Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Preschool Director

$70k - $80k

Hire Up Recruiting LLC

Lead a Thriving Early Childhood Education Center

Great schools start with exceptional leaders.

We're seeking an experienced, passionate, and results-driven Director to lead a well-established early childhood education center. This role is ideal for a proven childcare leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, creating an exceptional experience for children and families, driving enrollment growth, and maintaining the highest standards of educational quality, safety, and operational excellence.

As the Director, you'll serve as the face of the school and the driving force behind its success. You'll partner closely with ownership and an Assistant Director to lead daily operations, inspire your team, support teacher development, cultivate lasting relationships with families, and ensure the center continues to grow and excel.

If you're the type of leader who believes culture matters, accountability drives results, and every child deserves an outstanding early learning experience, we'd love to meet you.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary of $70,000–$80,000 , based on experience
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Additional voluntary benefits
  • The opportunity to lead an established center with the support of engaged ownership and a collaborative leadership team
  • A chance to make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators every day

What You'll Do

As Director, you will:

  • Lead all aspects of daily center operations, ensuring a safe, welcoming, organized, and nurturing environment for children, families, and staff.
  • Recruit, hire, coach, mentor, and retain exceptional teachers and administrative team members while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Drive enrollment through outstanding customer service, strong community relationships, effective tours, and consistent follow-up with prospective families.
  • Build trust with current families by delivering an exceptional experience and maintaining open, proactive communication.
  • Manage staffing schedules, labor budgets, financial performance, and operational goals to ensure a healthy, successful center.
  • Maintain full compliance with all state licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies.
  • Partner with ownership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and long-term growth.
  • Utilize childcare management software and reporting tools to monitor enrollment, staffing, compliance, and overall center performance.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident leader who can motivate a team, solve problems, make thoughtful decisions, and create an environment where children, families, and employees thrive.

Required Qualifications

  • 2–3+ years of experience as a Child Care Center Director
  • Currently serving—or recently served—in a Director-level leadership role
  • Minimum of 64 college credits , including 21 credits in Early Childhood Education
  • Demonstrated success leading teams, improving operations, and driving enrollment growth
  • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills
  • Excellent customer service mindset with a passion for creating exceptional family experiences
  • Experience using childcare management software and technology to support operations
  • Ability to work a rotating leadership schedule, opening the school three days per week and closing two days per week

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
  • Experience with accreditation programs such as NAEYC or NACE
  • Experience using Procare, Paycom, CRM platforms, or similar management systems

Ready to Lead?

This isn't just another Director position—it's an opportunity to shape the culture of a thriving school, develop an outstanding team, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day.

If you're an experienced early childhood leader with a passion for excellence, leadership, and growth, we encourage you to apply. We're looking for someone who is ready to lead with purpose, inspire others, and help take our center to the next level.

Vacancy posted 5 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Preschool Director in Chicago, IL vacancy
  • $46.92k

    Description: Located in Hershey, PA, Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a top-notch home and school where over 2,200 pre-K through 12th grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds are provided an extraordinary, cost-free, career-focused education. This is made possible ...
    Suggested
    Full time
    Relocation
    Relocation package
    Flexible hours
    Weekday work

    Milton Hershey School

    Burbank, IL
    1 day ago
  • Salary $19.00/per hour - 40 Hours per week (Monday - Friday) CMSS offers the following benefits to our amazing employees: Competitive Pay Sick Pay Vacation and holiday pay Medical, dental & vision 403b & Roth Retirement plans Tuition reimbursement Chicago Methodist...
    Suggested
    Hourly pay
    Monday to Friday

    Chicago Methodist Senior Services

    Bellwood, IL
    4 days ago
  • $55k - $60k

     ...~ Paid time off ~ Parental leave ~ Signing bonus ~ Tuition assistance ~ Vision insurance ~ Wellness resources Preschool Director  ???? Compensation & Benefits: Salary: $55,000–$60,000 base + Sign On Bonus + performance-based bonuses throughout the year... 
    Suggested
    Relocation package

    The Goddard School of Chicago (Roscoe Village), IL

    Chicago, IL
    14 days ago
  • $70k - $90k

    Vitaehs, located in Chicago, is looking for a qualified Psychotherapist to provide mental health services to residents in skilled nursing facilities. The Psychotherapist will be responsible for assessing and treating emotional and behavioral conditions, while collaborating...
    Suggested
    Flexible hours

    Vitaehs

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...helping residents and families navigate their stay and access appropriate resources. Responsibilities Assist the Social Services Director with the daily operations of the Social Services Department Provide support to residents and families regarding adjustment to the... 
    Suggested
    Temporary work
    Flexible hours

    Ryze-At-the-Ridge

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  •  ...Job Title Social Scientist GS-0101-9/11 Location Environmental Infrastructure Oversight Directorate, Office of Special Review and Evaluation, Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Duties At the GS-09 level, the candidate will... 
    Work at office

    US Government Jobs - Other Agencies

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • Oak Park Oasis is seeking a full time Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service Coordinator (PRSC) to whom the resident primarily relates for the coordination of services, programs, oversight of data collection and review of resident performance. The candidate must meet the...
    Full time

    Oak Park Oasis

    Oak Park, IL
    22 hours ago
  • Office Location: 8541 S State St Chicago IL 60619 Job Summary The Crisis Counselor provides clinical assessment, de-escalation, and crisis intervention services during mobile crisis encounters. This role holds primary responsibility for clinical decision-making on...
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    All shifts
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    Afternoon shift

    Trilogy

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • $27.47 - $43.27 per hour

    Job Description Location: Chicago, Illinois Business Unit: Rush Medical Center Hospital: Rush University Medical Center Department: MHN Primary Care Case Mgmt Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:30:00 AM - 5:00:00 ...
    Hourly pay
    Full time
    Contract work
    Work at office
    Shift work

    Rush University

    Chicago, IL
    23 hours ago
  • $25.25 per hour

    SUMMARY: Participates in an on‑call schedule to provide crisis intervention to clients, assessing for inpatient mental health hospitalization. Crisis services are provided within the community, on‑site of the crisis. For on-call shifts, the After-Hours Counselor must provide...
    Hourly pay
    Contract work
    Work from home
    Monday to Thursday
    Shift work
    Afternoon shift
    Weekday work

    Pillars Community Health

    Berwyn, IL
    3 days ago
  • $70k - $90k

    Department BSD PSY - Clinical Social Work About the DepartmentWe are committed to providing evidence based psychiatric and mental health services for infants, children adolescents, adults and older adults to promote research, training, and serve our patients. To honor ...
    Traineeship
    Work experience placement

    The University of Chicago

    Chicago, IL
    22 hours ago
  • After-school chaperone needed near 60165. Provide supervision and assistance for students in a safe and engaging environment. Assist with daily activities, ensure student safety, and enforce rules. Collaborate with staff to maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere....

    Wyndy LLC

    Stone Park, IL
    3 days ago
  • $17 - $18 per hour

    ABOUT GREYSTAR Greystar is a leading fully integrated global real estate platform offering expertise in property management investment management development and construction services in institutional-quality rental housing. Headquartered in Charleston South Carolina...
    Hourly pay
    Part time
    Live in
    Work at office
    Local area
    Immediate start
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift

    Greystar Management Services

    Chicago, IL
    14 days ago
  •  ...unhoused residents, including tent city, providing them with essential information, support services, and referrals. Reporting to the director or associate director role involves direct interaction with tent city residents to assess their needs, connect them with resources... 
    Local area
    Immediate start

    The Puerto Rican Cultural Center

    Chicago, IL
    20 hours ago
  • Job Description Job Description SSA Job Duties   Inventory all resident’s items, this include admissions, discharges, room changes, and current residents. SSA’s are responsible for documenting inventoried items of inventory sheet and in PCC. SSA’s are responsible...
    Contract work

    Briar Place Nursing and Rehabilitation

    La Grange, IL
    21 days ago
  •  ...the Social Services department in providing exceptional care and advocacy for residents. Working closely with the Social Services Director and interdisciplinary team, this role helps address residents' psychosocial needs, assists with admissions and discharge planning,... 
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Healthcare Organization in Oak Lawn

    Oak Lawn, IL
    9 days ago
  • $40k - $46k

    Position title: Outreach Worker Department: Homeless Youth Program Location: Bellwood, IL |  Schedule: Full-time | Monday - Friday 10 A.M - 6 P.M. | Flexible hours based on program needs Salary: $40,000 - $46,000 (based on experience & qualifications)  Position...
    Full time
    Local area
    Monday to Friday
    Flexible hours

    Youth Outreach Service

    Bellwood, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...and direct the facility's programs and activities in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing board. Assist department directors in the development, use, and implementation of departmental policies and procedures and professional standards of practice.... 
    Local area

    Aperion Care Burbank

    Burbank, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...implement, and direct the day-to-day operations of the facility and its programs Provide leadership and guidance to department directors, promoting teamwork and collaboration across departments Develop, implement, and maintain facility policies and procedures in compliance... 
    Temporary work
    Flexible hours

    Aliya

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  •  ...them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Reports to Executive/Regional Director. Job Duties & Responsibilities: The Administrator is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, implementing, and... 
    Currently hiring
    Work at office
    Local area

    Nivram Management, Inc.

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  • $25 - $45 per hour

    Job Title: Remote Social Work Case Manager Hourly Pay: $25 - $45/hour Summary We are hiring a Social Work Case Manager to provide essential case management services to individuals and families in need. This role involves helping clients navigate social services, healthcare...
    Hourly pay
    Immediate start
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Sales Match

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  • $90k - $105k

     ...A major nonprofit organization is seeking an experienced Assistant Director for the Jewish Community Relations Council. This role involves developing interfaith relationships, responding to antisemitic incidents, and providing educational outreach on Israel. Ideal candidates... 
    Remote work

    The Jewish Federations of North America

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  •  ...Performs other duties as necessary to meet new funding requirements or as assigned by the Foster Care Supervisor or Executive Director of Child Welfare. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field from an accredited... 
    Contract work
    Work at office
    Work from home

    Children's Place Association

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  • $45k

    Job Description Job Description JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Crisis Program Supervisor, the Crisis Counselor provides community-based mobile crisis intervention services to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing behavioral health emergencies....
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Shift work

    Human Resources Development Inc

    Chicago, IL
    29 days ago
  • Pillars Community Health, LLC is seeking an After-Hours Counselor to participate in an on-call crisis intervention schedule within the Berwyn area. The role requires on-site assessments within 60 minutes and travel to nearby ERs as needed, with weekend responsibilities ...
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift

    Pillars Community Health, LLC

    Berwyn, IL
    4 days ago
  • Silver Tree Residential is looking for a dependable and experienced Social Services Assistant to join our team and residents. Gambl… Gardens is a garden-style community comprised of 297 apartment homes for seniors. We are looking for a compassionate & motivated individual...
    Local area
    Immediate start

    Silver Tree Residential, LLC

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • $40k

    Family Service Worker Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action (PLCCA) seeks a Family Service Worker. Worksite: Debra Ann Porter Center, 1100 W. Madison, Maywood, IL 60153 Qualifications Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, adult education...

    Child Care Recruiters

    Maywood, IL
    1 day ago
  • Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is seeking an Ambulatory Social Work Care Manager I to provide patient-centered care coordination within the MHN Primary Care Case Management team. The role requires an IL-licensed social worker (LSW or licensed) with MSW, strong...
    Hourly pay
    Full time

    Rush University Medical Center

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  • Thrive Counseling Center is seeking a Clinical Program Manager for Youth Services to lead and expand youth-focused clinical programs while supervising therapists and case managers. The role includes developing innovative group services and leveraging outcomes data to improve...

    Thrive Counseling Center

    Oak Park, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...services and systems. The Community Advocate reports to the Community Advocacy Program Supervisor, will work closely with the Associate Director on the DVCLP, and will work collaboratively with our Intervention team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may... 
    Full time
    Internship
    Work at office
    Immediate start
    Remote work
    Monday to Friday
    Shift work
    Night shift
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift

    Sarahs Inn

    Forest Park, IL
    2 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Preschool Director. Be the first to apply!