Startup Preschool Director - Lead Growth & Team

The Gardner School; Illinois; On-site; USD 58,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

The Gardner School is opening a brand-new preschool in Bannockburn, IL, and seeks an Executive School Director to launch and lead the campus from day one. You will build a high-performing team, foster family partnerships, and translate our mission into every classroom and community interaction.

You will oversee operations, guide curriculum quality, ensure compliance, and drive financial performance to meet growth targets in a hands-on leadership role.

Qualifications

• Meet Illinois Child Care Director Licensing Standards for education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in related field.

Responsibilities

• Drive enrollment growth by leading tours, follow-ups, and community marketing efforts.
• Build strong relationships with families and represent the school in the local community.
• Recruit, hire, train, and coach team members to create a positive, high-performing culture.
• Lead and support staff development through feedback, observations, and ongoing training.
• Oversee daily school operations, including staffing, scheduling, and overall performance.
• Manage budgets and resources to ensure financial health and operational efficiency.
• Execute enrollment and seasonal plans to maximize capacity and classroom transitions.
• Ensure a safe, compliant, and high-quality learning environment.
• Maintain strong communication with families and continuously improve the overall experience.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Operational excellence

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Gardner School is opening a brand-new preschool in Bannockburn, IL, and seeks an Executive School Director to launch and lead the campus from day one. You will build a high-performing team, foster family partnerships, and translate our mission into every classroom and community interaction.

You will oversee operations, guide curriculum quality, ensure compliance, and drive financial performance to meet growth targets in a hands-on leadership role.