Preschool Executive Director

The Goddard School; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Executive Director to lead their Northbrook school. This role is pivotal in ensuring high standards of care and education while fostering a supportive environment for both staff and families. As the heartbeat of the community, you will manage daily operations, engage with families, and uphold quality standards. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on nurturing talent, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in early childhood education. Join a team that values growth and collaboration, and be part of a mission that prioritizes the well-being of children and educators alike.

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Performance-based bonuses

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

Signing bonus

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• 5+ years in early childhood education with 3+ in a leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree required; must be director-qualified by DCFS.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, staff support, and family engagement.
• Recruit, train, and mentor educators while ensuring compliance.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Tech Savvy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Director-qualified by DCFS

Tools

Outlook

Teams

Excel

OneNote

Constant Contact

Canva

Zoom

Adobe PDF

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Signing bonus
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $65,000–$70,000 base + performance-based bonuses throughout the year
• Health Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental, vision – We cover 50% of your monthly payment!
• Time Off: 15 PTO days in Year 1 + all holidays + one paid week off for Winter Break
• Childcare: Deep staff discounts
• Retirement: 401K with company match
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, Goddard Director's Convention, and more!

After three successful years, our wonderful Executive Director has been promoted to Regional Director – and we’re now looking for a passionate, experienced leader to take the reins!

The Executive Director at The Goddard School of Deerfield is the heartbeat of our community—responsible for the daily operations, staff support, family engagement, and upholding the high standards of care and education that families trust and love.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, including staff scheduling, hiring, events, and family communications
• Ensure compliance with DCFS licensing and Goddard Quality Assurance standards
• Coordinate and celebrate community milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)

Faculty Support & Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain a strong team of educators
• Lead monthly faculty meetings and bi-annual in-service training
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and create individualized growth plans

Curriculum & Classroom Oversight

• Support teachers in delivering a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum
• Ensure consistency in classroom management and lesson implementation
• Regularly observe classrooms and provide constructive feedback

Administrative & Financial Management

• Manage payroll tasks including timecard reviews and PTO approvals
• Oversee budgeting and purchasing
• Keep employee records organized and up to date

Family & Community Engagement

• Build warm, trust-based relationships with families
• Address parent concerns promptly and thoughtfully
• Represent the school at community events and maintain a visible social media presence

️ Safety & Facility Management

• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming facility
• Oversee emergency drills, incident reports, and daily health/safety protocols
• Manage maintenance needs, both indoors and outdoors

Tech & Communication

• Use platforms like Outlook, Teams, Excel, OneNote, Constant Contact, Canva, Zoom, and Adobe PDF for day-to-day tasks
• Create clear and professional communication for families and staff
• Organize and manage digital files across shared drives

Leadership & Initiative

• Work independently and collaboratively to move the school forward
• Lead with empathy, integrity, and a problem-solving mindset
• Be a steady and inspiring presence for staff, families, and children alike

Schedule & Expectations:

Our school is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
We typically adhere to a 9-hour workday, but we’re looking for someone who can offer flexibility as needed.

• Occasional longer days may be required
• Monthly virtual all-team meetings (after hours)
• 2–3 weekend events per year (celebrations, community outreach, etc.)

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required)
• Director-qualified by DCFS (required)
• 5+ years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 3 in a leadership role
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Tech-savvy with the ability to train and support others in digital tools
• A heart for children and a commitment to staff growth and well-being

Why Join Us?

At The Goddard School of Deerfield, we believe in growing together. We support our staff with the same care we give our students—because happy teachers create thriving classrooms. We're seeking someone who’s not just qualified, but dedicated, dependable, and here for the long haul.

Ready to step into a leadership role where you’ll be valued, supported, and inspired every day? APPLY TODAY!