Assistant Director Early Childhood Education

JOB TITLE - Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

Full-time 12 months Monday - Friday

Location: 1802 S. 17th Street in the heart of Wilmington NC

Spark Academy is seeking an Assistant Director to support our mission of providing high-quality early childhood education. This role blends leadership and organization - with occasional hands-on classroom support - while leading front desk operations and managing key admissions and enrollment functions. If youre passionate about early learning and thrive in a dynamic environment wed love to hear from you.

This role is based on-site at Spark Academy (1802 S. 17th Street Wilmington North Carolina). Spark Academy operates year-round Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. This position is on-site only and reports to the Director of Spark Academy.

Responsibilities:

As the Assistant Director you will work closely with the Director to ensure the school operates smoothly while maintaining a warm engaging and educational environment for children and staff. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead front desk operations and be a main point of contact for families visitors and staff ensuring a welcoming and responsive environment
• Oversee admissions & enrollment processes including: communicating consistently and clearly with prospective families managing inquiries scheduling and leading tours processing applications receiving offers to enroll filing enrollment paperwork and maintaining waitlist
• Monitor enrollment and maintain accurate records of childrens attendance progress and requirements
• Manage and collect weekly tuition payments ensuring accurate financial record-keeping and communication with families
• Oversee the Spark Academys Food & Nutrition program including support in weekly menu planning and special activities/holidays
• Assist the Director in managing daily center operations ensuring a safe engaging and developmentally appropriate environment for children
• Assist the Director in supporting staff recruitment hiring onboarding training and performance evaluation
• Serve as the lead administrator for recruiting hiring and onboarding substitutes
• Support the organization in maintaining compliance with state licensing regulations accreditation standards and organizational policies
• Build strong relationships with families addressing concerns and ensuring open communication
• Step into classrooms when needed to support ratios and classroom management
• In collaboration with the Director plan and implement professional development opportunities to support staff growth and retention
• Attend meetings with Beacon Educations leadership team as required
• Act as the Directors representative in their absence making operational decisions as needed
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/designee
  

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education Child Development or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education with leadership or administrative experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of child development principles licensing regulations and best practices in early learning
• Excellent leadership communication and organizational skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children families and staff
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Familiarity with software used for enrollment tuition processing and center operations preferred

Compensation:

• Annual Salary between $42000 - $50000 based on education and experience

Benefits:

At Spark Academy we believe in taking care of the people who care for our students. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health insurance with 80% of the premium paid by the employer
• Employer-paid dental long-term disability and life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits available at the employees expense
• An industry-leading 401(k) program with employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual
• Discounted childcare for employees dependents
• Up to $1000 in training assistance annually

Organizational Overview:

At Spark Academy we believe every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning - no matter their background. As a state-of-the-art mixed-income Early Childhood Development Center we provide a nurturing inclusive environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years supporting their cognitive social and emotional growth.

As part of Beacon Educations mission to close achievement and opportunity gaps Spark Academy proudly joins the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW Academy) in advancing educational excellence across North Carolina.

Together we are shaping brighter futures through innovative teaching community partnership and unwavering commitment to student success.

Learn more:

Beacon Education

Spark Academy

GLOW Academy

Required Experience:

Director