Center Director – Kirkwood (Atlanta, GA)About Tierra Encantada
Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education®, providing high-quality care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Our mission is to nurture confident, curious, and compassionate learners through immersive language experiences, exceptional educators, and purposeful environments.
As we expand into the Atlanta market, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Center Director to lead our flagship Kirkwood location. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a center from the ground up while helping establish Tierra Encantada's presence in one of Atlanta's most vibrant communities.
Position Overview
The Center Director serves as the operational and educational leader of the Kirkwood center. This role is responsible for building a strong team culture, maintaining regulatory compliance, driving enrollment growth, delivering exceptional family experiences, and ensuring high-quality educational outcomes.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, inspires teams, builds strong community relationships, and is passionate about early childhood education.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development
- Lead the center team through servant leadership, accountability, and professional development.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture aligned with Tierra Encantada's core values.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, recognition, and performance feedback to support employee growth and retention.
- Maintain strong communication with families, staff, vendors, licensing representatives, and corporate partners.
- Participate in ongoing professional development, leadership training, and annual company events.
Hiring, Training & Staff Management
- Lead all recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts.
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective scheduling to support operations and licensing requirements.
- Conduct performance evaluations and implement professional development plans.
- Support teacher growth through coaching, classroom observations, and ongoing training.
- Maintain compliance with all required staff certifications, trainings, and licensing standards.
Educational Excellence
- Ensure implementation of Tierra Encantada's curriculum and educational philosophy.
- Monitor classroom quality, child development progress, and assessment practices.
- Partner with teachers and families to support each child's learning journey.
- Promote continuous improvement and school readiness outcomes.
- Support accreditation and quality improvement initiatives.
Operations & Compliance
- Oversee all day-to-day center operations.
- Maintain compliance with Georgia Bright from the Start licensing regulations and company policies.
- Ensure the facility remains safe, clean, organized, and fully operational.
- Manage inventory, purchasing, maintenance coordination, and operational systems.
- Lead emergency preparedness, safety drills, and risk management practices.
- Oversee food program operations and ensure adherence to health and food safety standards.
Financial & Business Management
- Manage center performance against enrollment, revenue, and profitability goals.
- Monitor key business metrics and develop action plans to drive growth.
- Partner with finance and corporate teams to ensure accurate billing, collections, payroll reporting, and expense management.
- Maintain accountability for budgeting and operational efficiency.
Enrollment & Community Engagement
- Drive enrollment growth through tours, family engagement, and community outreach.
- Utilize CRM systems to manage leads, tours, enrollment activity, and conversion metrics.
- Develop relationships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations.
- Represent Tierra Encantada at networking events, community functions, and family-focused activities.
- Create exceptional family experiences that support retention and referrals.
Qualifications Required
- Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience, preferably in early childhood education, childcare, or a related educational setting.
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Business, Management, Child Development, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to meet Georgia Center Director qualifications through Bright from the Start.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Experience with hiring, coaching, performance management, and team development.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- CPR, First Aid, and Food Protection Manager certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days).
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
- Experience leading enrollment growth and community outreach initiatives.
- Previous experience managing budgets, staffing, and center operations.
- Knowledge of Georgia childcare licensing regulations and QRIS/Quality Rated programs.
Compensation & Benefits Compensation
- Competitive salary: $75,000 - $85,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience.
- Monthly performance bonus opportunity.
- Additional compensation consideration for highly qualified bilingual candidates.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Employer Match
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Performance Bonus Program
- Discounted Childcare and Enrollment Priority
- Company-Paid Professional Development
- Career Growth Opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, and actively supervise children both indoors and outdoors. Candidates must be able to maintain awareness of children's safety and respond appropriately in a dynamic childcare environment.
Additional Information
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, fingerprinting, and verification of work authorization. Tierra Encantada participates in E-Verify.
Tierra Encantada is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee and family feels valued, respected, and supported.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- Center Director: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- bilingual in Spanish (Required)
Work Location: In person
