Center Director

The Learning Experience•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Center Director leads a team and oversees the educational, operational, staffing, enrollment, and financial performance of an early childhood education center. The role combines strategic operations with a commitment to high-quality early learning, supporting children, families, staff, and the surrounding community. The Director builds a collaborative and inclusive team culture, maintains family relationships, and ensures the center meets enrollment, staffing, budget, and business performance goals. The Director is responsible for recruiting and developing staff, managing enrollment and marketing, monitoring center finances, and maintaining safe, compliant, organized operations. The role requires a state-specific Director or Administrative Credential and compliance with applicable licensing and background-screening requirements. Compensation is $50,000–$60,000 per year.

Requirements

At least one year of center management or people leadership experience is required.
Must possess a state-specific Director or Administrative Credential and meet all applicable licensing and background-screening requirements.
Strong knowledge of early childhood education, licensing standards, and classroom best practices.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of center management or people leadership experience is highly preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead by example and build a collaborative, caring, professional, and inclusive team culture aligned with company values and brand standards.
Recruit applicants, respond to applicants within one business day, and ensure the center is staffed with trained, high-performing teachers.
Conduct and document monthly team meetings; provide timely feedback; address performance issues; and complete and file annual performance reviews in ADP.
Work to keep employee turnover below 40% over a rolling 12-month period.
Serve as a resource for staff and families and resolve concerns promptly and respectfully.
Execute a marketing plan that includes outreach, social media, events, and community engagement.
Lead prospective families through in-person and virtual tours and work to meet or exceed active enrollment targets.
Forecast enrollment trends, use data to guide decisions, post social media content, solicit positive online reviews, and conduct competitive shops twice a year.
Build family relationships to support satisfaction and retention.
Manage monthly and quarterly budget targets, particularly EBITDA; review the P&L and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
Maintain billing records, manage tuition collection and discounts, and escalate financial discrepancies.
Support growth by contributing to enrollment targets and operational efficiency.
Ensure center-wide health and safety procedures and state and local licensing requirements are followed.
Maintain safe supervision and compliance with protocols for allergies, medications, and accommodations.
Keep the center clean, organized, safe, and tour-ready; maintain accurate, current, and secure student and staff files.
Use required company tools and platforms to optimize operations and replenish inventory within budget as needed.
Process payroll accurately and on time.
Stay informed about labor laws, fire codes, health regulations, and internal policies; meet deadlines and make sound operational decisions.