Leadership and Professional Learning Assistant Director

At The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued. As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner, the organization is nationally recognized, based entirely on employee feedback, for trust, purpose, and care. This position plays an important role in advancing our mission and supporting the communities we serve. Job Summary The Assistant Director of Leadership and Professional Learning supports the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in strengthening professional growth, instructional quality, credential advancement, and leadership development for educators across The Centers’ Early Learning programs, including directly operated early learning centers and designated delegate and affiliate sites. This position assists with the implementation and coordination of systems that promote continuous learning and professional excellence among early childhood educators. The Assistant Director supports coaching and professional learning initiatives that strengthen teacher practice, support effective curriculum implementation, develop emerging leaders, improve staff morale and engagement, and promote clear pathways for credential and career advancement. Working under the direction of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and in collaboration with the Education and Family Service leadership team, early childhood teachers, and external partners, the Assistant Director helps ensure educators are supported from recruitment and onboarding through credential attainment, degree completion, leadership development, and career advancement. Job Qualifications Required Skills: Master's degree in early childhood education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Ohio Approved Trainer through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA), or ability to obtain approval. Child Development Association (CDA) Content Trainer and Professional Development Specialist. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Early Childhood Education, professional learning, coaching, or Early Learning leadership, with strong background experience in a Head Start program preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of experience designing and facilitating professional development training for early childhood educators, specifically Ohio-approved professional development through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA). Demonstrated background in curriculum and instruction, including experience developing curriculum, supporting instructional practices, implementing curriculum, and creating professional learning content for adult learners. Experience providing CDA training and supporting staff pursuing Child Development Associate credential attainment. Strong organizational, coaching, facilitation, collaboration, and project coordination skills. Preferred Skills Knowledge of Ohio's Professional Development Registry, credentialing systems, and licensing requirements preferred. Job Duties & Responsibilities Staff Onboarding & New Employee Success Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive onboarding program for all Early Learning staff. Design onboarding experiences that ensure new educators successfully transition into classroom environments and the organizational culture. Coordinate structured onboarding rotations that provide new teachers and Family Development Professionals with hands-on experience in Infant/Toddler (MIT), Preschool, Specialized Classrooms, and Smart Start Home Visiting. Develop onboarding resources, checklists, orientation materials, and individualized support plans for new staff. Partner with Site Managers and Early Learning leadership to monitor onboarding progress and ensure successful integration into assigned classrooms. Evaluate onboarding outcomes and implement improvements based on staff feedback and performance data. Professional Development & Leadership Development Coordinate and facilitate high-quality professional learning opportunities for Early Learning leadership, administration, site staff, and delegate and affiliate partners aligned with organizational goals, licensing requirements, and best practices in early childhood education. Support leadership development pathways that prepare Site Managers and teachers for expanded leadership roles within the organization. Identify professional learning needs through classroom observations, coaching data, credential reviews, and program outcomes. Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to create specialized training, leadership academies, and career advancement opportunities. Coordinate with internal and external trainers to ensure high-quality professional learning experiences across service areas. Collect, analyze, and utilize Professional Development Day data to evaluate effectiveness and guide future learning initiatives. Staff Credentialing & Career Advancement Monitor credential expiration dates, educational progress, and professional development requirements to ensure compliance. Guide teachers through educational planning, credential attainment, degree completion, and career advancement opportunities. Serve as a CDA content trainer and Professional Development Specialist, assessing candidates by conducting verification visits, observing classrooms, and leading reflective dialogues. Support TEACH implementation and connect staff with educational resources, scholarships, coaching, and training opportunities that support continued professional growth. Partner with local and state colleges and universities to provide learning opportunities at early learning sites and access to employment opportunities. Develop individualized professional growth plans that align employee career goals with organizational workforce development initiatives. Coaching & Instructional Support Provide coaching and mentoring to teachers to support effective implementation of professional learning within classrooms. Promote evidence-based child development and instructional practices through ongoing coaching and technical assistance. Support Site Managers in addressing site-specific instructional needs, team development, and staff engagement. Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Early Learning leadership on staffing transitions, classroom assignments, and workforce planning related to professional learning and instructional support. Serve as a resource for teachers and families by providing expertise in child development, curriculum implementation, and best practices. Supervisory Provides supervisory oversight for Early Learning staff at The Centers, including approximately five to six (5–6) staff members, and supports oversight of delegate services through Catholic Charities across four (4) sites. About The Centers The Centers provide health, family, and workforce services at 11 locations throughout Greater Cleveland, creating life-changing solutions for people to lead healthier and more successful lives. We strive to be a service-oriented workplace that pioneers and co-creates solutions while fostering belonging in a community where our team members thrive. Our Early Learning Centers and programs provides high-quality care for children during the critical first 2,000 days of life by operating seven high-quality early learning centers, serving children birth through five years old, in Cleveland and the inner-ring suburbs. Because of our high standards, all sites achieved a 5-Star rating on the Step-Up-To-Quality Rating and been recognized and selected to be part of Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) and PRE4CLE. Wellbeing and Benefits Providing quality benefits to our staff is important to us. Just as important is our staff’s well-being. That’s why we offer a number of choices to meet the different needs of our staff. Choice of medical and dental plans Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Account for Health and Dependent Care Vision Support for continuing education and credential renewal Life Insurance Retirement Savings (401k) with a company contribution Mental Health Support Employee Assistance Program Calm Subscription Short and Longterm Disability The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.