Senior Director of Early Childhood Education

Job Description

Job Description

Are you the kind of executive who thrives at the intersection of mission, compliance, and growth? If you're ready to elevate an organization in San Diego, CA while safeguarding excellence, join Rising Star Preschool as a full-time Senior Director of Early Childhood Education and bring your vision to a role where every decision matters!

WHY WE'RE A GREAT PLACE TO LEAD & GROW

Rising Star Preschool is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families and expanding opportunity throughout the San Diego area. Beyond providing a safe and enriching early education experience for young children ages 0–5, we actively support families by connecting them to essential services, wellness resources, and workforce development opportunities within the early childhood field. Our team-oriented environment promotes collaboration, learning, and professional respect. We prioritize staff development through continuous training, enrichment programs, and support toward career-advancing credentials. Here, you'll find a supportive and engaging workplace that values growth, encourages innovation, and allows you to contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve.

OUR COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE:

• $31 an hour
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Employee assistance program
• Education assistance
• Growth opportunities
• Mentor/Apprentice program
• Flexible schedule

OUR IDEAL SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

We're looking for a disciplined, empathetic, systems-oriented executive who inspires trust, mentors leaders, and consistently delivers results. If this sounds like you, see if you meet the qualifications below:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field
• 5+ years of leadership experience in early childhood education, childcare administration, nonprofit management, or a related field
• Experience with California Community Care Licensing (CCL) and childcare regulatory compliance
• Financial management and staff leadership experience
• Strong understanding of Title 22 regulations
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills

Having led a licensed preschool in California, partnered with a Board of Directors, navigated CACFP, CCTR, CSPP, or other subsidized programs, and driven change-management or program stabilization is a plus. A master's degree and knowledge of Title 5 regulations are also preferred, but not required to become our Senior Director of Early Childhood Education.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In this role, you'll guide the organization's overall management, compliance excellence, financial health, and strategic direction every Monday through Friday between 7 AM and 4 PM. As our Senior Director of Early Childhood Education, you start your day aligning priorities with administrative leaders and Site Supervisors, review key indicators (enrollment, staffing, finance, compliance), and respond to licensing requirements to ensure we meet or exceed CCL, Title 22, and Title 5 standards. You collaborate with the Board of Directors on strategy and governance, mentor leaders to execute with consistency, and steward budgets with prudence and transparency. While you're not required to serve as the Site Supervisor, you maintain a working knowledge of daily operations and regulatory expectations so that quality, safety, and mission remain non‑negotiable.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT WITH US?

If you're ready to lead with credibility and impact, apply today. Our initial application is extremely quick, easy, and mobile-friendly!

Must have the ability to pass a background check.