Associate Director of School - Early Childhood Education

About the role

Associate Director of School Location: Westfield, NJ Make a difference working at a company that nurtures the whole child! Are you a natural at inspiring and leading a team of passionate teachers? Do you excel at building relationships with families and developing a bright future and love of learning for your students? If you answered YES to these questions, apply to be a Associate Director at Apple Montessori Schools, the largest Montessori in the area.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the School Director in leading the school’s daily operations, culture, and overall performance.
• Serve as the Director’s primary backup and assume leadership responsibility in the Director’s absence.
• Supervise, coach, and hold team members accountable for performance, professionalism, and classroom standards.
• Support employee relations matters, performance conversations, and corrective action in partnership with Human Resources.
• Help lead scheduling, onboarding, retention, and professional development.
• Share ownership of enrollment, family retention, tour conversion, and school revenue goals.
• Manage escalated family concerns and ensure timely, professional resolution.
• Oversee licensing compliance, health and safety practices, required documentation, and audit readiness.
• Analyze school metrics and support action plans related to staffing, enrollment, quality, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with regional and corporate leadership to implement organizational initiatives and school improvement plans.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the school and ensure consistent execution of Apple Montessori Schools’ standards.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• A minimum 3 years’ managerial experience.
• A minimum 3 years of experience in a school setting.
• Capacity to understand and manage center staffing, enrollment and inventory.
• Ability to respond effectively and appropriately in different situations.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to current and prospective families.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate with staff effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook and web-based applications.

Benefits

• Discover our company values: Integrity, Passion, Caring, and Pursuit of Excellence.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees.
• Apple Academy and our ongoing professional development program will give you the tools you need to succeed.
• Our philosophy is “Do what you love. Love what you do” because we make a real meaningful difference in the lives of children.
• Paid time off that helps create a work-life balance for eligible employees.
• Eligible staff members can receive up to 50% off tuition for each child enrolling in one of our schools.
• Discount on personal Verizon Wireless accounts.
• Career Path Opportunities – Grow with Apple!
• Staff Appreciation Days because our employees rock!
• As an IACET Accredited Provider, Apple Montessori Schools offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

Pay

$53,000 - $61,000 annually