Executive Director

This is a Direct Hire position with the school Full-time alternating opening and closing shifts with other administrative team members; Monday – Friday; year-round employment $90,000 – $100,000/year pending education, certifications, and professional Early Childhood Education experience Bonus incentive based on enrollment goals 401(k) with Employer Match PTO + Paid Holidays 5 Paid Sick Days Monthly Stipend toward Parking Free tuition for first child and 85% discount on second child+; pending classroom availability Position Overview The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day operations of a high-quality early childhood education program. This role combines strong educational leadership with operational and administrative oversight, ensuring excellence in program delivery, staff development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. This position directly oversees center leadership, including the Director and Assistant Director, and is accountable for driving performance, culture, enrollment growth, and financial sustainability. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, dynamic leader who can build and foster a strong team culture, motivate and develop administrators and teachers, and cultivate positive, trusting relationships with families and children. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Culture Create and foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture across the organization Motivate, coach, and develop administrators and teaching staff to achieve individual and organizational goals Provide clear direction, accountability, and ongoing feedback to leadership team members Lead by example, modeling professionalism, positivity, and a commitment to excellence Promote a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children, families, and staff Program Oversight Ensure implementation of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with best practices Maintain consistent program standards across all classrooms Support leadership team in maintaining strong classroom management and instructional quality Operations & Administration Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and high-quality service delivery Manage key administrative functions including payroll, scheduling, and budgeting Develop and refine systems, policies, and procedures to support operational excellence Ensure accurate record-keeping for staff, children, and compliance requirements Lead touring and enrollment efforts, ensuring a warm, engaging, and professional experience for prospective families Develop and execute strategies to increase enrollment and maximize capacity Monitor enrollment trends and implement proactive outreach and retention strategies Manage the annual budget to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability Oversee payroll processing, tuition billing, and expense management Monitor financial performance and adjust strategies to meet revenue and profitability goals Identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and cost optimization Compliance & Regulatory Oversight Ensure full compliance with all EEC regulations, licensing requirements, and applicable laws Maintain readiness for licensing visits, audits, and inspections at all timesOversee staff certifications, training, and documentation to meet regulatory standards Implement and enforce health, safety, and risk management protocols Family & Community Engagement Build strong, positive relationships with families and children, fostering trust and satisfaction Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated family concerns Promote the organization within the community to enhance reputation and enrollment Support family engagement initiatives and events Qualifications REQUIRED Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, an education-related field, or Business REQUIRED Early Childhood Education (ECE) Leadership Experience: At least 5–years of experience as a Director in a licensed childcare center or preschool with at least 80 enrolled students and at least 20 employees REQUIRED Certification: Director II Certification Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the handling of children for the facilitation of programs, child safety, and potential emergency situations – for Infant and Young Toddler classrooms, must be able to properly lift infants into and out of a crib Must meet background check eligibility Strong knowledge of EEC regulations, licensing, and compliance requirements Experience with payroll, budgeting, enrollment management, and operations Proven ability to lead teams, develop staff, and drive performance Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr