Associate Director of School - Early Childhood Education

Apple Montessori Schools • Westfield, NJ

2d • $55,000 - $61,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director partners with the School Director to lead the school’s daily operations, culture, and overall performance. This management role serves as the Director’s primary backup and assumes leadership responsibility when the Director is absent. The Associate Director maintains a visible leadership presence and helps ensure consistent execution of Apple Montessori Schools’ standards.

The role supervises and coaches team members, supports employee relations and professional development, and shares responsibility for enrollment, family retention, school revenue, licensing compliance, health and safety, and operational performance. It also involves resolving escalated family concerns and collaborating with regional and corporate leadership on organizational initiatives and school improvement plans.

The position is located in Westfield, New Jersey, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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 operations, school 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.
• Apple Academy and ongoing professional development.
• Paid time off for eligible employees.
• Eligible staff may receive up to 50% off tuition for each child enrolled at one of the schools.
• Discount on personal Verizon Wireless accounts.
• Career path opportunities.
• Staff appreciation days.
• IACET CEUs for qualifying learning events.

What This Job Offers

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