Early Childhood Education Center Director

Job Description

Job Description

Center Director Lyndhurst, NJ $55,000–$70,000 + Performance Bonus

Lead a school. Build a culture. Change children's lives.

We are looking for an exceptional Center Director to lead our Lyndhurst early childhood center.

This isn't a job for someone who simply wants to manage schedules and check boxes. We want a leader, builder, and culture creator who can inspire a team, earn the trust of families, grow enrollment, and run an exceptional school.

If you are Smart, Hungry, and Humble , you may be exactly who we're looking for.

SMART

You're a thoughtful, capable leader who understands that great schools are built through strong systems, excellent communication, sound business decisions, and high educational standards.

You understand early childhood education, NJCCIS regulations, staffing, enrollment, budgets, and operations—and you're always looking for ways to get better.

HUNGRY

You take ownership.

You see an enrollment opportunity and pursue it. You see a struggling teacher and coach them. You see a problem and solve it.

You are motivated by goals and take pride in building a thriving center where families want to enroll and great teachers want to work.

HUMBLE

You lead without ego.

You listen. You accept feedback. You admit when you're wrong. You celebrate your team's success.

You understand that great leadership isn't about being the most important person in the building—it's about making everyone around you better.

What You'll Do

Lead & Grow

• Drive enrollment, lead conversion, retention, and community visibility.
• Personally lead tours and build relationships with prospective families.
• Create an exceptional parent experience that drives loyalty and referrals.

Build the Team

• Recruit, hire, coach, and develop outstanding educators.
• Create a positive, accountable, collaborative culture.
• Reduce turnover and develop future leaders.

Protect Quality

• Oversee curriculum implementation and classroom quality.
• Conduct observations, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Lead efforts toward Level 7 ERS and Grow NJ Kids/NAEYC standards .

Run the Business

• Manage staffing, scheduling, budgets, payroll, and financial performance.
• Monitor the center's P&L and operational efficiency.
• Maintain uncompromising compliance with NJCCIS, health, safety, and licensing requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required; Master's preferred.
• 3–5+ years of center leadership experience in a preschool or child care environment.
• 2+ years of classroom teaching experience in early childhood education.
• Proven success with enrollment, retention, or revenue accountability.
• Strong knowledge of NJCCIS regulations .
• NAEYC Director-Level credentials or fully qualified to obtain them.
• Experience with Grow NJ Kids and/or NAEYC accreditation preferred.
• Must successfully pass required NJS background, fingerprinting, CARI/CHRI clearances.
• Monday.com and ADP Scheduler experience is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

$55,000–$70,000 , based on experience and qualifications, plus:

• Performance-based bonuses
• Medical insurance
• PTO & company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional development & leadership training
• Additional company-sponsored benefits

We're Not Looking for Someone to Simply Run a Center.

We're looking for someone who wants to build something great.

If you're Smart enough to see what can be better, Hungry enough to go make it better, and Humble enough to bring people with you—we want to meet you.