Contact Person: Cherrelle Dawes

Job Location:
Child Development Schools
Ann Arbor, Michigan - University of Michigan Campus
300 N. Ingalls Street
Ann Arbor MI 48109

Job Description:

Position Summary
The Executive Director has broad operating authority and accountability for every aspect of the school’s performance, including enrollment growth, financial results, educational excellence, staffing, licensing compliance, customer experience, and strategic partnerships with the host college or university. Operating within company standards and regulatory requirements, the Executive Director functions as the primary decision-maker for the school, exercising significant autonomy while driving continuous growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Essential Responsibilities
 Own overall school performance including revenue, profitability, enrollment, labor efficiency, and operating expenses.
 Analyze P&L statements and identify operational drivers impacting financial performance.
 Develop annual business plans, enrollment strategies, staffing forecasts, and growth initiatives.
 Make sound operational decisions balancing educational quality, financial performance, and customer experience.
 Identify new opportunities to expand enrollment, strengthen partnerships, and improve operational efficiency.
 Lead local marketing initiatives and community outreach.
 Recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain top talent.
 Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning.
 Foster accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
Educational Leadership
 Ensure implementation of curriculum and instructional standards.
 Coach teachers and instructional leaders.
 Maintain high-quality classroom environments.
 Lead accreditation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
 Support child outcomes through instructional excellence and family partnerships.
Enrollment Growth & Customer Experience
 Own enrollment, occupancy, waitlist management, and retention goals.
 Conduct tours and convert prospective families.
 Build strong relationships with university employees, students, faculty, and community partners.
 Ensure outstanding family communication and customer satisfaction.
 Develop referral and partnership strategies unique to the campus environment.
 Build trusted partnerships with university leadership.
 Collaborate on campus initiatives.
 Support employee childcare partnerships.
 Participate in campus events and community engagement.
 Represent the company professionally within the university community.
 Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term campus relationships.

Operational Excellence
 Maintain licensing compliance and regulatory readiness.
 Ensure classroom ratios, staffing, and operational coverage.
 Oversee facility operations, maintenance, safety, and emergency preparedness.
 Conduct operational audits and implement corrective action plans.
 Maintain tour-ready facilities and exceptional campus presentation.

Minimum Qualifications
 Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, or related field; Master’s Degree in Education, Business Administration (MBA), Organizational Leadership, or related discipline preferred
 Meets all state Director Licensing requirements
 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education; Minimum 3–5 years leading a licensed childcare center or school
 Demonstrated responsibility for financial performance and P&L management
 Proven success improving enrollment and retention
 Experience serving employer-sponsored, corporate, healthcare, or university childcare programs preferred

Closing Date for Job:  11/30/2026