Preschool Center Director

The Learning Experience - Manhattan•New York, NY

9d•$85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Learning Experience is seeking a motivated, results-driven Preschool Center Director to lead the center’s business operations, develop the team, drive enrollment, and ensure an exceptional experience for children and families. The Center Director works alongside an Education Director, Assistant Director, and administrative team to support the school’s success. The role oversees daily operations, staffing, employee performance, HR processes, regulatory compliance, budgets, payroll, labor expenses, billing, collections, financial reporting, enrollment, admissions, marketing initiatives, and family engagement. The Director partners with the Education Director on educational quality and compliance, and manages administrative and financial responsibilities related to NYC DOE 3-K and Pre-K programs.

Requirements

At least one year of childcare center leadership or management experience; two or more years preferred.
Experience supervising employees and managing preschool or daycare operations.
Understanding of childcare licensing, health and safety standards, and compliance.
Experience with budgeting, payroll, enrollment, or financial reporting.
Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of childcare center leadership or management experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
Experience with NYC DOH regulations or DOE 3-K/Pre-K programs.
Previous experience as a Center Director, Assistant Director, Operations Director, or Childcare Business Manager.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and support school leadership and employees while promoting teamwork and accountability.
Oversee daily school operations, staffing, employee performance, and HR processes.
Ensure compliance with applicable NYC DOH, DOE, and health and safety requirements.
Partner with the Education Director to support educational quality and regulatory compliance.
Oversee budgets, payroll, labor expenses, billing, collections, and financial reporting.
Monitor enrollment, revenue, and operational performance to achieve business goals.
Manage administrative and financial responsibilities related to NYC DOE 3-K and Pre-K programs.
Drive enrollment growth, family retention, and tour conversion.
Oversee lead management, admissions, marketing initiatives, and community events.
Build positive relationships with families and address escalated concerns.
Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and employee retention.
Establish clear expectations, evaluate performance, and support professional growth.