Assistant Director - Early Childhood Education
About The Position
Spark Academy is seeking an Assistant Director to support our mission of providing high-quality early childhood education. This role blends leadership and organization - with occasional hands-on classroom support - while leading front desk operations and managing key admissions and enrollment functions. If you’re passionate about early learning and thrive in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you. This role is based on-site at Spark Academy (1802 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina). Spark Academy operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. This position is on-site only and reports to the Director of Spark Academy.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with leadership or administrative experience
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong knowledge of child development principles, licensing regulations, and best practices in early learning
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with software used for enrollment, tuition processing, and center operations preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead front desk operations and be a main point of contact for families, visitors, and staff, ensuring a welcoming and responsive environment
- Oversee admissions & enrollment processes including: communicating consistently and clearly with prospective families, managing inquiries, scheduling and leading tours, processing applications, receiving offers to enroll, filing enrollment paperwork, and maintaining waitlist
- Monitor enrollment and maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, progress, and requirements
- Manage and collect weekly tuition payments, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping and communication with families
- Oversee the Spark Academy’s Food & Nutrition program, including support in weekly menu planning, and special activities/holidays
- Assist the Director in managing daily center operations, ensuring a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for children
- Assist the Director in supporting staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation
- Serve as the lead administrator for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding substitutes
- Support the organization in maintaining compliance with state licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies
- Build strong relationships with families, addressing concerns and ensuring open communication
- Step into classrooms when needed to support ratios and classroom management
- In collaboration with the Director, plan and implement professional development opportunities to support staff growth and retention
- Attend meetings with Beacon Education’s leadership team, as required
- Act as the Director’s representative in their absence, making operational decisions as needed
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/designee
Benefits
- Health insurance with 80% of the premium paid by the employer
- Employer-paid dental, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Additional voluntary benefits available at the employee’s expense
- An industry-leading 401(k) program with employer match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual
- Discounted childcare for employees’ dependents
- Up to $1,000 in training assistance annually
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
