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Child Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Collaborates with the Senior Director to establish and implement services that are aligned to ... Experience in child development and effective early intervention practices. CERTIFICATION AND ...

Overview POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) DIRECTOR WORKING TITLE Director-Project Enlightenment SCHOOL ... Experience in child development and effective early intervention practices. CERTIFICATION AND ...

Center Director

Raleigh, NC

$45.70K - $62.70K/yr

Bachelor's degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field. * Must have 2 plus years of experience as a center director in a licensed child care facility * Must have ...

Center Director

Raleigh, NC

$45.70K - $62.70K/yr

Bachelor's degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field. Must have 2 plus years of experience as a center director in a licensed child care facility Must have the ...

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Child Development Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$15.6K

$93K

$173K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Raleigh, NC is $93,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and a relevant degree—often with state-specific director credentials. Knowledge of child assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and relationship-building skills help foster positive environments for children, staff, and families. These abilities ensure high-quality programming, regulatory adherence, and supportive learning environments that promote healthy child development.

What are some common challenges faced by a Child Development Director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Child Development Director often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with fostering a positive, engaging environment for both children and staff. Managing staff turnover, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation can also be demanding. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and building strong relationships with parents and the community are essential strategies to address these challenges. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving helps create a supportive and thriving learning environment.

What does a Child Development Director do?

A Child Development Director oversees the daily operations of early childhood education programs, such as preschools or daycare centers. They are responsible for managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for young children. Their role also includes communicating with parents, setting policies, and maintaining the overall quality of the program. In addition, Child Development Directors often handle budgeting and enrollment processes to ensure the center runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Child Development Director vs Preschool Director?

AspectChild Development DirectorPreschool Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in early childhood education or related field, along with experience in child developmentOften requires a high school diploma or associate's degree, with experience in preschool management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or facilities, focusing on child development policies and staff supervisionManages daily operations of a preschool, including staff, curriculum, and parent relations
Industry UsageUsed in non-profit, government, or large childcare organizationsCommon in private preschools and daycare centers

The Child Development Director typically has a broader scope, focusing on program development and child welfare across multiple settings, while the Preschool Director manages daily operations within a specific preschool. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scale and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Child Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Child Development Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Child Development Director job openings:
Director - Project Enlightenment

Director - Project Enlightenment

Wake County Public School System

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Wake County Public School System rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

451st of 543 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
DIRECTOR
WORKING TITLE
Director-Project Enlightenment
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Project Enlightenment
LOCATION
501 S. Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC
PAY GRADE
Band 2
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Yes
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings or weekends) Position is not available for hybrid telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Administers, develops, and evaluates early education/intervention programs for children birth through kindergarten in Wake County. Collaborates with the Senior Director to establish and implement services that are aligned to district expectations and support department and Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) goals/strategic plans.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of theory and practice of early childhood;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of policies, procedures, programs, plans, and organizational relationships of the entire school system;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office specifically Word and Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
  • Excellent organizational skills;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback; can express facts and ideas in an organized manner;
  • Ability to independently resolve problems and to perform effectively in complex work situations;
  • Ability to develop and implement strategic objectives that improve educational outcomes and align with school system mission and goals;
  • Ability to collaborate with and influence others, build trusting relationships, and deliver projects on time and within budget;
  • Ability to coach and mentor employees;
  • Ability to handle highly confidential material;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, school administrators, teachers, support staff, outside advocacy groups, community members, parents, and vendors, with an expertise in consensus building.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree in education, administration, or related area;
  • Four years of successful teaching experience;
  • Two years of administrative experience;
  • Experience with fiscal and personnel management;
  • Experience in child development and effective early intervention practices.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator's License for School Administrator Principal or Curriculum Instructional Specialist;
  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Strong grant writing skills;
  • Strong public relation skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Provides leadership for the development, coordination, and evaluation of Project Enlightenment's prevention and early intervention services.
  2. Manages and effectively integrates the program's budget components (local funds, grant funds, and other funding sources to support identified services).
  3. Coordinates Project Enlightenment's services as an integral and aligned part of the WCPSS instructional programs.
  4. Develops and administers grants, contracts, and other supplementary resources to support a significant portion of Project Enlightenment's annual personnel and operating costs.
  5. Aligns and manages personnel and program expenditures to meet program needs and requirements within approved WCPSS budget procedures.
  6. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and requirements of each funding source.
  7. Recruits, hires, and oversees evaluation of all Project Enlightenment personnel.
  8. Provides and/or oversees clinical supervision of staff and graduate level interns to meet requirements and assure quality service delivery.
  9. Assures that all requirements for classroom, program, and staff licensure are met and maintained.
  10. Oversees the management of the data collection system that documents and reports services provided by Project Enlightenment.
  11. Coordinates, supervises, and monitors professional development for Project Enlightenment staff and for Project Enlightenment training provided for schools, the district, and community.
  12. Oversees and coordinates any maintenance, renovation, furniture and equipment use, and security of the facility and adjacent grounds.
  13. Represents Project Enlightenment, OEL, and the school district on local committees and collaboratives.
  14. Keeps current on the latest trends, developments, and research in early childhood education, child development, early intervention and advises the Board of Education.
  15. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates in a professional office and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, parents, staff members of external agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work requires driving automotive equipment.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/2026
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976