Managing Director
Reports To: Vice President of Operations / Executive Leadership
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Leadership Level: Senior School Executive
Position Summary
The Managing Director is the highest-ranking leader of their assigned school and serves as the chief executive of the building. This role carries full responsibility for operational performance, enrollment growth, financial health, compliance, team development, and culture.
The Managing Director owns the success of the school.
This position requires decisive leadership, strong business acumen, regulatory expertise, and the ability to build, coach, and hold teams accountable to high standards. The Managing Director ensures the center operates with excellence in safety, education, service, and financial stewardship - while reflecting the organization's mission and brand.
Core Areas of Responsibilities
Operational & Business Leadership
- Direct full daily operations of the school.
- Own enrollment growth and retention strategy.
- Monitor staffing ratios, labor management, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee tuition billing, collections, and financial accuracy.
- Maintain budget awareness, controlling expenses while maximizing revenue.
- Ensure facility cleanliness, organization, and readiness at all times.
- Provide timely operational reporting to executive leadership.
The Managing Director treats the school as a business unit with measurable outcomes.
Enrollment & Family Experience
- Lead tour conversions and build waitlists.
- Ensure consistent follow-up on all leads.
- Meet school enrollment goals set by organization.
- Maintain high service standards with families.
- Address concerns quickly and professionally.
- Ensure family communication reflects professionalism and brand standards.
Enrollment and retention are leadership responsibilities - not administrative tasks.
Staff Leadership & Culture Development
- Recruit, interview, and recommend hiring decisions.
- Develop Program Supervisors, Office Managers, and teachers.
- Conduct consistent classroom observations and performance meetings.
- Deliver coaching that improves instruction and accountability.
- Lead monthly team meetings focused on performance and mission.
- Address performance concerns promptly and professionally.
- Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and growth.
The Managing Director sets the standard for how leadership functions inside the building.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintain 100% compliance with DHS, DOE, Keystone STARS, and all applicable regulations.
- Ensure all required documentation, inspections, and reports are accurate and timely.
- Proactively audit classrooms and files to prevent violations.
- Immediately correct compliance gaps.
- Ensure staff understand and follow licensing standards at all times.
Compliance is non-negotiable.
Brand Representation & Professionalism
- Model executive-level professionalism at all times.
- Enforce Business Professional Dress Code.
- Ensure the building environment reflects organizational standards.
- Represent the organization positively in the community.
- Protect the organization's reputation at all times.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or related field required.
- Minimum five (5) years leadership experience in early childhood or related management setting.
- Demonstrated success managing teams of 10+ employees.
- Strong working knowledge of DHS, DOE, and Keystone STARS requirements.
- Proven ability to improve performance, drive accountability, and manage operations effectively.
- Strong financial literacy and organizational skills.
- Ability to lead through structure, clarity, and high expectations.
Performance Expectations
The Managing Director will be evaluated on:
- 100% regulatory compliance.
- Enrollment growth and waitlist development.
- Tuition collection rate of 97% or higher.
- Achievement or maintenance of Keystone STARS Level 4.
- Staff retention and leadership development progress.
- Classroom quality and instructional improvement.
- Family satisfaction and retention metrics.
- Operational reporting accuracy and timeliness.
Leadership Standard
The Managing Director understands:
- The way they work sets the standard.
- The way they communicate becomes the culture.
- The way they lead determines the results.
This role requires resilience, decisiveness, and ownership.
