Director / Head of School Position Overview
A new early childhood school opening in July in Waltham is seeking an experienced School Director to join our founding leadership team. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to help launch a school from the ground up, including enrollment growth, staffing, operational planning, licensing compliance, family engagement, and program development.
This position is ideal for a leader who is passionate about early childhood education, enjoys building relationships with families, and thrives in a startup environment.
We are looking for someone who is personable, confident, flexible, and able to effectively communicate the value of our program to prospective families while leading a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations of the school and ensure compliance with all state licensing requirements and company policies.
- Recruit, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate school staff.
- Maintain a positive, professional, and collaborative school culture.
- Ensure classrooms are operating in accordance with Montessori principles and company standards.
- Manage staff schedules and ensure compliance with ratio requirements.
- Conduct staff observations, evaluations, and professional development activities.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all licensing, health, and safety requirements are met.
Enrollment Growth & Family Engagement
- Conduct tours and effectively present the school's programs and value to prospective families.
- Build strong relationships with prospective and current families.
- Follow up with inquiries and leads in a timely manner.
- Develop and implement enrollment strategies to achieve growth goals.
- Organize and participate in open houses and family engagement events.
- Monitor enrollment trends and identify opportunities to increase occupancy.
Community Outreach & Business Development
- Develop creative strategies to attract families within a 5-10 mile radius of the school.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, corporations, community organizations, and family-focused groups.
- Represent the school at community events, networking opportunities, local festivals, and outreach programs.
- Identify opportunities for employer-sponsored childcare partnerships and community collaborations.
- Develop initiatives that increase awareness of the school and generate enrollment leads.
- Actively promote the school's mission and programs throughout the local community.
Startup & Growth Support
- Demonstrate flexibility in supporting enrollment and marketing efforts during the school's growth phase.
- Attend occasional evening and weekend events as needed to support enrollment and community outreach.
- Take initiative in identifying opportunities to improve operations, enrollment, and family engagement.
- Work collaboratively with ownership to achieve enrollment and operational goals.
Qualifications Required
- Director certification and qualifications that meet all applicable state licensing requirements.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in a childcare, preschool, Montessori, or early childhood education setting.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience managing staff and daily operations.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Strong computer skills and experience with childcare management systems.
Preferred
- Montessori experience or Montessori certification.
- Experience opening, growing, or leading a childcare center.
- Experience with enrollment management, tours, marketing, or business development.
- Experience building community partnerships and referral networks.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is:
- Highly motivated and results-oriented.
- Confident, personable, and approachable.
- Skilled at building relationships and earning trust.
- Comfortable speaking with prospective families and closing enrollments.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying growth opportunities.
- Adaptable and flexible in a startup environment.
- Accountable, dependable, and able to take ownership of responsibilities.
- Passionate about delivering an exceptional experience for children and families.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Director I or Director II EEC Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
