Center Director

Brella Space Corporation

Newport Beach (CA)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 85,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

401(k) eligibility

Quarterly bonus

Paid time off

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Wellness days

Professional development

Leadership development

Team events

Job summary

Brella is seeking a Center Director to lead the Newport Beach center from launch through ongoing operations. You will recruit a strong teaching team, establish daily routines, and partner with Corporate and Regional teams to deliver an exceptional early childhood experience.

You will oversee curriculum, family engagement, and licensing compliance while fostering a culture of quality, support, and joy for children aged 3 months to 6 years.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and Title 22 Director qualifications.
At least six years of experience in an administrative or leadership role, preferably within a childcare center or preschool.
Experience leading a large, multi-age child development program.
Knowledge of California childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements.
Experience overseeing curriculum execution across multiple age groups.

Responsibilities

Oversee the childcare and education program for children ages 3 months to 6 years.
Manage curriculum execution across age groups to align with brand expectations.
Provide in-classroom support to ensure curriculum, child development, and teaching standards are met.
Recruit and onboard teaching staff with required teacher-to-child ratios.
Inspire, coach, and develop educators through observations and evaluations.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment through communication and team-building.
Address staff conflicts or concerns promptly and effectively.
Lead tours and welcome prospective and new families.
Support families through transitions and open communication.
Ensure compliance with laws, licensing requirements, and center policies and procedures.
Adhere to health and safety requirements.
Develop strategies to meet monthly performance and enrollment targets while maintaining quality.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Hiring & onboarding

Team development

Family communication

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Title 22 Director qualification

Job description

About Brella

Brella is on a mission to create a beloved child care experience for today's families and the educators who support them.

We are thrilled to expand the Brella village to the Newport Beach / Orange County area and welcome a new community of children, families, and educators into our story. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a launch team that will help shape the next chapter for the center while creating a warm, thoughtful, and connected experience for families from the very beginning.

At Brella, our center leaders play a critical role in bringing our mission to life. We believe great child care starts with strong, supportive leadership and caring for the educators who provide it. Leading at Brella is a great fit for someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about developing educators, building strong relationships with families, and creating a high-quality center experience where children can thrive.

Where We're Located

Brella has three centers in the Los Angeles area. We are excited to expand our footprint to Newport Beach, located at 2500 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 and anticipate opening in October 2026.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Brella's newest center and help shape the experience from the very beginning. The Center Director will bring the Newport Beach center to life by building and developing a strong team, guiding daily operations, and creating an exceptional experience for children and families. As a collaborative, servant leader, you'll establish meaningful relationships within the center and surrounding community while partnering with Corporate and Regional teams to support a successful launch and long-term center success - fostering a culture rooted in quality, support, and delight. Our goal is to hire the Center Director as soon as possible, ahead of center opening to support with hiring, family engagement, and preparing the center for opening.

As the Center Director, you will:

Oversee Brella's childcare and education program to deliver the highest-quality developmental experience for children ages 3 months to 6 years.
Manage the center-wide execution of Brella's curriculum across all age groups, ensuring alignment with brand expectations.
Provide in-classroom support to ensure curriculum, child development, and teaching standards are met.
Partner with Brella's People team to recruit and effectively onboard teaching staff, ensuring required teacher-to-child ratios are maintained.
Inspire, coach, and develop a team of motivated educators through regular observations, meaningful feedback, one-on-ones, performance evaluations, and opportunities for career growth.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment through effective communication and team-building.
Address and resolve staff conflicts or concerns promptly and effectively.
Lead tours and ensure a warm welcome for prospective and new families.
Support families through transitions into and out of the center while embracing Brella's flexible model and approach.
Engage in regular and proactive communication with families, managing parent interactions related to curriculum, child development, and the overall family experience.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and center policies and procedures, including interfacing with local licensing representatives.
Ensure adherence to all health and safety requirements.
Develop and implement strategies to meet the center's monthly performance and enrollment targets while maintaining optimal occupancy and program quality.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and/or completion of all Title 22 Child Care Center Director qualification requirements
At least six years of experience in an administrative or leadership role, preferably within a childcare center or preschool
Demonstrated experience leading a large, multi-age child development program
Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and/or RIE principles
Knowledge of California childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements
Experience overseeing curriculum execution across multiple age groups and learning areas

Skills & Abilities

Collaborative, servant-leadership approach with the ability to inspire, engage, and develop educators
Strong track record of hiring, onboarding, retaining, coaching, and growing teams
Ability to lead center operations, manage competing priorities, and drive results
Excellent family communication and relationship-building skills
Sound judgment and a calm, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Adaptability, comfort with technology, and an interest in childcare innovation

Physical Demands

Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, walk, bend and otherwise fully participate in activities. Standing for long periods of time.
Ability to physically handle children between 0-5 years of age using appropriate techniques. Ability to lift children up to 50 pounds.
Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
Follow state, federal and Brella's guidelines regarding immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training and practices.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed, not an exhaustive list of all essential functions and responsibilities. Qualified applicants or employees with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Caring for the Caregiver

At Brella, we care for our caregivers through competitive pay, meaningful benefits, paid time off, and opportunities to grow and connect. Full-time educators at Brella are eligible for: