Regional Director

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center is seeking a Regional Director to oversee multiple centers within a designated region. You will lead a team of directors, shape regional strategy, and drive growth while maintaining program quality and compliance.

This role requires strong financial stewardship, data-driven decisions, and a commitment to exceptional family experiences. The position emphasizes operational excellence, talent development, and collaboration to align with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in early childhood education, school administration, or related leadership role. Multi-unit leadership preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; CRM experience preferred.
• Strong financial management, strategic planning, and performance measurement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for a portfolio of centers and drive organizational performance.
• Develop and execute regional strategies aligned with company goals.
• Establish operational standards, monitor outcomes, and ensure sustained excellence.
• Lead change management and large-scale improvement initiatives.
• Oversee labor management, revenue optimization, and budget performance.
• Drive enrollment growth and community engagement initiatives.
• Coach Senior Directors and Directors to achieve operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance, safety, and risk management performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Financial Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

CRM Experience

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The Regional Director plays a crucial leadership role, overseeing multiple schools within a designated region. This position is responsible for leading a team of school directors, driving growth and quality, and ensuring alignment with the company values to create enriching environments for students, staff, and families. The Regional Director will shape the future of early childhood education, positively impacting young learners, their families, and communities through the company’s exceptional programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Provide executive leadership for a portfolio of centers and drive organizational performance.
• Develop and execute regional strategies aligned with company goals.
• Establish operational standards, monitor outcomes, and ensure sustained excellence.
• Lead change management and large-scale improvement initiatives.

Financial & Resource Management

• Maintain accountability for regional financial performance, profitability, and growth.
• Analyze business trends and develop strategic action plans.
• Oversee labor management, revenue optimization, and budget performance.
• Ensure leaders make informed, data-driven business decisions.

Enrollment & Growth Leadership

• Develop regional growth strategies that support enrollment and market expansion.
• Evaluate market opportunities, competitive positioning, and capacity utilization.
• Drive accountability for enrollment performance and retention outcomes.
• Support long-term business development and community engagement initiatives.

Talent Selection, Development & Performance

• Build and sustain a high-performing leadership pipeline.
• Lead succession planning, leadership development, and organizational talent strategies.
• Coach Senior Directors and Directors to achieve operational excellence.
• Ensure performance management systems drive accountability and results.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain accountability for regional compliance, safety, and risk management performance.
• Establish risk mitigation strategies and monitor organizational trends.
• Lead responses to significant compliance, licensing, or safety concerns.
• Ensure consistent execution of policies and regulatory requirements.

Culture, Engagement & Family Experience

• Shape and reinforce organizational culture across all centers.
• Champion employee engagement, retention, and recognition strategies.
• Ensure family experience standards are consistently achieved.
• Serve as an ambassador for Yellow Brick Road's mission, values, and brand.

Instructional & Classroom Quality Leadership

• Establish strategic direction for educational quality and program excellence.
• Ensure consistent implementation of curriculum and instructional standards.
• Monitor quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote innovation and best practices that enhance child outcomes.

Facilities & Environment Management

• Oversee facility strategy, capital planning, and environmental standards across the region.
• Ensure centers maintain safe, compliant, and high-quality physical environments.
• Prioritize facility investments that support growth and operational excellence.
• Monitor long-term facility needs and infrastructure planning.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and financial management abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; CRM Experience and experience with parent communication apps, preferred.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of early childhood education regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in early childhood education, school administration, or a related leadership role. Multi-unit leadership preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have reliable transportation and ability to travel within region XX% of time.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Occasional travel for conferences, training sessions, and networking events.
• Act as School Director or Classroom Educator and Mentor Educator as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to actively supervise children at all times, including maintaining visual and auditory awareness across classrooms, playgrounds, and common areas.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and hold children weighing up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor for extended periods throughout the day.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move quickly for extended periods during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Capable of assisting children with daily care routines, including diapering, toileting, feeding, and dressing.
• Ability to safely respond to emergencies, including evacuating children and performing pediatric CPR and First Aid.
• Physical ability to maintain a clean and safe environment, including light cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing classroom materials.

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount