaborative team environment are also highly valued.

Salary and Compensation

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $38.40 to $42.78 per hour. This rate reflects the importance of the role and the level of responsibility involved in ensuring the well-being and development of military children.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

CNIC is committed to supporting its employees. As a School Age Care Director, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Life insurance options.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.

Navigating the Application Process

Applying for this exciting opportunity is straightforward. Please follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and considered:

1. Apply Online: Access the application through USAJOBS.
2. Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the online assessment questionnaire accurately.
3. Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents by the closing date of December 31, 2026, 11:59 PM EST. This includes:
   • Resume: Limited to two pages, formatted in Times New Roman, 10-point font, with 1-inch margins.
   • Official Transcripts: Must show student's name, institution, degree type, award date, and field of study. Diplomas and degree audits are not acceptable.
   • Proof of Training: Licensures and certifications showing your name, type, and expiration date (if applicable).
4. Veteran's Preference/Other Considerations: If applicable, submit supporting documents for Veteran's Preference (DD-214, SF-15), Military Spouse Preference (PCS orders, marriage certificate), or previous Federal Employee status (SF-50).

Application Tips for Success:

• Detail is Key: Be specific in your resume and questionnaire responses. Clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) required for the position.
• Adhere to Formatting: Strict adherence to the resume formatting guidelines is crucial. Utilize the provided federal resume guide on USAJOBS for assistance.
• Official Transcripts: Ensure your transcripts are official and meet all specified requirements. Failure to do so can lead to ineligibility.
• Check Communications: Regularly monitor your email for updates on your application status. Ensure your contact information is current.
• Utilize Resources: The USAJOBS Help section offers valuable guidance on the application process and understanding application statuses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

| Question | Answer The School Age Care Director position is a crucial role within the U.S. Navy's commitment to supporting military families. This position is open to the public, offering a significant opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the well-being and development of children within Navy communities. The Directorate of Public Works is responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure that support the Navy's mission. This specific role focuses on program management and leadership within the School Age Care (SAC) programs, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for children of service members.

Job Responsibilities

The School Age Care Director will be entrusted with the comprehensive administration and operation of a School Age Care (SAC) program, catering to children aged kindergarten through sixth grade. This role demands a high level of responsibility, encompassing program development, staff management, financial stewardship, and ensuring adherence to stringent safety and developmental standards. Key duties include:

• Program Development and Implementation: Designing and implementing developmentally appropriate programs that foster the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of children. This involves aligning program activities with the unique needs of military families and ensuring compliance with all Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Navy (DoN) guidelines. The director will also be responsible for assessing patron needs and utilizing program evaluation data to continuously improve offerings.
• Staff Supervision and Management: Leading and supervising a team of childcare professionals and volunteers. This includes recruiting, training, scheduling, and evaluating staff performance. The director must ensure all staff members are equipped to provide high-quality care and adhere to safety protocols. Promoting a positive and inclusive work environment is paramount.
• Budget and Financial Management: Developing and managing program budgets, including financial analysis, justification for funding, and oversight of all financial transactions. Ensuring compliance with regulations governing the use of appropriated and non-appropriated funds is critical.
• Facility Management: Overseeing the use and maintenance of program facilities to ensure they are safe, clean, and conducive to learning and play. This involves coordinating with relevant departments for any facility needs or repairs.
• Parent and Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with parents, providing them with regular updates, and facilitating parent involvement in program activities. The director will also liaige with other installation entities and community organizations to enhance program offerings and support.
• Compliance and Safety: Upholding all DoD, DoN, and local regulations pertaining to childcare, including health, fire, and safety standards. This role requires a thorough understanding of the Military Child Care Act (MCCA) and potentially accreditation standards like those from the Council on Accreditation (COA). The director will also be a mandatory reporter for child abuse and neglect.
• Emergency Preparedness: Developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans and ensuring staff are trained to respond effectively to various situations, including medical emergencies, accidents, and security incidents.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific educational and experiential qualifications. The Navy is looking for candidates with a proven track record in youth development and program leadership.

Educational Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in a field relevant to youth programs is required. Acceptable fields include Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development or Youth Development.

Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of three (3) years of specialized, full-time experience working with children and/or youth is mandatory. This experience should demonstrate your ability to manage and lead youth programs effectively.

Combination of Education and Experience:

• Applicants may qualify with a combination of education and experience. This requires a minimum of 24 higher-level semester hours in a child-related field, along with the three years of specialized full-time experience working with children and/or youth.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Child and Youth Development: Profound understanding of developmental principles and their application in program design.
• Program Management: Proven ability to design, manage, and evaluate complex programs, ensuring safety, security, employee training, developmentally appropriate activities, parent involvement, and facility management.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with DoD, DoN, and local regulations for military childcare, as well as Federal and State laws regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Financial Acumen: Skill in financial management, budgeting, and purchasing for youth programs.
• Leadership and Communication: Demonstrated ability to supervise, lead teams, communicate effectively in English (both orally and in writing), and exercise sound business judgment.
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify and respond properly to emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not essential, candidates who possess experience working with military families and an understanding of military lifestyles are highly encouraged to apply. Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills that foster a collaborative and cohesive team are also advantageous.

Salary Overview

The School Age Care Director position offers a competitive hourly rate, ranging from $38.40 to $42.78 per hour. This compensation reflects the critical nature of the role and the expertise required to manage these essential youth programs.

Benefits

Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) provides a robust benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of its employees. While specific details may vary, typical benefits for NAF (Non-Appropriated Fund) positions include:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, in addition to federal holidays.
• Retirement Plan: Access to a retirement savings plan.
• Life Insurance: Options for life insurance coverage.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement within the Navy's MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) programs.

Application Steps

To apply for the School Age Care Director position, please follow these essential steps:

1. Create a USAJOBS Account: If you don't already have one, create an account on USAJOBS.gov.
2. Complete the Online Application: Access the application through the USAJOBS announcement and complete the online questionnaire thoroughly.
3. Build or Upload Your Resume: Ensure your resume is no more than two pages. It must be in Times New Roman font, at least 10-point size, with 1-inch margins on all sides. Federal resume writing guides are available on USAJOBS to assist you.
4. Submit Required Documents: At the time of application, you must submit:
   • Your completed Resume.
   • Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are required to verify educational qualifications. Diplomas and degree audits will not be accepted. Transcripts must include your name, the university's name, degree type, award date, and field of study.
   • Proof of Training: Any relevant licenses and certifications, including your name, type, and expiration date.
5. Veteran's Preference and Other Considerations: If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, Military Spouse Preference, or are a current/former Federal Employee, you must submit the corresponding documentation (e.g., DD-214 Member-4 page, PCS orders, SF-50).
6. Submit by Deadline: Ensure your complete application package is submitted by December 31, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

Application Tips

• Read Carefully: Thoroughly review all sections of the announcement, especially 'Required Documents' and 'Who May Apply'.
• Be Specific: In your resume and questionnaire responses, provide clear, detailed examples of your experience and accomplishments that directly address the KSAs and duties listed.
• Proofread: Ensure all information provided is accurate and error-free. Proofread your resume and other documents before submitting.
• Understand Transcript Requirements: Pay close attention to the specifics regarding official transcripts, as this is a common reason for disqualification.
• Monitor Your Email: Keep an eye on your email inbox for any communications from USAJOBS or the hiring agency regarding your application status.
• Utilize USAJOBS Resources: The 'Help' section on USAJOBS offers valuable guidance on building resumes, understanding application statuses, and navigating the application portal.

This School Age Care Director position presents an exceptional opportunity for dedicated professionals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of military children and families within the U.S. Navy. By joining Commander, Navy Installations Command, you become part of an organization committed to excellence, service, and the well-being of its community. If you possess the required qualifications, a passion for youth development, and a desire to serve those who serve, we strongly encourage you to apply and contribute your talents to this vital mission.