Center Director

Bright Start Early Care & Preschool; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Start Early Care & Preschool is looking for a strategic and heart-driven Center Director to oversee their Washington, D.C. campus. The role requires exemplary leadership in early childhood education, with responsibilities ranging from operational excellence to fostering community partnerships. Candidates should embody the core values of family-oriented care, integrity, and innovative thinking. A bachelor's degree is required along with relevant experience in educational leadership.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits

Professional development stipends + conference opportunities

A culture of joy, trust, and collaboration

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of leadership and/or operational experience in early education.
• Working knowledge of DC licensing and compliance standards.
• Strong written, verbal, and relational skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations and ensure full compliance with DC regulations.
• Coach and support educators to build a strong, unified team culture.
• Build meaningful partnerships with families and the wider community.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Effective Communication

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ECE, Child Development, Psychology or related field

Job description

Join to apply for the Center Director role at Bright Start Early Care & Preschool

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Join to apply for the Center Director role at Bright Start Early Care & Preschool

Bright Start Early Care & Preschool is seeking a strategic and heart-driven Center Director to lead one of our campuses in Washington, D.C. This role requires someone who not only brings operational excellence and early childhood expertise but also leads with integrity, warmth, and vision.

At Bright Start, we live out our core values of Family-Oriented, Fun, Integrity, Innovative Thinking, and Excellence and we’re looking for a leader who embodies those in every decision and interaction.

About Bright Start

Bright Start Early Care & Preschool is seeking a strategic and heart-driven Center Director to lead one of our campuses in Washington, D.C. This role requires someone who not only brings operational excellence and early childhood expertise but also leads with integrity, warmth, and vision.

At Bright Start, we live out our core values of Family-Oriented, Fun, Integrity, Innovative Thinking, and Excellence and we’re looking for a leader who embodies those in every decision and interaction.

Responsibilities At a Glance

• Direct daily operations and ensure full compliance with DC regulations
• Lead with vision while developing systems that empower teachers and delight families
• Coach and support educators to build a strong, unified team culture
• Build meaningful partnerships with families and the wider community
• Lead with both structure and spirit—balancing logistics and joy in equal measure

Core Competencies

Our strongest Directors demonstrate the following:

• Visionary & Strategic Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence & Self-Regulation
• Accountability & Integrity
• Effective & Compassionate Communication
• Team-Oriented Leadership
• Cultural Responsiveness & Equity
• Adaptability & Resilience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ECE, Child Development, Psychology or related field
• 2–4 years of leadership and/or operational experience in early education
• Working knowledge of DC licensing and compliance standards
• Strong written, verbal, and relational skills

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000 - $95,000 annual salary + bonus opportunity
• Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
• Professional development stipends + conference opportunities
• A culture of joy, trust, and collaboration warm, joyful, and values-aligned team culture

How to Apply

Apply here by uploading your resume, cover letter, and answering a few thoughtful questions.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Business Development and Sales

• Industries

  Education

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