Assistant Director - Naperville North

The Gardner School; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School of Naperville North is seeking an Assistant Director to partner with the Executive School Director to oversee daily operations, scheduling, and staff coverage.

You will lead school tours, manage family events and communications, support teachers with curriculum, and ensure licensing compliance while controlling supplies and budgets. Join a caring, growth-focused team dedicated to high-quality early education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferred in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or a related field)
• Experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting is preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily school operations, scheduling, and staff coverage
• Build positive relationships with families and ensure strong communication
• Lead school tours, plan family events, and manage newsletters and community engagement
• Support teachers in curriculum implementation and ensure licensing compliance
• Manage supplies and budgets to support school goals and operational efficiency
• Lead with professionalism and The Gardner School’s core values daily

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Director working in our State-of-the-Art facility! At The Gardner School of Naperville North, you will be part of a caring, fun, dynamic group of professional teachers that thrive on providing exceptional educational experiences. You will work in an environment that values your contributions and provides you with the resources you need to apply high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs. Your experience and expertise are highly valued, your contributions are recognized, and your professional goals are supported. If you have a desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of children and parents, The Gardner School is the place for you.What You’ll DoPartner with the Executive School Director to oversee daily school operations, scheduling, and staff coverageBuild positive relationships with families, addressing questions and ensuring strong communicationLead school tours, plan family events, and manage newsletters and community engagementSupport teachers in implementing curriculum and maintaining compliance with all state and local licensing standardsManage supplies and budgets to support school goals and operational efficiencyLead with professionalism, positivity, and The Gardner School’s core values every dayWhat We Offer:Competitive Pay: The starting salary range for this position is $44,080-$55,100 annually. Actual pay will depend on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and education. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for a quarterly, performance-based bonus.Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunitiesCareer Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.Minimum QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree required (preferred in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or a related field)Must meet state licensing requirements for Assistant Director qualifications (education and experience)ExperienceMinimum 1 year of verified leadership experience in a licensed child development program (required)Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting (preferred)Prior experience as an Assistant Director, Program Coordinator, or supervisory role in early childhood education (preferred)Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesStrong leadership, organization, and communication skillsKnowledge of state childcare licensing standards and early learning best practicesAbility to manage staff scheduling, budgets, and daily school operations effectivelyProficiency in Microsoft Office and administrative systemsAbility to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and positive relationships with families and staffStrong problem-solving and decision-making skills with consistent, reliable attendancePhysical RequirementsAbility to lift and carry children up to 60 lbsAbility to operate computers, phones, and standard office/classroom equipmentMust be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including active engagement throughout the school environmentWhy You’ll Love The Gardner SchoolBeautiful, state-of-the-art preschool environmentSupportive leadership team focused on professional growthComprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, childcare tuition discount, and paid holidaysContinuous training and career advancement opportunitiesThe Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.