Director of Field Operations

About Tierra Encantada Tierra Encantada, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN is the leader in Spanish immersion early education®, and provides high-quality language immersion education and care to children 6 weeks through 6 years of age. Our award‑winning concept has received numerous accolades, including Top 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity by Entrepreneur Magazine, 10 Hottest Franchise Businesses in America by Inc Magazine, and The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies. We are currently in four states and expanding to several new states a year. At Tierra Encantada, our values fuel everything we do. We are passionate about nurturing children's growth and creating intentional learning environments that inspire curiosity and development. We celebrate the richness of diversity, embracing the unique perspectives it brings to our community. Guided by optimism, we are driven by a shared vision for a brighter future for every child, family, and team member we serve. Join us and be part of a mission‑driven team that is committed to making a lasting impact—one child, one family, and one community at a time. Position Overview Tierra Encantada is hiring for a Director of Field Operations, who will be responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day performance, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives of field locations (corporate‑owned sites). This leader will ensure that all locations operate efficiently, deliver high‑quality customer service, meet financial goals, and comply with company standards and regulatory requirements. The Director of Field Operations will provide leadership, guidance, and support to District Manager, Center Directors and local teams, driving performance, consistency, and growth. This position reports directly to our Chief Operations Officer. Pay and Schedule This is a full‑time, exempt position with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday. The role is based out of our corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, MN and is expected to be on site either at a center or at our corporate headquarters 4 days per week, with 1 day per week remote. The starting salary range for this position is $120,000 – $140,000 annually depending on qualifications, education, and experience. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Performance Management Lead, coach, and develop District Managers and Center Directors to deliver exceptional center performance and uphold the highest operational standards. Participate in joint business planning meetings and actively monitor KPIs related to enrollment, budget adherence, staff retention, and quality benchmarks to ensure sustainable growth and success. Financial & Budget Oversight Oversee center‑level budgets, driving fiscal discipline and accountability across all locations. Partner with finance to analyze center P&Ls, forecast trends, and implement initiatives that optimize revenue and control expenses. Ensure financial goals align with company growth objectives and operational realities. Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance Champion a culture of safety, ensuring all centers meet or exceed state licensing, regulatory, and internal compliance standards. Oversee safety audits, incident reviews, and proactive risk management strategies to maintain a secure environment for children and staff. Partner with quality and training teams to standardize best practices and elevate center experiences. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Strategic Growth Collaborate with HR, Marketing, Finance, and Facilities to align field operations with company initiatives and long‑term goals. Support new site openings, relocations, and large‑scale capital improvements with operational readiness plans. Provide field insights to senior leadership, contributing to strategic planning and growth initiatives. Facilities Ownership & Team Leadership Directly manage and develop the Facilities team member, providing clear priorities, coaching, accountability, and performance oversight across all corporate‑owned centers. Own facilities strategy and execution, including preventative maintenance, repairs, vendor coordination, and capital improvement work, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and with minimal disruption to operations. Establish and uphold standards for center appearance, functionality, safety, and operational readiness, including support for new center openings, relocations, renovations, and facilities‑related risk mitigation. Leadership Development Mentor and grow high‑potential leaders within the field organization to build a strong bench of future operational leaders. Foster a high‑performance culture rooted in accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement. Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Management, Business, Marketing, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education. (Master's preferred). 7+ years of multi‑site operational leadership experience, ideally in the childcare industry. Proven ability to lead through layers of management (e.g., District Managers, Center Directors) and scale leadership capacity in a growing organization. Strong track record of managing large, distributed teams and driving operational excellence. Strong customer service orientation, capable of collaborating effectively across diverse cultures and backgrounds. Financial acumen, including experience managing P&L, budgets, and cost controls. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Ability to travel regularly (up to 40% depending on region and company needs). Experience with change management, scaling operations, and process improvement. Being bilingual is a plus. Benefits Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 12 paid holidays PTO accrual of 160 hours 401(k) with 3% employer match Discounted childcare and waitlist priority for enrollment Company‑paid professional development Corporate office amenities (gym, wellness/nursing room, onsite company cafe with coffee, espresso bar, beverages, and snacks available to employees at no cost, onsite free parking), casual work environment, and employee‑focused events. Additional Information About the Position Tierra Encantada is an equal opportunity employer. Agency applications will not be considered. No immigration sponsorship is available for this position. E‑Verify is used to verify employment eligibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr