Executive Director, Early Childhood Director

Child Development Schools; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Development Schools in Ann Arbor, MI, seeks an Executive Director to drive enrollment growth, financial results, educational excellence, staffing, licensing compliance, and partnerships with the University of Michigan Campus.

This leader will balance instructional quality with operating efficiency, oversee P&L, develop strategic plans, recruit top talent, and ensure a high-quality customer experience across campus operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant field and state licensing requirements.
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Educational Leadership

P&L management

Enrollment management

Staff development

Stakeholder partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education / Business Administration / Education / Organizational Leadership

Master's degree in Education / MBA / Organizational Leadership

Job description

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.

About the Role

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.

Location: University of Michigan Campus

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.

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.

Required Skills

• 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.

Preferred Skills

• 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.
• Participate in campus events and community engagement.
• Represent the company professionally within the university community.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term campus relationships.

Pay range and compensation package

Maintain licensing compliance and regulatory readiness.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.