Director of Operations

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center in Iowa seeks a Director of Operations to lead daily center operations, ensure licensing compliance, and support growth. This role partners with marketing, enrollment, and finance to deliver high‑quality care and joyful learning environments.

You’ll coach staff, manage budgets, oversee curriculum alignment, and strengthen family partnerships while upholding company values.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in childcare management or a similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated leadership with a track record of team building and operational excellence.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM and parent communication apps is a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of childcare regulations, licensing standards, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and financial management capabilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing goals, quotas, schedules, and priorities within the childcare center environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership to center staff, setting clear expectations and fostering professionalism aligned with the company mission.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, training, and performance reviews to motivate and develop the team.
• Address staffing issues promptly to maintain a positive working environment.
• Develop, train, and coach staff on compliance and program expectations.
• Collaborate with marketing, enrollment, career coordinators, and the financial team to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure center meets licensing requirements and quality standards; monitor classroom ratio and distribution.
• Oversee budgets, labor cost management, and financial sustainability; analyze expenses and trends.
• Strengthen parent and community engagement through open communication and events.
• Monitor enrollment goals and quotas and support growth objectives while maintaining quality.

Skills

Team Leadership

Staff development

Operational excellence

Communication

Strategic planning

Financial management

CRM Experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Parent communication apps

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM Systems

Parent communication apps

Job description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The Director of Operations will play a crucial role in ensuring the school’s operations run smoothly by adhering to all company and regulatory requirements. You will provide an enriching experience by making our school’s the most fun, nurturing, and positive environments for our students, staff and families through collaboration, communication, and innovation! The Director will play a pivotal role in not only maintaining the school’s high standards but also in driving its growth and expanding its reach within the community, ensuring that even more children benefit from the company’s exceptional care and educational programs.

What You’ll Do:

Team Leadership

• Provide hands‑on leadership to the center's staff, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of professionalism that promotes the company’s mission and core values.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews to ensure team members are well‑equipped and motivated.
• Address any staffing issues, concerns, or conflicts promptly and professionally to maintain a positive working environment.
• Hold themselves and their team accountable?
• Develop, train, and continually coach staff members on your team in accordance with compliance and program expectations.
• Collaborate with other company departments including but not limited to marketing, enrollment, career coordinators, and the financial team to maintain communication in accordance with company policy and procedure.

Program Development and Quality Assurance

• Ensure the center meets and exceeds the company’s quality standards, as well as state and local licensing requirements.
• Ratio and Classroom Distribution is always met in accordance with state laws.
• Implement regular classroom observations, assessments, evaluations, and audits of curriculum and program philosophy, facilities, and staff performance to maintain high‑quality care using instructional coaching techniques, providing appropriate documentation for each.?
• Maintain and update [as given by the company] policies, procedures, and guidelines to address evolving needs and best practices.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Build and cultivate strong relationships with current and prospective parents, guardians, and families through open communication, regular updates, and involvement opportunities.
• Regular oversight of teacher communication to parents via parent communication app.
• Organize and facilitate parent intake meetings, family events, and community outreach programs to enhance engagement and support.
• Collaborate with local schools, organizations, and agencies to provide resources, referrals, and seamless transitions for children and families.

Financial Management

• Oversee and manage the center's budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of labor cost‑effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
• Regularly examine expenses, and financial trends to make informed decisions, adjustments, and projections to all budgetary expectations.
• Monitor and maintain company given enrollment goals and quotas to meet growth objectives while upholding quality standards.
• Partner with Finance Team to address any irregularities and proactively solve issues.?

Organizational Health

• Work with peers and other leadership within the company to align with company values, mission and goals.?
• Meet and maintain enrollment quotas and goals by frequently evaluating marking efforts, prospective parent communication and follow up, and initiating quality school tours.?

What You’ll Need:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in childcare management, early childhood education, or a similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of team building, staff development, and operational excellence.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; CRM Experience and experience with parent communication apps a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of childcare regulations, licensing standards, and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and financial management capabilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing goal and quota needs, schedules, and priorities within the childcare center environment.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to make the commute to the assigned school.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Must be able and willing to perform physically demanding work, such as (but not limited to) lifting, carrying, kneeling, crouching, etc. and up to 65lbs.
• Must have initiative and a 'can do!' attitude.
• Maintain a flexible and open‑minded mindset.
• Must be able to regularly use technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, daily reporting
• Act as a classroom Teacher and Mentor Teacher as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

Yellow Brick Road offers medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off and holidays, childcare discounts, and an employee assistance program.

Iowa Pay Range: $40,000 USD - $50,000 USD