Regional Director of Operations (Wakefield)

Your interest in this position is very important to us. We will respond to your application within one business day.Our client is seeking an innovative, people-first leader to join their premier preschool organization as a Regional Director of Operations, overseeing up to eight locations in the North Shore/Wakefield, Massachusetts area.This role requires an agile problem-solver and inspiring leader with a strong background as an ECE Center Director. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, passionate about building teams, driving operational excellence, and creating high-quality learning environments for children.This is a Direct Hire position with the businessMonday - Friday; year-round employmentCompensationBase salary $105,000 - $115,000/year10 % Performance-based annual bonusBenefitsMedical/Dental/Vision insurance offered401(k)Paid time offPaid holidaysProfessional development opportunitiesChildcare DiscountOverviewThe Regional Director of Operations plays a vital part in shaping the culture, quality, and success of early childhood education programs. By supporting School Directors, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance, this position directly impacts the learning environments provided for children and the supportive, inclusive workplace offered to staff. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and attention to detail, this role ensures each school operates at its highest potentialaligned with our client's mission, values, and commitment to excellence in early education. Additionally, the Regional Director of Operations participates in cross-company projects and initiatives and supports harmonizing policies and procedures across the organization.ResponsibilitiesOversee and manage all operational functions of 6-8 schools within the assigned territory, including direct supervision of School Directors.Oversee and manage all facilities-related functions within the assigned territory, including direct supervision of the Facilities Manager.Provide strong leadership and support to all stakeholdersstaff, children, families, early childhood education professionals, community partners, vendors, and contractors.Clearly communicate company goals and expectations to direct reports and ensure follow-through, understanding, and compliance.Uphold and model the company's mission, core values, and culture in all interactions and communications.Ensure that all child-to-teacher ratios comply with state early education licensing requirements.Collaborate with the Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement an annual training plan for School Directors.Ensure full compliance with all state-mandated early education laws, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.Implement and monitor all childcare financial assistance (voucher) regulations and program guidelines.Enforce company policies and procedures as outlined in employee and family handbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs).Demonstrate expert knowledge of childcare licensing regulations, including preparing for licensure visits, communicating with state licensors, and adapting to regulatory changes.Maintain compliance with licensing and quality standards by scheduling school staff within budgeted payroll guidelines.Serve as Interim Director in the event of a leadership vacancy, ensuring continuity of school operations and compliance.Operations TasksAdminister school audits to measure and provide feedback on quality.Establish and maintain a regular visitation schedule for all schools within the assigned region.Perform outreach activities to ensure staff and families alike are having a positive experience at the region's schools.Ensure that School Directors have access to your time and can express their desires and concerns.Perform annual performance reviews of all direct reports and advise leadership on recommendations for raises, promotions, performance plans, and case of an issue that the Director cannot resolve, serve as primary customer service terview, hire, and train School Directors with the approval of the Chief Operating Officer.Ensure the smooth operation of schools' day-to-day operations.Work with the schools social worker, Directors, and teachers to ensure behavior plans are in compliance with company standards.Oversee and manage the Mentorship Program with assistance from the school Directors.Maintain and support Directors and school facilities, including maintenance, IT, and inventory.Make sure school leadership replenishes classroom supplies and materials regularly.With the support of the Executive Leadership Team, conduct licensing, furnishing, opening, hiring, and training for new start-up schools.Maintain an anti-bias and anti-racism culture throughout the school.Marketing, Recruitment, and Financial Management TasksSupport all regional and school-level marketing outreach, enrollment, and staffing efforts.Hold school-level enrollment meetings to continuously manage and improve enrollment to meet set goals.Hold school-level recruiting meetings to continuously improve and manage classroom staffing to meet set goals.Ensure the schools financial health.Supervise regional and school budgets, supporting Directors in adhering to projections and budgets and in meeting organizational goals and objectives.Effectively manage and oversee school budgets with each School Director.Manage processes for meeting KPIs and financial plans.Hold Directors accountable for meeting school financial municate with Executive Leadership Team when financial goals or KPIs will not be met.Model and Foster Outstanding LeadershipProject a positive image and a neat, professional appearance at a higher standard than other municate concerns and non-compliances immediately to the Executive Leadership Team.Proactively pursue the professional development of every staff member, ensuring staff attend at least 20 hours per year of training and development, including 33% in the special needs area.Develop an internal pipeline of candidates trained and seeking advancement in the organization to roles of Assistant Directors and Directors.Develop positive relationships and foster team building across schools and employees.Attend training sessions, workshops, and seminars to expand the knowledge base and provide improved practices for the organization. Additionally, support the development of biannual Professional Development content, as well as quarterly leadership Professional Development content.Follow the Executive Leadership Teams direction and demonstrate flexibility in accepting tasks delegated.Physical RequirementsIt is possible to stand and move for 60 percent of the day without discomfort.Performing computer work for long periods as needed.Lifting capacity of 25 pounds.PrerequisitesMinimum five years of progressive leadership in early education organizations.Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication, especially in building and managing relationships.Demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and advocacy skills as an individual and team player.Solid business acumen, management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Experience managing multi-unit operations.The ability and willingness to work a full-time schedule that could include weekends and nights as necessary.

Created: 2025-09-23