Director of Early Learning

Summary

Seeking an experienced, collaborative Director of School to lead the operational and administrative functions of our early childhood program. This role is ideal for a systems-oriented leader who understands the realities of early learning programs and values shared leadership, strong relationships, and sustainability within a small, community-based school environment.

The Director of School works in close partnership with a Director of Curriculum & Quality and reports to a part-time Executive Director. Together, this leadership team ensures the program operates smoothly, remains in full regulatory compliance, and provides a stable, high-quality experience for children, families, and staff. In a small-school setting, this role is hands-on and relational, with close connection to staff, families, and daily operations.

This position focuses on operations, staffing, licensing, enrollment, facilities, and core administrative systems, allowing instructional leadership and quality improvement to be held by a complementary role.

Duties

Key Responsibilities

School Operations & Administration

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school to ensure smooth, consistent functioning
• Develop, maintain, and improve operational systems and procedures
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for licensing agencies and inspections

Staffing & Human Resources

• Lead staffing systems including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and coverage
• Ensure ratios are met and staffing plans are sustainable
• Support staff performance related to attendance, professionalism, and operational expectations
• Partner with leadership to foster a positive, supportive school culture

Enrollment & Family Administration

• Manage enrollment, waitlists, and capacity planning
• Oversee family contracts, attendance tracking, and tuition systems
• Serve as a primary contact for families regarding administrative and operational matters

Facilities & Systems

• Oversee building operations, maintenance, and vendor relationships
• Ensure a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming environment
• Manage school logistics and schedules

Financial & Program Support

• Provide basic financial oversight, including tuition tracking, expenses, and vendor coordination
• Support budgeting and financial planning in coordination with the Executive Director
• Coordinate operational aspects of school events and programming

Shared Leadership & Coverage

• Share responsibility for ensuring staff coverage during absences, including stepping into classrooms when needed
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Curriculum & Quality on school-wide planning and problem-solving
• Participate in crisis response and decision-making as part of the leadership team

Requirements

Qualifications

• Experience in school or early childhood program administration
• Strong knowledge of licensing and regulatory requirements
• Proven ability to manage staffing, enrollment, and operational systems
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate in a shared leadership model

Benefits

Retirement, Health, Dental and Vision Insurance.

Paid Time Off