Center Director Jobs in California
Center Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in early childhood education, community health, workforce development, and nonprofit programming, with openings from entry-level program coordinators stepping up through seasoned executive directors. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established organizations like Kaiser Permanente, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and First 5 California-funded agencies maintain a consistent presence. The most in-demand specialties are early learning and childcare administration, behavioral health program management, and workforce center operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Merced College is seeking a dynamic and community-focused leader to serve as the Director of South Merced Center and Community Partnerships. This position will provide leadership and operational oversight for the South Merced Center while helping strengthen the College’s presence and partnerships throughout the community.
The Director will work closely with students, families, community organizations, employers, schools, government agencies, and college departments to expand access to education, workforce opportunities, student support services, and community-based programming. This role will also help identify community needs, coordinate outreach and engagement efforts, and ensure the Center serves as a welcoming and responsive hub for South Merced residents.
If you are a collaborative leader who enjoys building partnerships, developing new opportunities, and creating meaningful connections between a college and its community, we encourage you to apply and be part of this exciting effort to expand access and opportunity in South Merced.
Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.
Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Merced College Vision
Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:
- Degree/Certificate Programs
- Transfer
- Career Technical Education
- Workforce Training
- Lifelong Learning
- Basic Skills
- Community Engagement
Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This is an exempt classified administrator position. Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Student Services, the Director of South Merced Center and Community Partnerships provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational management for the Merced College South Merced Center and assigned community partnership initiatives. The Director is responsible for daily Center operations, assigned personnel and budgets, facilities coordination, community engagement, and the coordination of College-approved programs and student support services delivered at the Center.
The Director serves as the principal on-site administrator of the South Merced Center and ensures the Center operates as a welcoming, accessible, and community-centered education and opportunity hub. In collaboration with responsible College departments and community partners, the Center provides a welcoming, accessible location that connects residents with college access, College-approved instruction and services, workforce preparation, youth and family engagement, academic support, basic needs resources, and career advancement opportunities.
The Director collaborates with instructional and student services leaders to assess community needs, identify site and service-delivery needs, coordinate facility readiness and logistics for approved offerings, and evaluate Center access and utilization outcomes using workforce demands, student success data, enrollment trends, labor market information, and community needs assessments. The Director serves as the primary liaison for South Merced Center initiatives with governmental agencies, educational institutions, employers, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and philanthropic partners and develops partnerships consistent with District policies and approval processes.
The Director leads efforts to establish and maintain a strong community presence for Merced College in South Merced and supports the District's Educational Master Plan goal of expanding educational access through community-based locations and innovative service delivery models.
REPORTS TO
Associate Vice President of Student Services
SALARY RANGE
Management Range 12
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience
Additional compensation for doctorate
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
- Provide administrative leadership and operational oversight for South Merced Center facilities, services, partnerships, community activities, and the site support necessary for approved College programs.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate site operational plans, facility-use procedures, service standards, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with District priorities and community needs.
- Establish and oversee procedures and ensure compliance with District policies, collective bargaining agreements, legal requirements, grants, contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Manage and coordinate daily Center operations, including scheduling, facilities use, technology resources, safety preparedness, and coordination with District support departments.
- Assess community and workforce needs and collaborate with College stakeholders to identify and coordinate access, facility, scheduling, site-readiness, and operational-support needs for approved educational, workforce development, adult education, and community education offerings, including technology, registration access, marketing coordination, and student communications.
- Support outreach and access activities that connect community members with educational and career pathways.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and regional organizations to support community access to workforce opportunities and inform site-based service needs.
- Coordinate facility access, scheduling, referrals, site logistics, and community resource networks that support the delivery of enrollment, financial aid, counseling, tutoring, career services, disability support, basic needs, and related student services and address barriers to student success.
- Promote equitable, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and student-centered practices that support access, retention, and achievement.
- Lead outreach, recruitment, and community engagement strategies that increase awareness, participation, and enrollment, particularly among underserved populations; coordinate facility use, logistics, scheduling, and community communications for related events, workshops, orientations, and enrollment campaigns.
- Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, employers, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic entities, and community groups; serve as the primary site liaison for South Merced Center initiatives by facilitating stakeholder engagement, gathering community input, and supporting partnership development.
- Coordinate site access, operational support, and community engagement for youth- and family-focused educational, enrichment, college-access, college-awareness, career-exploration, and postsecondary-planning activities in collaboration with College departments and community partners, including family-centered workshops and community learning opportunities.
- Collect, analyze, and report data related to Center utilization, facility access, service utilization, community participation, workforce outcomes, and community impact; use labor market information, community needs assessments, stakeholder feedback, and performance metrics to inform planning, service coordination, facility use, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
- Prepare reports, strategic plans, grant applications, recommendations, and related documents while administering grants, contracts, budgets, and other assigned resources.
- Coordinate, support, and provide operational direction to assigned staff, student workers, volunteers, consultants, and temporary employees; perform supervisory responsibilities as assigned.
- Establish work priorities, schedules, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities while ensuring compliance with District procedures and safe work practices.
- Represent the Center in College and District planning efforts and foster an inclusive, equitable environment that supports student success, employee engagement, and community collaboration. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- The mission, organization, governance, and funding structure of California Community Colleges.
- Community-based educational center operations, site administration, facilities coordination, and service delivery models.
- The operational coordination and site-based support of instructional programs, student services, and student success initiatives in a community college.
- Adult education, noncredit education, workforce development systems, career education pathways, and labor market trends.
- Enrollment management, outreach, recruitment, retention, and student success practices.
- Community engagement, partnership development, interagency collaboration, and public communication strategies.
- Student Equity and Achievement, Guided Pathways, Basic Needs, accessibility, and equity-minded service practices.
- Site operations planning, service coordination, utilization assessment, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Budget development and control, grant and contract administration, and fiscal management.
- Applicable state and federal laws, District policies, and compliance requirements, including Title 5 and FERPA.
- Principles of supervision, collective bargaining agreements, performance management, and employee development.
- Provide leadership for assigned operations of a comprehensive community-based educational center, including facilities, access, scheduling, safety, and service coordination.
- Coordinate the cross-departmental site access, facilities, logistics, and operational support for educational, workforce, and student-support initiatives.
- Build and sustain productive community partnerships, maintain effective working relationships with diverse constituencies, and represent the College effectively.
- Analyze data, identify service-delivery gaps, and use findings to improve Center operations and resource decisions.
- Develop and implement procedures, manage site operations, and resolve complex operational issues.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing reports, proposals, and presentations.
- Manage multiple priorities, budgets, grants, projects, and deadlines while meeting institutional objectives.
- Supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate assigned staff.
- Demonstrate cultural humility, equity-minded leadership, and community-centered engagement practices.
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, collective bargaining agreements, contracts, and approved partnership agreements.
Typical Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education/Training/Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
AND
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in higher education, student services, workforce development, community engagement, educational administration, outreach, enrollment management, adult education, noncredit education, or a related field, including at least one (1) year of supervisory, management, or administrative leadership responsibility.
License or Certificate
Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Training/Experience
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Community Development, or a related field.
California Community College experience, preferably in a community education center, satellite campus, outreach center, workforce development center, or educational access site.
Demonstrated success developing community partnerships, managing collaborative initiatives and externally funded programs, and supporting underserved, first-generation, and historically underrepresented populations.
Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment
Work is performed in office, educational, and community-based environments. Incumbents may be required to work evenings, weekends, and off-site community events. Travel between District locations and community partner sites may be required.
Physical Ability to:
- Stand or sit for prolonged periods and walk or move between offices, classrooms, and community event locations.
- Hear and understand speech at normal levels.
- Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation.
- Read printed matter and computer screens.
- Bend, twist, stoop, push, pull, and reach in all directions.
- Work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations. Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard.
See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
- Resume
- List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
- Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
- Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe your leadership efforts and professional experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a work setting. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
- If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.
- If applicable, Equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/equivalency/
Interview Information:
Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2026 with in-person final interviews scheduled for October 21, 2026.
Employee Benefits:
Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee’s only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.
Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
MANAGEMENT
Health Benefits
The cost is $12.00 per month for 10 months each year, with no deductions in June and July. This amount covers the following services, provided that members use Plan providers:
-
Medical (Anthem Blue Cross)
$100 deductible for each family member or $300 deductible per family paid by employee each calendar year. 100% coverage after deductible is paid (except for emergency room visits which cost $100 unless the person is admitted to the hospital).
Prescription (Navitus)
Pharmacy costs are $3.00 for up to a 30-day supply of generic medications and a $15.00 co-payment for brand-name medications; at Costco, a 30-day supply of generic medications and a 90-day supply by mail are $0.00, while brand-name medications cost $15.00 for a 30-day supply and $35.00 for a 90-day supply.
Dental (Delta Dental - Incentive Plan)- Plan pays 70% the first calendar year that the plan is used
- 80% paid second year
- 90% paid third year
- 100% paid fourth year
- 100% will be paid each year thereafter unless member does not visit the dentist each year for cleanings/check-ups.
- $1,500 lifetime maximum for each enrollee.
Vision (VSP)
$5.00 co-pay for exam every calendar year. The plan pays $150 for frames, anything over $150 is paid by the member. Single vision, lined bifocal and lined trifocal lenses are covered in full.
$50,000 life insurance policy on employee
Short-term and long-term disability.
Retirement
-
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
- Classic members - 7% and the college pays 26.68%. New members (PEPRA) – 8% and the college pays 26.68%.
-
State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
- Members prior to 1/1/13 – 10.250% and the college pays 19.10%
- Members after 1/1/13 – 10.205% and the college pays 19.10%
- The District and the employee do NOT pay into Social Security
Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave
- Holidays: 11 paid plus 5 days during Christmas.
- Vacation: 2 days per month.
- Sick: 12 days per year each fiscal year.
Merced College is seeking a dynamic and community-focused leader to serve as the Director of South Merced Center and Community Partnerships. This position will provide leadership and operational oversight for the South Merced Center while helping strengthen the College’s presence and partnerships throughout the community.
The Director will work closely with students, families, community organizations, employers, schools, government agencies, and college departments to expand access to education, workforce opportunities, student support services, and community-based programming. This role will also help identify community needs, coordinate outreach and engagement efforts, and ensure the Center serves as a welcoming and responsive hub for South Merced residents.
If you are a collaborative leader who enjoys building partnerships, developing new opportunities, and creating meaningful connections between a college and its community, we encourage you to apply and be part of this exciting effort to expand access and opportunity in South Merced.
Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.
Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Merced College Vision
Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:
- Degree/Certificate Programs
- Transfer
- Career Technical Education
- Workforce Training
- Lifelong Learning
- Basic Skills
- Community Engagement
Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This is an exempt classified administrator position. Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Student Services, the Director of South Merced Center and Community Partnerships provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational management for the Merced College South Merced Center and assigned community partnership initiatives. The Director is responsible for daily Center operations, assigned personnel and budgets, facilities coordination, community engagement, and the coordination of College-approved programs and student support services delivered at the Center.
The Director serves as the principal on-site administrator of the South Merced Center and ensures the Center operates as a welcoming, accessible, and community-centered education and opportunity hub. In collaboration with responsible College departments and community partners, the Center provides a welcoming, accessible location that connects residents with college access, College-approved instruction and services, workforce preparation, youth and family engagement, academic support, basic needs resources, and career advancement opportunities.
The Director collaborates with instructional and student services leaders to assess community needs, identify site and service-delivery needs, coordinate facility readiness and logistics for approved offerings, and evaluate Center access and utilization outcomes using workforce demands, student success data, enrollment trends, labor market information, and community needs assessments. The Director serves as the primary liaison for South Merced Center initiatives with governmental agencies, educational institutions, employers, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and philanthropic partners and develops partnerships consistent with District policies and approval processes.
The Director leads efforts to establish and maintain a strong community presence for Merced College in South Merced and supports the District's Educational Master Plan goal of expanding educational access through community-based locations and innovative service delivery models.
REPORTS TO
Associate Vice President of Student Services
SALARY RANGE
Management Range 12
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience
Additional compensation for doctorate
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
- Provide administrative leadership and operational oversight for South Merced Center facilities, services, partnerships, community activities, and the site support necessary for approved College programs.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate site operational plans, facility-use procedures, service standards, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with District priorities and community needs.
- Establish and oversee procedures and ensure compliance with District policies, collective bargaining agreements, legal requirements, grants, contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Manage and coordinate daily Center operations, including scheduling, facilities use, technology resources, safety preparedness, and coordination with District support departments.
- Assess community and workforce needs and collaborate with College stakeholders to identify and coordinate access, facility, scheduling, site-readiness, and operational-support needs for approved educational, workforce development, adult education, and community education offerings, including technology, registration access, marketing coordination, and student communications.
- Support outreach and access activities that connect community members with educational and career pathways.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and regional organizations to support community access to workforce opportunities and inform site-based service needs.
- Coordinate facility access, scheduling, referrals, site logistics, and community resource networks that support the delivery of enrollment, financial aid, counseling, tutoring, career services, disability support, basic needs, and related student services and address barriers to student success.
- Promote equitable, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and student-centered practices that support access, retention, and achievement.
- Lead outreach, recruitment, and community engagement strategies that increase awareness, participation, and enrollment, particularly among underserved populations; coordinate facility use, logistics, scheduling, and community communications for related events, workshops, orientations, and enrollment campaigns.
- Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, employers, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic entities, and community groups; serve as the primary site liaison for South Merced Center initiatives by facilitating stakeholder engagement, gathering community input, and supporting partnership development.
- Coordinate site access, operational support, and community engagement for youth- and family-focused educational, enrichment, college-access, college-awareness, career-exploration, and postsecondary-planning activities in collaboration with College departments and community partners, including family-centered workshops and community learning opportunities.
- Collect, analyze, and report data related to Center utilization, facility access, service utilization, community participation, workforce outcomes, and community impact; use labor market information, community needs assessments, stakeholder feedback, and performance metrics to inform planning, service coordination, facility use, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
- Prepare reports, strategic plans, grant applications, recommendations, and related documents while administering grants, contracts, budgets, and other assigned resources.
- Coordinate, support, and provide operational direction to assigned staff, student workers, volunteers, consultants, and temporary employees; perform supervisory responsibilities as assigned.
- Establish work priorities, schedules, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities while ensuring compliance with District procedures and safe work practices.
- Represent the Center in College and District planning efforts and foster an inclusive, equitable environment that supports student success, employee engagement, and community collaboration. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- The mission, organization, governance, and funding structure of California Community Colleges.
- Community-based educational center operations, site administration, facilities coordination, and service delivery models.
- The operational coordination and site-based support of instructional programs, student services, and student success initiatives in a community college.
- Adult education, noncredit education, workforce development systems, career education pathways, and labor market trends.
- Enrollment management, outreach, recruitment, retention, and student success practices.
- Community engagement, partnership development, interagency collaboration, and public communication strategies.
- Student Equity and Achievement, Guided Pathways, Basic Needs, accessibility, and equity-minded service practices.
- Site operations planning, service coordination, utilization assessment, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Budget development and control, grant and contract administration, and fiscal management.
- Applicable state and federal laws, District policies, and compliance requirements, including Title 5 and FERPA.
- Principles of supervision, collective bargaining agreements, performance management, and employee development.
- Provide leadership for assigned operations of a comprehensive community-based educational center, including facilities, access, scheduling, safety, and service coordination.
- Coordinate the cross-departmental site access, facilities, logistics, and operational support for educational, workforce, and student-support initiatives.
- Build and sustain productive community partnerships, maintain effective working relationships with diverse constituencies, and represent the College effectively.
- Analyze data, identify service-delivery gaps, and use findings to improve Center operations and resource decisions.
- Develop and implement procedures, manage site operations, and resolve complex operational issues.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing reports, proposals, and presentations.
- Manage multiple priorities, budgets, grants, projects, and deadlines while meeting institutional objectives.
- Supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate assigned staff.
- Demonstrate cultural humility, equity-minded leadership, and community-centered engagement practices.
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, collective bargaining agreements, contracts, and approved partnership agreements.
Typical Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education/Training/Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
AND
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in higher education, student services, workforce development, community engagement, educational administration, outreach, enrollment management, adult education, noncredit education, or a related field, including at least one (1) year of supervisory, management, or administrative leadership responsibility.
License or Certificate
Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Training/Experience
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Community Development, or a related field.
California Community College experience, preferably in a community education center, satellite campus, outreach center, workforce development center, or educational access site.
Demonstrated success developing community partnerships, managing collaborative initiatives and externally funded programs, and supporting underserved, first-generation, and historically underrepresented populations.
Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment
Work is performed in office, educational, and community-based environments. Incumbents may be required to work evenings, weekends, and off-site community events. Travel between District locations and community partner sites may be required.
Physical Ability to:
- Stand or sit for prolonged periods and walk or move between offices, classrooms, and community event locations.
- Hear and understand speech at normal levels.
- Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation.
- Read printed matter and computer screens.
- Bend, twist, stoop, push, pull, and reach in all directions.
- Work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations. Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard.
See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
- Resume
- List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
- Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
- Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe your leadership efforts and professional experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a work setting. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
- If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.
- If applicable, Equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/equivalency/
Interview Information:
Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2026 with in-person final interviews scheduled for October 21, 2026.
Employee Benefits:
Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee’s only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.
Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
MANAGEMENT
Health Benefits
The cost is $12.00 per month for 10 months each year, with no deductions in June and July. This amount covers the following services, provided that members use Plan providers:
-
Medical (Anthem Blue Cross)
$100 deductible for each family member or $300 deductible per family paid by employee each calendar year. 100% coverage after deductible is paid (except for emergency room visits which cost $100 unless the person is admitted to the hospital).
Prescription (Navitus)
Pharmacy costs are $3.00 for up to a 30-day supply of generic medications and a $15.00 co-payment for brand-name medications; at Costco, a 30-day supply of generic medications and a 90-day supply by mail are $0.00, while brand-name medications cost $15.00 for a 30-day supply and $35.00 for a 90-day supply.
Dental (Delta Dental - Incentive Plan)- Plan pays 70% the first calendar year that the plan is used
- 80% paid second year
- 90% paid third year
- 100% paid fourth year
- 100% will be paid each year thereafter unless member does not visit the dentist each year for cleanings/check-ups.
- $1,500 lifetime maximum for each enrollee.
Vision (VSP)
$5.00 co-pay for exam every calendar year. The plan pays $150 for frames, anything over $150 is paid by the member. Single vision, lined bifocal and lined trifocal lenses are covered in full.
$50,000 life insurance policy on employee
Short-term and long-term disability.
Retirement
-
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
- Classic members - 7% and the college pays 26.68%. New members (PEPRA) – 8% and the college pays 26.68%.
-
State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
- Members prior to 1/1/13 – 10.250% and the college pays 19.10%
- Members after 1/1/13 – 10.205% and the college pays 19.10%
- The District and the employee do NOT pay into Social Security
Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave
- Holidays: 11 paid plus 5 days during Christmas.
- Vacation: 2 days per month.
- Sick: 12 days per year each fiscal year.
See All 153+ Center Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Center Director JobsCenter Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Center Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Mathnasium10
- Carbon Health7
- Concentra6
- Stanford University4
- KinderCare Learning Companies4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Retail
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in center director jobs across California.
- Active California Child Development Program Director Permit or equivalent California-issued credential
- Bachelor's degree in education, social work, public administration, or a related field
- Three or more years of supervisory or program management experience in a relevant field
- Demonstrated knowledge of California Community Care Licensing Division regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience managing budgets, grants, or government-funded program contracts in California
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for staff leadership and community stakeholder engagement
Center Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a center director in California?
The most common path is earning a California Child Development Program Director Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which requires a qualifying degree with coursework in child development plus supervised field experience. Directors overseeing licensed childcare facilities must also satisfy the California Community Care Licensing Division site-director qualifications. For community health or workforce development centers, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree combined with program management experience is the typical entry point.
Which companies hire center directors in California?
Employers hiring center directors in California right now include Mathnasium, Carbon Health, and Concentra, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large network of Title IV-funded childcare agencies, county behavioral health departments, and federally designated workforce development boards means the employer pool is broader here than in most states.
Which California cities have the most center director jobs?
San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles have the most center director openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its sheer size and its concentration of Head Start agencies, community health centers, and county-funded social service organizations, while San Francisco and San Diego add volume through their dense nonprofit sectors and large healthcare systems that run patient-facing program centers.
Are there remote center director jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Center director roles are typically on-site by nature because they involve direct oversight of staff, facilities, and in-person programs. About 19% of center director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be in workforce development, grant administration, or regional oversight roles where the leadership function is less tied to a single physical location.
How can I get hired as a center director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a site supervisor or lead teacher role at a California Community Care Licensing-regulated childcare center, then pursuing the California Child Development Program Director Permit while working. Large California operators such as county Office of Education childcare networks and Head Start grantees regularly promote from within. Adjacent roles like program coordinator, case manager, or family services specialist are common lateral moves that count toward the supervisory hours many director positions require.
Where can I find and apply to center director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to center director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across early childhood education, community health, workforce development, and nonprofit sectors. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly through each listing.
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