Center Director

The Learning Experience; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401K

Pet discount plan

Childcare discounts

Job summary

The Learning Experience in Mesa, AZ seeks a Center Director to lead a passionate team, drive enrollment growth, and ensure high-quality early education for children and families. You will manage staffing, budgets, and compliance while delivering exceptional family service and safety.

Join a growth-focused organization with opportunities for leadership and professional development, plus comprehensive benefits and a collaborative, inclusive culture.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead a passionate team and ensure the center is fully staffed with well-trained teachers.
• Deliver timely feedback and address performance issues; conduct monthly team meetings.
• Develop and execute a formal marketing plan to recruit families and boost enrollment.
• Monitor profitability, budgets, and tuition collection; ensure compliance with policies.
• Maintain health and safety SOPs, licensing compliance, and center cleanliness.

Skills

Center management

People leadership

Education

State-specific Director credential

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

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.

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.