Executive Director

Child Development Schools; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Development Schools in San Antonio seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead a campus with responsibility for enrollment growth, financial performance, educational excellence, staffing, licensing compliance, and community partnerships with the host university.

Reporting to the campus board, you will drive strategy, oversee operations, recruit and retain talent, and build strong relationships with university leadership, families, and partners to ensure exceptional student outcomes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; Master's preferred
• Meets all state Director Licensing requirements
• 7-10 years of progressive leadership in ECE; 3-5 years leading a licensed center
• Demonstrated responsibility for financial performance and P&L management
• Proven success improving enrollment and retention
• Experience with employer-sponsored, corporate, healthcare, or university childcare programs preferred

Responsibilities

• Own overall school performance including revenue, profitability, enrollment, labor efficiency, and operating expenses
• Analyze P&L statements and identify operational drivers impacting financial performance
• Develop annual business plans, enrollment strategies, staffing forecasts, and growth initiatives
• Make sound operational decisions balancing educational quality, financial performance, and customer experience
• Identify opportunities to expand enrollment, strengthen partnerships, and improve efficiency
• Lead local marketing initiatives and community outreach
• Recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain top talent
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning
• Foster accountability, engagement, and continuous learning
• Ensure implementation of curriculum standards; coach teachers and leaders

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Enrollment growth

P&L management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Master's degree in Education, MBA, or related discipline preferred

Job description

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, or related field; Master's Degree in Education, Business Administration (MBA), Organizational Leadership, or related discipline preferred
• Meets all state Director Licensing requirements
• 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education; Minimum 3-5 years leading a licensed childcare center or school
• Demonstrated responsibility for financial performance and P&L management
• Proven success improving enrollment and retention
• Experience serving employer-sponsored, corporate, healthcare, or university childcare programs preferred

Requirements

Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director has broad operating authority and accountability for every aspect of the school's performance, including enrollment growth, financial results, educational excellence, staffing, licensing compliance, customer experience, and strategic partnerships with the host college or university. Operating within company standards and regulatory requirements, the Executive Director functions as the primary decision-maker for the school, exercising significant autonomy while driving continuous growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Essential Responsibilities

• Own overall school performance including revenue, profitability, enrollment, labor efficiency, and operating expenses.
• Analyze P&L statements and identify operational drivers impacting financial performance.
• Develop annual business plans, enrollment strategies, staffing forecasts, and growth initiatives.
• Make sound operational decisions balancing educational quality, financial performance, and customer experience.
• Identify new opportunities to expand enrollment, strengthen partnerships, and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead local marketing initiatives and community outreach.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain top talent.
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning.
• Foster accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.

Educational Leadership

• Ensure implementation of curriculum and instructional standards.
• Coach teachers and instructional leaders.
• Maintain high-quality classroom environments.
• Lead accreditation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support child outcomes through instructional excellence and family partnerships.

Enrollment Growth & Customer Experience

• Own enrollment, occupancy, waitlist management, and retention goals.
• Conduct tours and convert prospective families.
• Build strong relationships with university employees, students, faculty, and community partners.
• Ensure outstanding family communication and customer satisfaction.
• Develop referral and partnership strategies unique to the campus environment.
• Build trusted partnerships with university leadership.
• Collaborate on campus initiatives.
• Support employee childcare partnerships.
• Participate in campus events and community engagement.
• Represent the company professionally within the university community.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term campus relationships.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain licensing compliance and regulatory readiness.
• Ensure classroom ratios, staffing, and operational coverage.
• Oversee facility operations, maintenance, safety, and emergency preparedness.
• Conduct operational audits and implement corrective action plans.
• Maintain tour-ready facilities and exceptional campus presentation.