Preschool Executive Director
The Goddard School in Alexandria Old Town, VA seeks an accomplished Preschool Executive Director to provide strategic leadership for our large, thriving educational community serving 200 children. This is a senior executive position requiring 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in private preschool / early childhood education settings.
As Executive Director, you'll orchestrate all aspects of a complex educational enterprise, leading a seasoned management team including Operations, Education, and Assistant Directors while ensuring excellence across business operations, educational programming, and facility management.
Executive Leadership Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for a 200-child educational institution
- Oversee and integrate efforts of Operations Director, Education Director, and Assistant Director to ensure cohesive organizational performance
- Develop and execute strategic growth plans to maximize enrollment and revenue streams
Business & Financial Management
Full P&L responsibility with oversight of multi-million dollar operating budgetDrive financial performance through enrollment optimization, cost management, and new revenue developmentAnalyze financial metrics and implement data-driven decisions to ensure profitabilityOversee business development for enrichment programs and auxiliary servicesEducational Excellence
Ensure educational programs meet or exceed Goddard corporate standards and Virginia Department of Education licensing requirementsFoster innovation in early childhood education while maintaining brand consistencyOperations & Facilities Oversight
Strategic oversight of daily operations while empowering direct reports to execute operational excellenceOversee facility management including maintenance, safety, and optimization of our expanded campusMaintain Virginia Department of Education licensing standards and all state regulationsOrganizational Development
Oversee talent acquisition, development, and retention strategiesFoster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growthEnsure staff meet all state and Goddard-specific training requirementsCommunity & Stakeholder Relations
Build strategic partnerships to enhance the school's reputation and enrollmentLead marketing and enrollment strategies to maintain full capacityRequired Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred)Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in private preschool / early childhood education settingsDemonstrated experience managing operations of 150+ children facilitiesProven track record of P&L management and business growthStrong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million dollar budgetsOutstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilitiesComprehensive knowledge of early childhood education best practices and state regulationsMust meet all Virginia Department of Education requirements for program directorsPreferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Education Administration, Business Administration, or related fieldTrack record of successful revenue diversification in educational settingsNational (NAEYC) accreditation experienceMulti-site management experienceJoin us at the intersection of educational excellence and business success. Lead a purpose-driven team shaping the futureone child, one family, one educator at a time.