Assistant Director, Child Study Centre

The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in the daily operation of the Child Study Centre and will be an important contributor as we prepare for and transition into our new facility. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Childhood Educator who is interested in combining leadership administration pedagogical mentoring and relationship-building within a dynamic university setting

Working collaboratively with the Director the Assistant Director supports all aspects of Centre operations while helping to ensure compliance with the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Act licensing requirements university policies and the Centres philosophy and values. The successful candidate will provide leadership and support to educators practicum students volunteers and families while fostering high-quality learning environments for children.

The Assistant Director also serves as Acting Director when required and assumes responsibility for the overall operation of the Centre in the Directors absence.

Key Responsibilities

Administration and Operations

• Support the day-to-day operation and administration of the Centre.
• Maintain records reports and documentation required for licensing subsidies grants and quality initiatives.

Leadership and Team Support

• Support and mentor educators practicum students substitute educators and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of wellbeing professionalism inclusion and continuous learning.

Family and Community Engagement

• Support admissions and welcoming families.
• Help create an environment that reflects and celebrates diverse family experiences and identities.

Pedagogical Support

• Support educators in implementing high-quality play-based learning experiences aligned with the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
• Help strengthen the Centres role as a leader in early childhood education and professional learning.

Health Safety and Compliance

• Promote and support safe healthy learning environments for children families and educators.
• Support Centre readiness for licensing reviews and regulatory requirements.

You understand that the heart of early learning and child care is the relationships we build with children families colleagues students and communities. You bring both clarity and compassion to your work. You are comfortable navigating complexity leading through change making thoughtful decisions and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative team environment.

You care deeply about the early years sector and are motivated by the opportunities to strengthen it for children families educators and communities. You are committed to equity and inclusion in practice. You value diverse perspectives and actively help create environments where people experience a genuine sense of belonging. You approach conversations around equity reconciliation decolonization and inclusion with openness humility and a commitment to continued learning.

You are committed to ongoing professional learning and are comfortable mentoring students and supporting adult learners. You recognize the important role that university-based child care centers play in shaping future educators and advancing the profession.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Nova Scotia Early Childhood Educator Certification Level 2 or higher.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience in early childhood education.
• Experience in an administrative supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
• Experience supporting emergent and play-based curriculum approaches.
• Excellent written verbal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children families educators students and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

The successful candidate must possess or be eligible to obtain:

• Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C (Infant and Child).
• Clear Criminal Record Check.
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Clear Nova Scotia Child Abuse Registry Check.
• Food Handler Certification.

Experience with pedagogical documentation quality improvement initiatives grant reporting and mentoring adult learners will be considered assets.

A leader in online and experiential learning Mount Saint Vincent University takes a personalized approach to education to nurture socially responsible global citizens. With equity diversity inclusion and accessibility at the fore MSVU has been challenging the status quo since its founding 150 years ago (1873) and today prioritizes access and impact for all underserved groups. MSVU has been nationally recognized for having one of the lowest student-to-professor ratios across its programs in Arts Science Education and Professional Studies; for providing students early access to valuable research opportunities; for its legacy in the advancement of women; and for facilitating critical advancements in food security healthy aging literacy nutrition childhood development and more. MSVU is located in Mikmaki the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mikmaq People.

Classification: Full-Time Level 2 or 3 Early Childhood Educator Certification

Salary: In accordance with the NS Early Childhood Educator Wage Scale

Start Date: ASAP

Application Process

If you require an accommodation at any time during the application process please let us know.

Applications should include a cover letter and resume. This competition closes on September 24 2026.