Help Build Something Children Will Remember
Most Center Director positions ask you to manage a childcare center.
This isn't one of them.
At Kids HQ, we believe childhood deserves more than supervision.
It deserves joy.
It deserves belonging.
It deserves leaders who believe every interaction helps shape a child's future.
We're building an early childhood organization where children feel at home, families feel known, teachers become leaders, and every day creates memories worth keeping.
We're looking for a Center Director who wants to help us build that experience.
Not because someone tells you to.
Because you believe children deserve it.
About Kids HQ
Kids HQ is a privately owned early childhood education center serving children aged 0 to 6 years old and their families in Oshkosh, WI but our vision extends far beyond providing quality childcare.
We are intentionally building an organization where:
- Every child feels they belong.
- Every family feels welcomed and known.
- Every classroom inspires curiosity and independence.
- Every employee has opportunities to grow into exceptional leaders.
- Every day leaves the center better than the day before.
If you're looking for a place where leadership matters, relationships come first, and continuous improvement is part of the culture, we'd love to meet you.
Your Mission
Your job is not simply to keep the center running.
Your mission is to protect the Kids HQ Experience.
That means creating an environment where children thrive, families feel confident, teachers continue growing, and operational excellence becomes the standard rather than the exception.
What You'll Do
1st Priority - Protect the Kids HQ Experience
- Ensure every classroom reflects Kids HQ standards for cleanliness, organization, engagement, and safety.
- Build meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff.
- Maintain a calm, welcoming environment that families are proud to recommend.
2nd Priority - Develop People
- Coach and develop teachers and Team Leads.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide meaningful feedback.
- Recognize great work while holding staff accountable with consistency and respect.
- Help identify and develop future leaders.
3rd Priority - Lead Daily Operations
- Maintain licensing compliance.
- Oversee staffing, scheduling, and daily operations.
- Ensure procedures are consistently followed.
- Monitor documentation and operational quality.
- Address issues proactively before they become larger problems.
4th Priority - Improve the Organization
- Identify opportunities for improvement.
- Implement new systems and procedures.
- Solve recurring problems at their root.
- Help strengthen the long-term success of Kids HQ.
We're Looking For Someone Who...
- Naturally notices opportunities to improve.
- Loves coaching people more than controlling them.
- Builds relationships before authority.
- Takes ownership without waiting to be told.
- Enjoys solving problems.
- Believes details matter because experiences matter.
- Wants to build something meaningful instead of simply maintaining the status quo.
This Role May Not Be the Right Fit If...
- You're looking for a position where "good enough" is enough.
- You prefer spending most of your day behind a desk.
- You become frustrated by accountability or continuous improvement.
- You want a management title more than the opportunity to develop people.
Qualifications
Required:
- Previous management experience.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to coach, mentor, and hold staff accountable.
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to professionalism and continuous improvement.
Preferred:
- Wisconsin Registry credentials (or ability to qualify).
- Experience leading licensed childcare programs.
- Experience developing supervisors or future leaders.
Compensation & Benefits
Negotiable based on experience and qualifications
Benefits may include:
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Vision Insurance (Employer Paid)
- Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
- Disability & Medical Leave Insurance (Employer Paid)
- Professional Development
- Supportive Leadership Team to include Founder, Director of Finance and Team Leads
Why Kids HQ?
We believe leadership is measured by more than schedules, paperwork, or compliance.
Leadership is measured by whether children, families, and employees are better because you were there.
If you're excited by the opportunity to help build one of the most intentional early childhood organizations in Wisconsin, we'd love to hear from you.
Location
1911 S Washburn Street, Oshkosh, WI
Schedule
Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm with ability to adjust to center needs
How to Apply
We're looking for more than a resume.
Along with your application, we'd like you to answer the prescreening questions provided via Indeed.com
Pay: $48,700.68 - $58,650.29 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Tell us about a time you helped create an experience that people still remembered months or years later. What made it memorable? What was your role? What did you learn?
- If offered the position, would you need care for your child(ren)? If so, please provide details.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)
- Management: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
