Center Director

The Learning Experience; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Training & development

Opportunity for advancement

Free uniforms

Free food & snacks

Employee discounts

Wellness resources

Job summary

The Learning Experience is seeking a Center Director to lead a dynamic early education center in Colorado Springs. You will guide a passionate team to deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and learning experiences for children and families.

You will drive enrollment growth, manage budgets and staffing, and ensure strict compliance with state licensing standards while partnering with families and the community to achieve center goals.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead a center team and manage staffing, budgets, and enrollment.
• Strong knowledge of licensing standards and classroom best practices.
• Experience in partnership with families and local communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example to foster collaboration, trust, and quality early learning.
• Oversee enrollment targets, staffing, and daily operations to meet business goals.
• Manage budgeting, billing, and profitability while ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Ensure health, safety, and licensing standards are followed center-wide.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide timely feedback to staff.
• Build strong relationships with families to ensure satisfaction and retention.

Skills

People leadership

Center management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

State Director or Administrative Credential

Job description

Benefits:

• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Tuition assistance

Join the fastest growing Academy of Early Education in the nation where “Happy Happens Here”! At The Learning Experience, we are committed to giving everyone a platform to display their talents, share their ideas, and grow their careers in Early Childhood Education. As a Center Director, you’ll lead a passionate team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, their families, and your community.

Compensation:

What We Offer:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K, Pet Discount Plan, Childcare Discounts, and more!
• State-of-the-Art Classrooms: Lead in an immersive school and classroom setting utilizing the latest technology, materials, and resources to allow children to learn, play, and grow.
• Opportunities for Growth: Ongoing training and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and leadership pathways to help you meet your goals as an educator.

As One of Our Happy Center Leaders You Will:

Lead by example, inspiring trust, building strong relationships, and creating a culture of collaboration, care, and excellence. As a strategic operator and passionate educator, you will drive both the heart and the health of your center—ensuring high-quality early learning experiences while meeting enrollment, staffing, and business performance goals.

People

• Prioritize recruiting and respond to applicants within 1 business day using tools like CareerPlug.
• Ensure the center is fully staffed with well-trained, high-performing teachers using the onboarding SOP and celebrating milestone progress.
• Create a team culture rooted in professionalism, kindness, and inclusion, aligned with TLE values and brand standards.
• Conduct and document monthly team meetings focused on communication, recognition, and growth.
• Deliver timely, constructive feedback and address performance issues promptly.
• Keep employee turnover below 40% in a rolling 12-month period.
• Complete and submit annual performance reviews using ADP, ensuring they are timely and properly filed.
• Serve as the go-to for both staff and families—resolving concerns quickly, collaboratively, and respectfully.

Enrollment

• Execute a formal marketing plan that includes outreach, social media, events, and community engagement.
• Lead and convert prospective families with warmth and professionalism—through both in-person and virtual tours.
• Maintain strong lead-to-start conversion and consistently meet or exceed the center’s active enrollment budget.
• Use systems to accurately forecast enrollment trends and make data-informed decisions.
• Post engaging content on social media and solicit positive online reviews.
• Conduct competitive shops 2x per year and use the insights to stay market-relevant.
• Build strong relationships with families, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention.

Profitability

• Understand and manage your center’s monthly and quarterly budget targets, especially EBITDA.
• Review and analyze your P&L to confirm financial performance and identify opportunities.
• Maintain accurate billing records and manage tuition collection in line with due dates.
• Monitor and manage center discounts responsibly.
• Escalate any financial discrepancies promptly and professionally.
• Support growth by contributing to enrollment targets and operational efficiency.

Standards and Quality

• Ensure health and safety SOPs are followed center-wide.
• Maintain full compliance with all state and local licensing regulations.
• Prioritize safe supervision practices, and ensure adherence to protocols around allergies, medications, and accommodations.
• Keep the center clean, organized, safe, and always tour-ready.
• Ensure student and staff files are accurate, up-to-date, and securely stored.
• Leverage TLE tools, systems, and required platforms to optimize operations.
• Replenish inventory on budget and as needed to maintain smooth center operations.
• Process payroll on time and accurately.
• Stay informed and responsive to labor laws, fire codes, health regulations, and internal policies.
• Operate proactively, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions for your team, your center, and your business.

Qualifications:

• Two or more years of center management or people leadership experience highly preferred. At least one year required.
• Must possess a state-specific Director or Administrative Credential and meet all licensing and background screening requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education, licensing standards, and classroom best practices.