Join the dynamic team at The Goddard School® in Maplewood as our Director of Operations! We are looking for a passionate, proactive, and detail-oriented leader to oversee all aspects of school operations with a commitment to excellence in early childhood education. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented team, ensure operational efficiency, maintain compliance with licensing and brand standards, and support both families and faculty while upholding the highest standards of health, safety, and educational quality.
Nurture your growth. Empower your success. Join our welcoming community where you can grow, lead, and make a lasting impact in the lives of children every day. If you’re passionate about education and ready to advance your career, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Administration
· Oversee daily school operations, ensuring compliance with state licensing, brand standards, and health and safety regulations.
· Partner with the Director of Education and School Onsite Operator to maintain excellence in programming, staff performance, and family experience.
· Develop, implement, and uphold school policies and procedures to ensure consistent operational quality.
Staff Management
· Recruit, train, and supervise faculty and administrative staff.
· Conduct performance evaluations and support ongoing professional development.
· Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
· Ensure staff are properly trained and aligned with The Goddard School’s mission and values.
Family and Community Engagement
· Build and maintain strong relationships with families through clear communication and responsive support.
· Address parent concerns with professionalism and empathy.
· Represent the school in community outreach, partnerships, and enrollment initiatives.
Health and Safety
· Ensure a safe, healthy, and well-maintained environment for children, staff, and visitors.
· Conduct regular safety inspections and emergency preparedness drills.
· Oversee implementation of the school’s Quality Assurance, Health, and Safety program.
· Maintain facility cleanliness and compliance with health and sanitation standards.
Procurement & Inventory Management
· Manage all purchasing and inventory processes for classroom, office, and operational supplies.
· Coordinate with vendors to maintain adequate inventory for educational materials, facility needs, and the school’s meal program.
· Organize and distribute supplies to classrooms and staff efficiently.
· Track and monitor spending to ensure alignment with the school’s budget and operational goals.
Payroll & Time Management
· Oversee staff scheduling, time tracking, and attendance to ensure accurate payroll processing.
· Prepare payroll data for submission in coordination with ownership and accounting teams.
· Ensure compliance with all labor laws and internal payroll policies.
Human Resources & Staff Accountability
· Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts to build a strong, engaged team.
· Promote a positive work environment built on trust, respect, and open communication.
· Address staff concerns and conduct performance reviews and coaching conversations as needed.
· Manage documentation and corrective action plans in alignment with school and legal standards.
· Uphold The Goddard School’s standards for ethics, professionalism, and compliance.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree, (preferred Early Childhood Education, Education, Business Administration, or related field).
· Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
· Proven ability to manage staff, operations, and administrative processes in a school or business environment.
· Knowledge of early childhood education principles and state childcare regulations preferred.
· Highly organized with strong time management, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
· A positive, hands-on leader who is adaptable and solution oriented.
· Genuine passion for working with children and supporting educational excellence.
What We Offer
· Competitive compensation based on experience
· Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off (PTO)
· Ongoing professional development and leadership training
· State-of-the-art facilities and resources
· Opportunities for community engagement and outreach
· Affiliation with one of the nation’s leaders in early childhood education
In The Goddard School®’s unique, inquiry-based learning environment, child development is about more than milestones, it’s about turning everyday experiences into teachable moments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Join us in making a difference, every day, every child, every moment.
