Regional Director of Operations -Early Childhood Education

Apple Montessori Schools; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Montessori Schools is seeking a Regional Director of School leadership in Middlesex County, NJ. The role oversees multiple campuses, guiding early childhood education teams, ensuring alignment with Montessori principles, and driving enrollment and quality standards.

The position emphasizes staff development, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and campus operations. Travel between schools is required; leadership and strategic oversight are central to success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or MA in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience as a multi-site operator in early childcare education.
• Knowledge of DCF/DOE compliance and licensing.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Leadership experience; regional director experience preferred.
• Business/management experience leading people and teams.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and mentor staff across the region.
• Plan and facilitate staff training; evaluate performance.
• Ensure licensing, health, and safety compliance.
• Manage annual budgets for each school in the region.
• Maintain consistent routines and behavior guidance across schools.
• Oversee facility operations and safety compliance.
• Safeguard confidential student and family information.
• Travel between Middlesex County schools as needed.

Skills

Leadership experience

Regional/Multi-site management

Travel willingness

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Office software literacy

Education

Bachelor or MA in Early Childhood Education

NAMC Certification (within 1 year)

Job description

Regional Director of Operations -Early Childhood Education

Edison, NJ

Description

Regional Director of School

Middlesex County, NJ

At Apple Montessori Schools, we believe that guiding the development of children is not just a responsibility—it’s a calling. For over 50 years, we’ve been transforming lives through Montessori education, nurturing the whole child and cultivating a love of learning. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Regional Director of Schools to lead with purpose and join our mission.

Why Apple Montessori Schools?

Since 1972, Apple Montessori Schools has been committed to the growth of both our students and our employees. Through a supportive, family-like culture and an innovative, enriching curriculum, you’ll make a meaningful impact every single day — in the lives of the children you guide and the teams you lead

Reputation and Legacy

Working at Apple Montessori Schools means joining a legacy of excellence and a trusted reputation. With over 50 years of experience, recognized by numerous accreditations and beloved by families, we’ve been dedicated to guiding children to become kind, successful, and happy individuals. At the same time, we’ve helped shape and nurture the careers of many employees, offering a supportive environment for growth and success.

Passion and Purpose

As a Regional Director at Apple Montessori Schools, your passion for early childhood education and team development will guide every aspect of your role. Every decision you make, every Director you support and every child you nurture contributes to something meaningful — shaping children into compassionate, curious, and confident individuals, while fostering a team of educators who flourish and grow in their careers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recruit, train, and mentor staff across the region, fostering a culture of growth, excellence, and continuous improvement
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate in-service training sessions; evaluate staff performance to ensure high-quality instruction and care
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including licensing and health/safety requirements
• Manage and oversee annual budgets for each school within the region, ensuring financial accuracy and accountability
• Establish and support consistent daily routines and positive behavior guidance practices across all schools
• Maintain accurate documentation for student interventions and ensure adherence to internal support processes
• Oversee facility operations, ensuring all locations are safe, well-maintained, and aligned with company standards
• Safeguard all confidential student, family, and school information in accordance with Apple Montessori policies
• Carry out additional responsibilities and special projects as directed by the Vice President of Operations

Reports To

SVP of Operations

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Experienced Multi-Unit Operator in Early Childcare Education
• Experience with DCF and DOE compliance and licensing
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail
• Prior leadership experience required; Regional Director Experience preferred.
• Some level of business/general management experience (leading people and teams), multi-site preferred.
• New School Opening experience preferred
• ECE Experience (Montessori preferred), ability to be a coach/mentor in an education/ECE environment
• Completion of NAMC Certification will be required within one year of hire
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills with the ability to initiate and maintain working relationships with all levels of staff, management, vendors and parents
• Willingness to travel, flexibility, embrace change
• Computer literacy in Office Word, Excel, Outlook and web-based applications, and proficient in the use of office equipment
• Ability to promote the school to new families and increase enrollment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work is performed on site at assigned schools unless otherwise indicated and approved.
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, and move throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Requires flexibility to respond to school needs and regular availability to work the required hours each day.
• The region includes multiple schools across Middlesex County, NJ, and requires daily travel between locations. Reliable transportation and the ability to commute regularly within the region are required.
• Candidates located within commuting distance of Middlesex County, NJ, or willing to relocate, are preferred.

Salary Description

$90,000-112,000