Academy Director – Shape Bright Futures with Brightside Academy

Are you a dynamic, compassionate leader who believes in the power of early education? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment where your leadership can ignite potential in others? If you’re ready to take the next step in your career — and in the lives of children — we want to meet you.

At Brightside Academy, we do more than provide childcare. We cultivate bright futures. With more than 30 years of experience in delivering high quality early childhood education across over 30 locations in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, our nationally recognized curriculum and nurturing staff create safe, high-quality learning environments where every child is seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

But it all starts with you — a leader who brings energy, accountability, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.

What We’re Looking For:

• Leadership with heart: You’ve overseen teams and guided programs that center on children’s growth and well-being.

• Experience with impact: At least 2 years of experience in a child-focused or education leadership role.

• Ambition with purpose: You’re driven by mission, not ego — and excited to align with a team that values integrity, equity, service, and lifelong learning.

Why Brightside?

• A supportive team culture rooted in community and collaboration.

• Professional development and clear growth pathways for future leaders.

• Modern, well-equipped centers designed for exploration, creativity, and learning.

• A chance to lead with values — and be part of something truly meaningful.

If you’re ready to lead boldly, mentor intentionally, and help shape the next generation — join Brightside Academy and grow with us.

Apply today and bring your leadership to life.
Together, we build bright futures.

We offer highly competitive wages, and our team members enjoy a multitude of benefits such as * Medical Plan options, * Dental/Vision Plan options, * FREE Short-Term Disability, * 9 Paid Holidays, * Up to 25 Paid Time Off Days, * 401(k) Traditional & Roth Plans with Company Match, * FREE Life Insurance coverage, * Additional & affordable Group Term Life Benefits, * Life Assistance Program, * Commuter Benefits, * Child Care Discounts, * Team Member Discount Programs, * Travel & Identify Theft Assistance, * Credit Union Partnership, * Employee Engagement events, * Bonus opportunities, * Professional Development Educational Opportunities and Credentialing Assistance, * FREE CDA Certification training, * Various Professional & Personal Continuing Learning Opportunities and Career Advancement, * Support from all levels within the company, * Our continued efforts to making Brightside Academy a Great Place to Work

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily academy operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging atmosphere for children and staff.

• Ensure full compliance with all state licensing regulations, accrediting bodies, CACFP, and Brightside Academy policies.

• Create and maintain a high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes educational excellence, social-emotional growth, and school readiness.

• Maintain adherence to budgetary goals by managing expenses to support center profitability.

• Drive enrollment by earning parent trust and satisfaction; minimize student withdrawals through responsive engagement.

• Lead and mentor staff by setting clear expectations, inspiring performance, and holding team members accountable.

• Maintain consistent staff/child ratios and manage scheduling to support classroom needs.

• Facilitate high-quality instruction by ensuring curriculum fidelity, reviewing lesson plans, and using assessment tools to monitor progress.

• Conduct parent/child interviews prior to enrollment and serve as a liaison to address concerns and answer questions.

• Onboard new staff members effectively, ensuring a smooth transition into their roles.

• Monitor and manage inventory to ensure adequate resources and supplies are available.

• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization of the facility; escalate safety or maintenance issues promptly.

• Utilize company scorecard data to guide improvements and meet operational goals.

• Provide clear, timely, and effective communication to all academy staff regarding company updates and expectations.

• Participate in business management functions and reporting as required.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Core Competencies & Proficiencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Friendly, approachable demeanor with the ability to be firm when necessary

• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively

• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving

• Intermediate reasoning and critical thinking skills

Qualifications & Education

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in one of the following:

  • Early Childhood Education (ECE), or

  • Elementary Education with at least 18 ECE credits, or

  • Related field with at least 30 ECE credits and a Director’s Credential

• Leadership experience in an educational or childcare setting

• Strong interpersonal and team management skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer systems

Compensation & Opportunity

Brightside Academy offers a performance-based compensation model.
Our Directors have significant opportunities to increase their earnings based on achievable performance metrics. The posted salary range reflects potential earnings and growth within the role.

To learn more go to: https://www.brightsideacademy.com/careers

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