Licensing Specialist

Apollo After School; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Licensing & Compliance Specialist to oversee licensing for after-school programs in New Jersey. This role involves managing the licensing lifecycle, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and collaborating closely with HR and local coordinators. Join a mission-driven team that values educational growth and provides a supportive environment for professionals. If you have a passion for compliance and a commitment to children's educational programs, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance Options

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Professional Development Opportunities

Supportive Team Environment

Qualifications

• 2+ years in licensing or compliance, preferably in childcare or education.
• Strong knowledge of NJ DCF licensing regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage licensing lifecycle: applications, renewals, and compliance.
• Act as liaison with NJ DCF and local regulatory agencies.
• Maintain organized licensing documentation and compliance records.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Regulatory Knowledge

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database Management

Job description

Location: New Jersey (Hybrid: Remote/Field Work/80% Travel)
Salary Range: $60,000 – $70,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Includes Health Benefit options.
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About Apollo After School:

Apollo After School is a trusted provider of enriching after-school programs that support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students. We believe in creating safe, fun, and educational environments where children can thrive after the school day ends.

We are expanding our operations in New Jersey and seeking a dedicated Licensing & Compliance Specialist to oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and management of operational licenses for our program sites.

Position Summary:

The Licensing Specialist is responsible for managing all licensing and compliance activities for Apollo After School’s New Jersey locations. This includes obtaining new licenses, ensuring ongoing compliance with state regulations, supporting licensing renewals, and preparing for inspections. The position will also be familiar with and support licensing requirements in all states of operation (NJ, NY, DC, CA, OH, MA).

All staff documentation and employee requirements related to licensing will be handled in close collaboration with Apollo After School’s Human Resources team and local Area Coordinators to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the full lifecycle of site licensing: new applications, renewals, amendments, closures, and corrective actions.
• Research and communicate updates to New Jersey licensing regulations to internal teams as needed.
• Act as Apollo After School’s primary liaison with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Licensing and other local regulatory agencies.
• Monitor license status across all New Jersey sites and proactively manage timelines for renewals and updates.
• Familiar with licensing requirements in all states of operation; NJ, NY, DC, CA, OH, MA.
• Maintain a centralized, organized database of licensing documentation, inspection reports, and compliance records.
• Coordinate with the Apollo After School Human Resources team on all staff-related licensing requirements, including background checks, fingerprinting, staff rosters, and personnel files.
• Ensure that all employee and staffing documentation required for licensing is complete, accurate, and updated according to DCF standards.
• Support site teams during pre-licensing visits, scheduled inspections, and unannounced audits.
• Provide coaching and support to Site Directors and Area Coordinators on compliance expectations and licensing readiness.
• Partner with HR, Operations, and Customer Service to address any licensing deficiencies or corrective action plans.
• Work closely with our Licensing Admin team for timely and accurate document submission to all relevant licensing agencies.
• Provide regular status updates and reporting to the Director of Business Operations and relevant Apollo leadership.
  Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field (Required).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in licensing, compliance, or regulatory management, preferably within the childcare, education, or youth services sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of New Jersey DCF Office of Licensing regulations and childcare licensing processes (Preferred).
• Strong organizational, project management, and follow-up skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with database management.
• Ability to travel throughout New Jersey (local fieldwork up to 80%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing licensing for multiple after-school, childcare, or youth enrichment program sites.
• Familiarity with New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing platforms and inspection procedures.

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $60,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience.
• Health insurance options.
• Paid time off (PTO) and observed holidays.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment.

Apollo After School or Chess Wizards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.