EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Proven experience as a Bright Horizons 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.
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• 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 ½ 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.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

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.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.