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ELV Executive Director at CIG

CIG Englewood, CO

Job Description

Executive Director

Visionary Growth Leader

Hybrid Role - Candidates Must Reside in the Denver Metro Area

Early Learning Ventures (ELV) is seeking an exceptional, forward-thinking, and mission-centered Executive Director to steer the organization into a bold new era of growth, innovation, and national influence. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic leader to helm a high-impact social enterprise operating at the intersection of business scalability, technology innovation, and early childhood education.

As Executive Director, you will shape and elevate ELV's next strategic chapter, expanding our national footprint, strengthening operational excellence, driving financial sustainability, and championing equitable access to high quality early learning for children under age five. This role is ideal for a leader who blends sharp business instincts with a deep commitment to nonprofit impact and a passion for supporting the early childhood education workforce.

About Early Learning Ventures (ELV)

Early Learning Ventures is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the childcare landscape by equipping providers with innovative technology and operational solutions. Founded in 2009 by the David & Laura Merage Foundation, ELV became an independent public nonprofit in 2016 and continues its work from its headquarters within the Foundation's offices.

We partner with childcare providers across the country, most of whom are small businesses deeply committed to quality care but often limited by administrative burdens. ELV bridges this gap through Alliance CORE, our licensing-compliant child care management system, along with a suite of shared services designed to enhance quality, streamline operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve financial stability.

We pioneered the Child Care Shared Services model, which is now active in 20 states-and we are poised for significant expansion. The next Executive Director will lead this momentum, drive innovation and shape the future of early childhood systems nationwide.

Your Leadership Will Drive:

  • Strategic Vision & Organizational Impact
  • Lead the development and execution of ELV's strategic direction, ensuring mission alignment and measurable results.

  • National Growth & Scalability
  • Accelerate aggressive expansion across the country, strengthen partnerships and drive sustainable revenue growth.

    • Operational Excellence

    Ensure the organization is positioned for long-term strength through disciplined management of finances, operations, and performance.

    • Team Leadership & Culture

    Inspire, develop, and empower a high-performing team while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and shared purpose.

    • Product & Technology Innovation

    Oversee product strategy and ensure that ELV's technology solutions evolve to meet provider needs and sector demands.

  • Board Partnership & Accountability
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency, alignment, and organizational effectiveness.

    A Transformative Leadership Opportunity

    The Executive Director of ELV will shape the future of early childhood education by leading an organization uniquely positioned to make national system-wide impact. If you are a visionary leader who excels at scaling organizations, building relationships, and unlocking the potential of technology for social good-and you are passionate about improving the lives of children, families, and communities, this is a rare opportunity to lead lasting change.

    Travel Requirements

    Approximately 30% travel domestically.

    What Does Early Learning Ventures Have to Offer You?

  • Excellent benefits (medical, dental, & vision)
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Company-Paid Employee assistance programs
  • Paid vacation days
  • Paid personal days
  • Paid holidays
  • Sick Days
  • Salary Range

    $150,000-$170,000 (plus bonus)



    Compensation details: 00 Yearly Salary



    PIec35-9217

    Typical senior pay: $206k for Chief Executives nationally

    National salary averages
    Expected senior-level
    $206k
    Entry
    Mid
    Senior
    Expected

    Balanced market

    Many alternative paths available. Don't feel locked into any single offer.

    Hiring leverage
    Balanced
    Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
    Limited
    Mobility
    Good mobility
    Durability
    Mostly durable

    Who this leverage applies to

    Stronger for: Remote-capable workers
    Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

    Where to negotiate

    Base salary
    Sign-on bonus
    Title / level
    Remote flexibility
    Scope & responsibility
    Start date / PTO

    Likely Possible Unlikely

    Watch out for

    Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.
    26% self-employed: Traditional full-time roles may be scarcer.

    Does this path compound?

    Job Growth →
    High churn
    Growth, flat pay
    🚀 Compound
    Growth + pay upside
    ⚠️ Plateau
    Limited growth
    Specialize
    Experts earn more
    Pay Upside →
    Stable but flat

    Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

    +4%
    10yr growth
    26% work independently—freelance or consulting is viable.
    A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
    Typical: Bachelor's degree

    Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

    Labor data: BLS 2024