Center Director

Socket.dev; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Training & development

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Learning Experience is seeking a Center Director to lead a passionate team and drive enrollment, staffing, and performance targets across the center. You will model professionalism, ensure high-quality early learning experiences, and align operations with regulatory standards.

You will oversee human resources, standards, and profitability while building strong relationships with families and staff. A strong background in early childhood education and licensing is essential.

Qualifications

• Two+ years center management or people leadership experience.
• Must possess a state-specific Director or Administrative Credential and pass licensing/background checks.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education, licensing standards, and classroom best practices.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and onboard staff; ensure onboarding SOP compliance.
• Lead monthly team meetings; deliver timely feedback and address performance issues.
• Maintain staffing levels with well-trained teachers; manage turnover and performance reviews (ADP).
• Lead enrollment efforts; forecast enrollment and meet active enrollment targets.
• Manage monthly/ quarterly budgets and monitor EBITDA; ensure accurate billing and collections.
• Ensure health and safety SOPs; maintain licensing compliance and safe supervision.

Skills

Recruiting

Onboarding SOP

Team meetings

Feedback & performance

Staff retention

Performance reviews (ADP)

Staff & family support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

State-specific Director or Administrative Credential

Job description

Benefits:

• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts

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.

#TLEHP