The Gardner School
District Support Director
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District Support Director
Position Summary
The District Support Director is a district-level school leadership role that provides operational and leadership support across multiple schools within The Gardner School. Reporting to the District Manager, this role serves as a flexible leadership resource for the district, supporting schools with operational execution, leadership coverage, team support, and key school initiatives based on business needs.
This position partners closely with Executive School Directors and school leadership teams to help ensure operational consistency, strong execution, and a high-quality experience for children, families, and team members. The role may support schools during leadership transitions, staffing gaps, enrollment growth, onboarding periods, or other operational priorities.
The District Support Director serves as both a district operational support leader and a developmental pathway toward future school-level Director opportunities. Through hands-on leadership assignments and partnership with Executive School Directors and the District Manager, this role provides exposure to the operational, leadership, and business responsibilities of leading a school.
As future Director opportunities become available, the District Support Director may be considered based on demonstrated performance, leadership readiness, organizational needs, and fit for the specific school. Placement into a future Director role is not guaranteed and will be determined through the company’s selection process.
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range for this position is $61,800–$92,700 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, education, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.
Eligible team members may also participate in The Gardner School’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; a 401(k) with company match; company-paid life insurance; professional development opportunities; childcare tuition discounts; and other voluntary benefit offerings.
Primary Responsibilities
School Leadership and Operational Support
- Provide leadership coverage and operational support across district schools based on business and staffing needs.
- Support schools during leadership transitions, leaves, staffing gaps, enrollment growth, onboarding periods, or other operational needs.
- Partner with Executive School Directors and school leadership teams to support day-to-day operations and maintain alignment with The Gardner School standards and expectations.
- Help ensure consistency in operational execution, family experience, and leadership practices across district schools.
- Support classroom coverage and staffing coordination when needed to maintain safe and effective school operations.
- Identify operational gaps, escalate concerns appropriately, and support follow-through on action items and priorities.
- Support compliance with Massachusetts EEC licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and company policies.
- Help maintain organized school operations, licensing readiness, and documentation standards.
- Support enrollment-related activities, including tours, family follow-up, lead management, and execution of school enrollment priorities.
- Assist with budget and financial activities, including labor management, supply oversight, expense awareness, and follow-through on district or school financial priorities.
- Assist with scheduling, ratio management, opening and closing responsibilities, and daily operational organization.
- Provide additional leadership support during high-volume periods, school events, enrollment initiatives, or special projects.
- Support the implementation and follow-through of company and district initiatives, operational priorities, and best practices across schools.
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Leadership and Team Support
- Support Executive School Directors and Assistant Directors with operational priorities, team support, and school initiatives.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members across district schools.
- Support the onboarding, coaching, and development of school team members.
- Help reinforce a positive, collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented culture.
- Support family communication and service recovery efforts as needed.
- Model the leadership presence, sound judgment, professionalism, flexibility, and accountability expected of a future school Director.
Director Readiness and Leadership Development
- Partner with Executive School Directors and the District Manager to build readiness for future school-level Director opportunities.
- Develop experience across the full scope of school leadership, including staffing, enrollment, family relationships, compliance, team development, financial performance, and operational planning.
- Take increasing ownership of school-level priorities and leadership responsibilities based on demonstrated readiness and district needs.
- Participate in leadership development experiences and district-level initiatives designed to broaden operational knowledge and leadership capability.
- Continue developing decision-making, communication, organizational, financial, and people-leadership skills through hands-on district support assignments.
- Receive ongoing coaching and feedback regarding performance, readiness, and development priorities for potential advancement.
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Qualifications
- Must meet Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care requirements to be Director II qualified at the time of hire.
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, business, or a related field preferred.
- Previous leadership experience in an early childhood education environment required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing operational and school needs.
- Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with multiple school teams.
- Working knowledge of Massachusetts EEC licensing standards and early childhood school operations.
- Demonstrated interest in and readiness to continue developing toward full school-level leadership.
- Ability to travel regularly between schools within the district.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Frequent travel between schools within the district is required.
- Ability to move throughout the school environment, including classrooms and playgrounds.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to supervise children and support classroom operations as needed.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule based on school and business needs.
The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
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