Assistant Director - New School

TGS Holdings, LLC; Andover (MN); On-site; USD 53,200 - 66,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School in Minnesota is hiring an Assistant Director to launch and lead our new preschool location opening Fall 2026. You will partner with the Executive School Director to oversee daily operations, scheduling, and staff coverage, while creating a warm, academically focused environment for children.

This role emphasizes family communication, curriculum support, licensing compliance, budgeting, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferred in Early Childhood Education or Education Administration) and must meet state licensing requirements for Assistant Director qualifications.
• Minimum 1 year of verified leadership experience in a licensed child development program.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting; supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive School Director to 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 implementing curriculum and maintaining licensing compliance.
• Manage supplies and budgets to support school goals and operational efficiency.
• Lead with professionalism and The Gardner School’s core values.”],
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Skills

Leadership

Organization

Communication

Licensing knowledge

Budgeting

Staff scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

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. Are you an experienced, passionate early childhood leader ready to launch and lead a brand-new school community? Join us as the Assistant Director at our newest preschool location, opening in Fall 2026! At The Gardner School, we believe in providing a nurturing, academically focused environment where children thrive—and where leaders like you inspire excellence every day.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with the Executive School Director to oversee daily school operations, scheduling, and staff coverage.
• Build positive relationships with families, addressing questions and ensuring strong communication.
• Lead school tours, plan family events, and manage newsletters and community engagement.
• Support teachers in implementing curriculum and maintaining compliance with all state and local licensing standards.
• Manage supplies and budgets to support school goals and operational efficiency.
• Lead with professionalism, positivity, and The Gardner School’s core values every day.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay: Starting salary range $53,200–$66,500 annually, depending on experience, skills, and education. 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 opportunities.
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, and a supportive, mission‑driven culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’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).
• Experience: Minimum 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 Abilities

• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of state childcare licensing standards and early learning best practices.
• Ability to manage staff scheduling, budgets, and daily school operations effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and administrative systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and positive relationships with families and staff.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with consistent, reliable attendance.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry children up to 60 lbs. Ability to operate computers, phones, and standard office/classroom equipment. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including active engagement throughout the school environment.

Why You’ll Love The Gardner School

Beautiful, state‑of‑the‑art preschool environment.

Supportive leadership team focused on professional growth.

Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, childcare tuition discount, and paid holidays.

Continuous training and career advancement opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The 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.