Associate Director of School - Early Childhood Education

Apple Montessori Schools • Westfield, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Apple Montessori Schools is seeking an Associate Director to help lead school operations, culture, and performance in Westfield, New Jersey. The Associate Director partners with the School Director, serves as the Director’s primary backup, and assumes leadership responsibility when the Director is absent. The role involves leading and supporting staff, working with families, supporting enrollment and revenue goals, maintaining licensing and safety compliance, and collaborating with regional and corporate leadership to implement school initiatives and improvement plans.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The annual salary is $55,000–$61,000. Apple Montessori Schools describes its values as Integrity, Passion, Caring, and Pursuit of Excellence, and offers professional development through Apple Academy and other learning programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a school setting.
• Capacity to understand and manage center staffing, enrollment, and inventory.
• Ability to respond effectively and appropriately in different situations.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to current and prospective families.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively with staff.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and web-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the School Director in leading daily school operations, culture, and overall performance.
• Serve as the Director’s primary backup and assume leadership responsibility in the Director’s absence.
• Supervise, coach, and hold team members accountable for performance, professionalism, and classroom standards.
• Support employee relations matters, performance conversations, and corrective action in partnership with Human Resources.
• Help lead scheduling, onboarding, retention, and professional development.
• Share ownership of enrollment, family retention, tour conversion, and school revenue goals.
• Manage escalated family concerns and ensure timely, professional resolution.
• Oversee licensing compliance, health and safety practices, required documentation, and audit readiness.
• Analyze school metrics and support action plans related to staffing, enrollment, quality, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with regional and corporate leadership to implement organizational initiatives and school improvement plans.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the school and ensure consistent execution of Apple Montessori Schools’ standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees.
• Ongoing professional development through Apple Academy and other programs.
• Paid time off for eligible employees.
• Up to 50% off tuition for each child enrolled in one of the company’s schools for eligible staff members.
• Discount on personal Verizon Wireless accounts.
• Career path opportunities.
• Staff Appreciation Days.
• IACET continuing education units for qualifying learning events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager