Founding Center Director — Launch & Lead a New Center

Lightbridge Academy; Middletown (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightbridge Academy of Middletown is hiring a founding Center Director to shape a new campus from the ground up. You will prepare the program, recruit and coach the first team, welcome prospective families, and build community relationships before opening.

You will lead the center as it grows, ensuring licensing readiness, safety, and educational quality, while partnering with local ownership and Lightbridge support teams.

Qualifications

• Two+ years as Center Director in a licensed childcare or early learning center.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field with state qualifications.
• Proven track record recruiting and developing educators and maintaining compliance.
• Experience with budgets, enrollment metrics and center performance measures.
• Commitment to continuing education including CPR and First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Open and enroll new center; plan, train, and staff the initial team.
• Lead family experience, enrollment growth, and community relationships.
• Oversee licensing readiness, safety, and educational standards.
• Manage day-to-day operations, metrics, audits, and vendor relations.

Skills

Center Director experience

Staff development

Enrollment growth

Budgeting & KPIs

Community outreach

Compliance & licensing

Leadership & coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field

NJ childcare center director qualifications

Job description

Lightbridge Academy of Middletown is hiring a founding Center Director to shape a new campus from the ground up. You will prepare the program, recruit and coach the first team, welcome prospective families, and build community relationships before opening.

You will lead the center as it grows, ensuring licensing readiness, safety, and educational quality, while partnering with local ownership and Lightbridge support teams.