Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Center Director – The Goddard School® (Renton)

Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000 per year

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday

The Goddard School® is seeking an experienced, visionary Center Director to lead our high‑quality early childhood education program. We are looking for a motivated, relationship‑driven leader who is passionate about nurturing young minds, supporting educators, and fostering a warm, engaging school community.

As a leader in premium early childhood education for more than 30 years, The Goddard School® provides a play‑based, academically endorsed curriculum that supports children’s cognitive, physical, and social‑emotional development. Our Directors ensure that this mission comes to life every day through exceptional programming, strong family partnerships, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• School Leadership & Operations Oversee daily school operations, ensuring high‑quality educational programming, smooth HR processes, and compliance with state licensing and Goddard QA standards.
• Team Development Recruit, train, coach, and inspire a team of dedicated early childhood educators. Foster a collaborative, growth‑oriented culture where teachers thrive.
• Family & Community Engagement Build strong relationships with families, staff, community partners, and licensing authorities. Maintain high enrollment through proactive communication and exceptional service.
• Educational Excellence Partner with the leadership team to implement curriculum, provide ongoing teacher support, and introduce innovative programs such as STEAM, phonics, and Wonder of Learning.
• Communication & Culture Building Lead center communication efforts, including newsletters, monthly themes, and social media content to strengthen community connection.
• Safety & Quality Assurance Maintain updated policies, handbooks, and emergency plans. Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
• Strategic Growth Use data and best practices to enhance enrollment, support revenue growth, and continuously improve school performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Director certification or required WA state credentials (min 45 ECE)
• Minimum 2–3 years of successful preschool or center leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and STEAM‑based curriculum
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to lead teams, build relationships, and manage school operations
• Demonstrated success increasing enrollment and implementing new programs
• Ability to work between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development through Goddard Systems University (IACET‑accredited CEUs)
• State‑of‑the‑art facilities and resources
• Opportunities for community involvement
• A supportive, mission‑driven environment focused on high‑quality early education

If you are ready to inspire educators, empower young learners, and lead a thriving early childhood community, we invite you to apply and join The Goddard School® family.
Compensation: $75,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year

This Is Your Moment

The joy of childhood comes from those bright sparks of discovery -- moments that delight and surprise us. Your career at The Goddard School can be just as exciting. For more than 35 years, Goddard Schools have put each teacher at the heart of everything we do because teachers put each student at the heart of everything they do. The Goddard School trusts, empowers, and honors its exceptional educators. Develop your teaching skills in a vibrant and nurturing environment and make a difference in children's lives every day.

Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.