Regional Director – Early Childhood Education

About the role

Are you a proven multi-site operations leader who thrives on developing people, driving performance, and creating exceptional experiences? Our client seeks a Regional Director to oversee a portfolio of 13 early childhood education schools across North Carolina and South Carolina. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll partner with School Directors to elevate operational excellence, strengthen financial performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster high-quality educational environments where children, families, and team members thrive. The territory includes 7 schools in Mecklenburg County, NC; 1 school in New Hanover County, NC; 1 school in Guilford County, NC; 1 school in Raleigh, NC; 1 school in Asheville, NC; and 2 schools in York County, SC. A preferred home base is Charlotte, NC (candidates from Greensboro/Guilford County are also encouraged to apply).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a portfolio of 13 early childhood education schools.
• Coach, mentor, and develop School Directors to achieve operational and financial goals.
• Drive enrollment growth, revenue, profitability, and overall business performance.
• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations, company policies, and quality standards.
• Monitor key financial metrics and identify opportunities to improve performance.
• Partner with Directors to develop strategic operating plans and achieve growth objectives.
• Foster a culture focused on child safety, educational excellence, and exceptional customer service.
• Build strong relationships with families, community partners, and internal leadership.
• Communicate organizational initiatives and implement company-wide programs across the region.
• Travel regularly throughout the assigned territory to provide hands-on leadership and support.

Requirements

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience managing multiple locations, preferably 5 or more sites.
• Proven ability to lead leaders and build high-performing teams.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the assigned region.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends as business needs require.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in early childhood education, education, childcare, franchised operations, healthcare, hospitality, retail, or another multi-site service environment.
• Experience with North Carolina Pre-K or MEC Pre-K programs is a plus, but not required.
• Montessori or accreditation experience is helpful but not required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $80,000–$105,000.
• Annual bonus opportunity based on company performance and key business metrics.
• Hybrid work schedule with flexibility to work from home Mondays and Fridays.
• 100% child care discount for Regional Leaders.
• Paid Time Off that begins accruing immediately.
• 9 paid holidays, including MLK Day and Juneteenth.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and educators across an entire region.

Pay

The position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000–$105,000, with an annual bonus opportunity tied to company performance and key business metrics.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role: work from your home office on Mondays and Fridays, and spend Tuesdays through Thursdays supporting schools throughout the region.