Childcare Director

Job Description

Job Description

Center Director

Location: Princeton, NJ
Salary: $55,000–$75,000 (based on experience)
Reports To: Owner

About Us

Marigold Academy is a premier early childhood education provider committed to nurturing the whole child in a safe, engaging, and educational environment for children ages infants to Pre-K. Our philosophy focuses on creativity, social-emotional development, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. We partner with families to create a supportive “home away from home” where children thrive.

Position Overview

The Center Director is a full-time, salaried position responsible for the operational, educational, and community leadership of our academy.

We are looking for an  enthusiastic, energetic leader who genuinely loves children and is passionate about creating an exceptional experience for children, families, and staff. The ideal candidate is proactive, hands-on, and comfortable wearing multiple hats.

We are seeking someone with an  entrepreneurial mindset who enjoys building and growing a business, while appreciating the stability of a salaried leadership position . This person should be comfortable taking ownership, identifying opportunities, building relationships, and helping drive the success of the center.

The Director will oversee enrollment, staff development, curriculum, licensing and compliance, family engagement, marketing, community outreach, and overall center operations.

Bonus opportunities are available based on key performance indicators and center success.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Leadership

• Lead daily center operations while ensuring compliance with NJ childcare licensing regulations.
• Hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching and support staff.
• Build a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
• Oversee curriculum implementation and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.
• Maintain required records, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Promote ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

Enrollment & Family Engagement

• Manage enrollment, admissions, tours, and waitlist processes to meet enrollment goals.
• Conduct engaging tours and communicate the value of the Marigold Academy experience.
• Build strong relationships with current and prospective families.
• Communicate regularly with families and organize family engagement activities.

Marketing & Community Outreach

• Take an active role in local marketing and enrollment initiatives.
• Plan and conduct  open houses, community events, family events, and promotional activities .
• Represent Marigold Academy at  vendor fairs, networking events, and community programs .
• Build relationships with local businesses, schools, organizations, and community leaders.
• Visit local businesses and organizations to promote Marigold Academy and develop partnerships.
• Support social media and marketing efforts with creative ideas, photos, videos, and community stories.
• Serve as a  community ambassador for Marigold Academy and help increase local visibility and enrollment.

Financial & Administrative

• Oversee budgets, tuition collection, and center expenses.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, and operational performance.
• Work closely with ownership on center growth, efficiency, and overall performance.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about children and genuinely enjoys working with young children and families.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and positive , with a strong presence in the center and community.
• A strong  people leader who can inspire and develop a team.
• Entrepreneurial and proactive , with a “see it, own it, do it” mindset.
• Comfortable with  marketing, community outreach, networking, events, and enrollment growth .
• A strong communicator and relationship-builder.
• Organized, accountable, dependable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Someone who wants the  stability of a salaried leadership role while thinking like an owner .

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• NJ Director’s Credential or ability to obtain.
• Minimum 3–5 years of early childhood education experience, with at least 2 years in leadership or management.
• Strong knowledge of NJ licensing regulations and early childhood best practices.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage staff, budgets, enrollment, and operations.
• Passion for early learning and child development.
• Experience with enrollment, sales, marketing, community outreach, or business development is a plus.
• NJ Grow and NECPA/NAEYC experience is a plus.

Work Days & Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (8 hour shift)

Occasional evening or weekend participation may be required for special events, open houses, or community activities.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in growing a new early childhood education center
• Supportive ownership and established Marigold Academy brand