Child Care Field Center Director

Our competitive salary range is $85,000 to $101,000 per year. Salary is determined by your level of education and experience in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

The Field Director is responsible for fostering an environment that allows children, their families and the staff to develop to their full potential while a permanent Director is not in place at the location. The Field Director is accountable for program operation that exceeds National Association for the Education of Young Criteria (NAEYC) criteria and incorporates Bright Horizons mission, organizational goals, values (HEART Principles,) philosophies, and policies and development of an inclusive environment and positive relationships with children, families and clients. Field Directors will review important decisions with the Regional Manager of the assigned center/school. Field Director will perform all major functions/responsibilities of the Director.

Because a National Field Director is required to travel frequently, they must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to ensure compliance with enhanced health and safety protocols and to keep themselves and others safe and free from illness.

• Assume management of a center/school on a temporary basis.
• Serve as a positive representative of the organization for centers/school in transitional situations: acquisitions, new center/school openings, Director changes, maternity leaves, etc.
• Establish positive working relationships with staff, families and client. Strive to know all the children in the program.
• Evaluate each situation, problem solve and individualize goals within established time frame, while keeping the Regional Manager updated of the situation.
• Provide clarification and guidance to new center Director, staff and parents/guardians on Bright Horizons policies, procedures and philosophies.
• Become familiar with licensing regulations for each state assigned to, as well as other local agencies, such as the Department of Social Services and Board of Health.
• Ensure health & safety and licensing guidelines are upheld. Confirm all inspections are current including: health, building and licensing.
• Verify the location has the Bright Horizons resources needed to operate: For example, computer, financial and payroll systems, manuals, employee and parent/guardian handbooks.
• Train or arrange training for new staff in payroll system, computer, New Employee Orientation and
• Regional Employee Orientation, program initiatives, i.e. The World At Their Fingertips, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid and CPR.
• Serve as a mentor for new Directors entering the Bright Horizons community.
• Support other Directors with marketing, recruitment, licensing, etc., as needed.

• Meet regularly with Regional Manager to be debriefed on center/school issues.
• Spend first weeks getting to know children, staff, parents/guardians and client.
• Project positive image/feeling toward Bright Horizons.
• Provide a reassuring presence for staff, parents/guardians and client.
• Provide regular communication through memos, newsletters, individual and group meetings, e-mail and voicemail. Conduct individual meetings with client, Assistant Director, Education Coordinators, Lead Teachers and Parent/Guardian Advisory Board President to gain information for planning and goal setting.
• Listen to and resolve concerns; clarify misconceptions.
• Develop action plan. Set and evaluate goals.
• Introduce, gradually, Bright Horizons philosophies and policies at acquired centers/schools.
• Fulfill all Director responsibilities as outlined in the Director Job Description for ongoing center/school management.
• Continue with staff recruitment and enrollment as appropriate.
• Address, immediately, any issues regarding staff performance, parent concerns, health & safety, licensing or facility issues. Inform Regional Manager of all issues and involve them in the decision making process.
• Ensure the smooth transition of new Director as appropriate. Provide training and support in all areas of job responsibility.
• Regularly attend local Director meetings and trainings to keep up to date on company policies and procedures, when possible.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education is required
• NYS Teaching Certification (B-2, N-6, 1-6, Special Education) is required

Experience

• At least three years of center supervisory experience in a high-quality program required, experience working in a NAEYC-accredited center strongly preferred
• At least three years of professional teaching experience with infant to preschool children required

• Proven experience as a Center Director or Assistant Director.
• Frequent travel. Willingness/ability to travel and be away for long periods of time: weeks and months. Arrangements will be made to travel home every two weeks.*
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Sensitivity and responsiveness to needs of families, staff and clients. Personal/professional characteristics: flexible, outgoing, level-headed, confident, motivational and independent. Takes initiative. Is a team builder.
• Must be proficient in proper way to carry out all company procedures and policies related to computer, payroll, benefits, parent/guardian policies, We Care, etc.
• There may also be Local Field Directors. The same responsibilities and background requirements apply except they travel only within commuting distance of their home. All Field Directors (local or national) must be willing to commute at least 1 1⁄2 hours each way to a center/school for their temporary assignment. (Mileage beyond 10 miles each way or 20 miles round trip will be reimbursed.)
• Additionally, there are part-time Local Field Directors. The same responsibilities and background requirements apply except these Directors are not guaranteed full-time hours. Field Directors are not guaranteed set Bright Horizons hours.

The range of compensation listed here or that may be discussed in the interview process is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Our people are the heart of our company. Because we're as committed to our own employees as we are to the children and families we serve, our collaborative workplaces are designed to grow careers and support personal lives. Here, you'll find traditional perks (health insurance, 401(k), PTO, and flex spending), education assistance (including access to free CDA and ECE degrees), and so much more. Come build a brighter future with us.

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Bright Horizons is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following EEO is the Law Poster: EEO – English and EEO – Spanish along with information on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the recruitment helpdesk at or Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.