Regional Director of Childcare Operations

Magical Beginnings • Wilton, CT

81d • $100,000 - $115,000

About The Position

At Magical Beginnings, we believe exceptional leadership creates exceptional learning environments. We are seeking a dynamic Regional Director of Childcare Operations to oversee multiple schools, drive operational excellence, and ensure our commitment to quality early childhood education continues to flourish. As a regional operations leader at Magical Beginnings, the Regional Director of Operations plays a vital part in shaping the culture, quality, and success of our early childhood education programs. By supporting School Directors, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance, this position directly impacts the learning environments we provide for children and the supportive, inclusive workplace we offer our staff. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and attention to detail, this role ensures each school operates at its highest potential—aligned with our mission, values, and commitment to excellence in early education. Additionally, the Regional Director of Operations participates in cross-company projects and initiatives and supports harmonizing policies and procedures across the organization.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of progressive leadership in early education organizations.
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication, especially in building and managing relationships.
• Demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and advocacy skills as an individual and team player.
• Solid business acumen, management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing multi-unit operations.
• The ability and willingness to work a full-time schedule that could include weekends and nights as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all operational functions of Magical Beginnings schools within the assigned territory, including direct supervision of School Directors.
• Oversee and manage all facilities-related functions within the assigned territory, including direct supervision of the Facilities Manager.
• Provide strong leadership and support to all Magical Beginnings stakeholders—staff, children, families, early childhood education professionals, community partners, vendors, and contractors.
• Clearly communicate company goals and expectations to direct reports and ensure follow-through, understanding, and compliance.
• Uphold and model Magical Beginnings’ mission, core values, and culture in all interactions and communications.
• Ensure that all child-to-teacher ratios comply with state early education licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement an annual training plan for School Directors.
• Ensure full compliance with all state-mandated early education laws, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
• Implement and monitor all childcare financial assistance (voucher) regulations and program guidelines.
• Enforce company policies and procedures as outlined in employee and family handbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of childcare licensing regulations, including preparing for licensure visits, communicating with state licensors, and adapting to regulatory changes.
• Maintain compliance with licensing and quality standards by scheduling school staff within budgeted payroll guidelines.
• Serve as Interim Director in the event of a leadership vacancy, ensuring continuity of school operations and compliance.
• Administer school audits to measure and provide feedback on top quality.
• Establish and maintain a regular visitation schedule for all schools within the assigned region.
• Perform outreach activities to ensure that staff and families alike have a positive experience at Magical Beginnings.
• Ensure that School Directors have access to your time and can express their desires and concerns.
• Perform annual performance reviews of all direct reports and advise leadership on recommendations for raises, promotions, performance plans, and terminations.
• In the event the Director cannot resolve an issue, serve as the primary customer service representative.
• Interview, hire, and train School Directors with the approval of the Chief Operating Officer.
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of schools.
• Work with the school’s social school directors and teachers to ensure the school complies with company standards.
• Oversee and manage the Mentorship Program with assistance from the school Directors.
• Maintain and support the Directors and school facilities, including maintenance and inventory.
• Make sure school leadership replenishes classroom supplies and materials regularly.
• With the support of the Executive Leadership Team, conduct licensing, furnishing, opening, hiring, and training for new start-up schools.
• Maintain an anti-bias and anti-racism culture throughout the school.
• Support all regional and school-level marketing outreach, enrollment, and staffing efforts.
• Hold school-level enrollment meetings to manage and continuously improve enrollment to meet set goals.
• Hold school-level recruiting meetings to improve and manage classroom staffing to meet set goals continuously.
• Ensure the school’s financial health.
• Supervise regional and school budgets, supporting Directors in adhering to projections and budgets and in meeting organizational goals and objectives.
• Effectively manage and oversee school budgets with each School Director.
• Manage processes for meeting KPIs and financial plans.
• Hold Directors accountable for meeting school financial goals.
• Communicate with the Executive Leadership Team when financial goals or KPIs will not be met.
• Project a positive image and a neat, professional appearance – at a higher standard than other staff.
• Communicate concerns and noncompliances immediately to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Proactively pursue the professional development of every staff member, ensuring staff attend at least 20 hours per year of training and development, including 33% in the special needs area.
• Develop an internal pipeline of candidates who are trained and seeking advancement within the organization into roles of Assistant Directors and Directors.
• Develop positive relationships and foster team building across schools and employees.
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and seminars to expand the knowledge base and provide improved practices for the organization. Additionally, support the development of biannual Professional Development content and quarterly leadership Professional Development content.
• Follow the Executive Leadership Team’s direction and demonstrate flexibility in accepting tasks delegated.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on education and experience.
• Paid time off, 13 paid holidays, and a paid week-long winter break.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401k, life, and disability benefits.
• Significant child care discount and parental leave.
• Paid certification courses through Penn Foster, paid professional development days, and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees