Founding Center Director – Early Learning & STEAM Program
Richmond, VA 23236 USA
About the Role
We’re seeking a multi-skilled, deeply experienced leader to serve as our Founding Operations & Program Director. This role is ideal for someone who’s worn every hat in the childcare world, from licensing and curriculum planning to payroll, parent engagement, classroom teaching, and coaching staff.
You’ll help launch a brand-new early learning center built on academic excellence, nurturing care, and hands-on STEAM innovation—and you’ll lead from the front, supporting our teachers, families, and mission every step of the way.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
✅ Operations & Administration
- Oversee daily operations, classroom readiness, and center flow
- Manage scheduling, staffing, inventory, and purchasing
- Handle accounts payable, payroll, deposits, and tax-related reporting
- Maintain child and staff records in alignment with VDOE standards
✅ Staff Leadership
- Recruit, train, and mentor lead/assistant teachers
- Create and manage staff schedules, conduct evaluations, and lead team meetings
- Promote a positive, mission-driven culture that supports staff longevity and growth
✅ Curriculum & Licensing
- Support classroom teams in delivering a developmentally rich curriculum (Abeka + STEAM)
- Assist in preparing licensing applications, inspections, and compliance documentation
- Train staff on health & safety, CPR/First Aid, and curriculum expectations
✅ Family Engagement & Community Building
- Welcome new families, lead tours, and conduct parent meetings
- Help plan school events, field trips, performances, and fundraisers
- Build community relationships and support outreach campaigns
Your Strengths & Experience
You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:
✔️ 30+ years in early childhood education—including 19 years as Center Director, and 10+ years of Assistant Director experience
✔️ Master’s in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor’s in Educational Administration, and an Associate’s in Accounting
✔️ Advanced hands-on knowledge of ProCare, QuickBooks, payroll, AP/AR, tax prep, HR and compliance
✔️ Expertise supervising large teams (20+ staff) and managing programs with 60+ children
✔️ A warm, high-energy approach with a heart for mentoring teachers and supporting families
✔️ Experience with special needs children, summer camps, before/after care, and homeschooling
✔️ CPR/First Aid certification, Notary Public, and knowledge of Maryland/Virginia child care regulations
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $65,000–$70,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Enrollment Bonus: $25 per net-new enrolled child (child must remain enrolled for 30 days), capped at 25% of base salary; paid monthly
- Performance Bonus: Up to 3% of base salary annually, based on:
• Program quality (CLASS score ≥ 6.0)
• Enrollment benchmarks (85%+ occupancy)
• Parent satisfaction (Net Promoter Score ≥ 90)
- Work Week: 40 hours/week with administrative support to ensure balance and coverage
- Additional Benefits:
- • Paid Time Off (PTO) beginning Day 91
• 10 paid holidays annually
• Tuition discount for your child(ren) enrolled at the center
- Growth Track: Clear path toward expanded leadership, including regional director or curriculum lead roles, with the autonomy to shape the program and center culture
Important Note
Start date and final offer are contingent upon our lease execution and VDOE license approval, expected within the next 60–90 days.
How to Apply
Send your resume and a short cover letter to careers@abc123.kids.