Center Director - Early Learning

Naviga • Tampa, FL

7h

About The Position

They are a privately owned early-learning organization dedicated to providing high-quality care and education. Committed to a mission-driven approach, the Academy is currently entering a pivotal phase of stabilization, strategic expansion, and quality advancement. With a supportive, family-centered ownership team, they focus on creating a direct, positive impact on children, families, and educators within the Tampa Bay community.

This leadership role is designed for an operationally strong professional to lead the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation. Beyond overseeing daily operations and regulatory compliance, the Director will play a critical strategic role in evaluating and executing the consolidation of two schools into one unified, high-performing campus. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the next chapter of a growing academy while driving enrollment and pursuing elite early-learning accreditations.

Requirements

• Florida Child Care Director Credential
• 3+ years of childcare leadership experience
• Proven track record in enrollment growth, center stabilization, or operational improvement.
• Strong communicator comfortable with public-facing engagement and community networking.
• Highly organized leader with a deep understanding of Florida licensing and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Educational Background: Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Accreditation Expertise: Experience achieving or maintaining NAEYC, APPLE, or similar high-quality standards.
• Expansion Experience: Prior involvement with program turnarounds, school relocations, or facility expansions.
• Bilingual: Proficiency in English and Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operations & Licensing Compliance: Maintain full compliance with Florida DCF childcare licensing; lead inspections and ensure all staff credentials and ratios remain current.
• Enrollment Growth & Family Experience: Drive enrollment through tours and retention strategies while strengthening parent communication and satisfaction.
• Staff Leadership & Culture: Recruit, coach, and retain high-quality educators; build a positive, accountable, and child-centered staff culture.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight: Manage tuition billing, collections, and expenses within budget; provide regular operational reports to ownership.
• Strategic Expansion & Accreditation: Support plans for campus consolidation and relocation; lead efforts to obtain and sustain high-level accreditations (e.g., NAEYC, APPLE).
• Community Outreach: Serve as a visible brand ambassador, building partnerships with local organizations and participating in networking events to support growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed