Center Director

Job Description:

Our client is a childcare provider looking for a Center Director that manages all aspects of the center, focusing on staff leadership, program development (curriculum and activities), parent/community relations, and ensuring strict compliance with health, safety, and state licensing regulations.

This role serves as the operational backbone of the childcare center, ensuring consistency in quality, compliance, and family satisfaction across the assigned center. The Center Director is responsible for translating the executive leadership team's strategic vision into actionable operational plans, implementing scalable systems and processes, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

The position demands a leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, navigate complex regulatory environments (DECAL, Quality Rated), manage center operations, and drive enrollment growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The successful candidate will establish operational infrastructure that supports both current excellence and future expansion.

This is a performance-driven position with clear metrics, accountability measures, and financial incentives aligned with organizational strategic priorities. The successful candidate will establish their center as an operational model of excellence in the Georgia early childhood education market.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive enrollment growth through lead generation strategies, family tours, waitlist management, and conversion performance
• Support and execute local marketing initiatives aligned with established brand standards
• Oversee daily operations including staff deployment and resource allocation
• Monitor Playground billing systems for accuracy and compliance
• Ensure compliance with Bright from the Start (BFTS) licensing requirements and DECAL standards
• Supervise Assistant Director, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and support staff
• Review and approve timesheets, manage payroll submission
• Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional feedback to teachers
• Maintain parent communication channels and manage family engagement initiatives
• Conduct family tours and support enrollment process from inquiry to enrollment

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (required); Master's degree (preferred)
• Georgia Child Care Center Director Credential (required or must obtain within 12 months)
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet Georgia Bright from the Start director qualification requirements
• Pass comprehensive background check and fingerprinting
• Minimum 5+ years of operational management in childcare or early childhood education
• Demonstrated experience managing licensed childcare center operations
• Proven track record with DECAL licensing and regulatory compliance

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to respond quickly to children's needs and emergencies
• Stamina for extended periods of standing, walking, and active engagement
• Work environment includes both office and classroom settings with typical early childhood noise levels
• Occasional outdoor supervision during playground time in various weather conditions

Required Skills:
• Performance
• Support
• Balance
• Development
• Strategic Thinking
• Operations
• Daily Operations
• First Aid
• Compliance
• Accountability
• Regulatory Compliance
• Lead Generation
• Metrics
• Continuous Improvement
• Infrastructure
• Payroll
• Regulations
• Education
• Marketing
• Leadership
• Communication
• Management