Executive School Director - New School

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🎉 Join the Founding Team at Our Brand-New Preschool in LaGrange Park, Illinois 🎉

Position Overview:

Job Title: Executive School Director - New School

Reports To: District Manager

Location: LaGrange Park, IL

Are you an experienced, passionate early childhood leader ready to launch and lead a brand-new school community? Join us as the Executive School Director at our newest preschool location, opening in Winter 2026!

At The Gardner School, we believe in providing a nurturing, academically focused environment where children thrive—and where leaders like you inspire excellence every day. As the Executive School Director of our newest school, you’ll be at the helm of building a high-performing team, cultivating family partnerships, and bringing our mission and values to life from Day One.

The Executive School Director at The Gardner School is a dynamic leader responsible for fostering a positive educational environment, driving operational excellence, and upholding The Gardner School’s mission, vision, and values. This role requires a hands-on leader who can inspire, mentor, and manage a team, while maintaining high standards of educational quality, compliance, operational efficiency, and community engagement.  In addition to upholding a positive brand image for The Gardner School within the community, the Executive School Director drives the school’s financial performance, meeting key objectives through effective operational management, team leadership, and strategic planning. The Executive School Director plays a critical role in shaping the school’s success and reputation.

What You’ll Do:

• 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

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: The starting salary range for this position is $58,000-$73,000 annually. Actual pay will depend on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and education. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for a quarterly, performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Meet Illinois Child Care Director Licensing Standards for education and experience (Required)
• Bachelor’s degree (Required).  Master’s degree (preferred).  Prefer degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Development, Education Administration, Business or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years in licensed childcare with at least one year as a Director or supervising a childcare program with a track record of team management, operational oversight, and community engagement (Required).
• Experience with startup of childcare center (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, financial, organizational, and communication skills; proficiency with relevant software, including Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated proficiency in budget management, financial analysis, and resource allocation to support the school’s financial health and growth targets
• Skilled in optimizing school operations, managing workflows, and maintaining high standards in both educational quality and compliance.
• Strong understanding of licensing standards
• Capable of problem solving by assessing situations quickly and developing solutions that align with school objectives and benefit the school community.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
• Ability to manage time effectively and efficiently
• Ability to multi-task
• Regular and reliable attendance
• Engages effectively with families, Team Members, and community partners, fostering trust, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to operate computer, phone and other office equipment as needed
• Ability to lift and carry children up to 60 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.