Founding School Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FOUNDING SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Primrose School of Westmont

$75,000–$90,000 base salary + performance bonus opportunity

Placement within the range reflects overall leadership experience, ECE leadership experience,

Illinois Director Credential level, and center enrollment size background.

Full-time | Westmont, IL

Build Something Special: Become the Founding Director of Primrose School of Westmont

Are you an experienced early childhood leader ready for the opportunity to build and shape an exceptional school from the very beginning?

Primrose School of Westmont is seeking a passionate and driven Founding School Director to lead the opening and ongoing success of our new premier early education and care school. This is a unique opportunity to create a positive culture from day one—recruiting and developing an outstanding teaching team, building trusted relationships with families, and establishing a school known for excellence.

As part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools family, you’ll have the support of a proven approach to early education through our exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, while also partnering closely with local owners who are committed to creating an exceptional environment for children, families, and teachers.

•      Lead a school designed to serve one of the western suburbs’ premier family communities, with ownership committed to quality, long-term investment, and operational excellence

•      The opportunity to launch and lead a brand-new, state-of-the-art early childhood education center

•      A leadership role where your ideas, experience, and passion will help shape the school culture

•      Supportive and engaged local ownership committed to investing in our team

•      The nationally recognized Primrose Balanced Learning® curriculum and operating systems

•      A warm, professional environment focused on children, families, and teacher success

•      A collaborative leadership culture that supports professional growth and sustainable success

•      Base salary: $75,000–$90,000 + performance bonus opportunity

•      Health, dental, and vision insurance

•      401(k)

•      Paid time off and paid holidays

•      Subsidized tuition for your children enrolled at the school

•      Professional development support and continuing education assistance

As the leader of Primrose School of Westmont, you will:

•      Build, inspire, and support a team of exceptional early childhood educators

•      Create a positive culture where teachers feel valued and children thrive

•      Develop meaningful relationships with families and the surrounding community

•      Lead enrollment growth and deliver an outstanding family experience

•      Ensure a safe, healthy environment that meets the highest standards of care

•      Oversee daily school operations, staffing, compliance, and financial performance

•      Partner with ownership to continuously improve and strengthen the school

•      3+ years of leadership experience in a licensed early childhood environment, preferably as a Director, Assistant Director, Education Coordinator, or similar leadership role

•      Meets Illinois DCFS Director qualification requirements (or is on a clear path to qualification prior to opening)

•      Demonstrated success hiring, coaching, and developing early childhood educators

•      Strong relationship-building skills with families and the broader community

•      Clear, warm, and professional communication—written and verbal

•      Genuine enthusiasm for opening a new school and building something lasting

•      Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or related field

•      Gateways to Opportunity Level II or III Illinois Director Credential

•      Experience opening or launching a new childcare program or school

•      Experience managing a center with 100+ enrolled children and 20+ staff members

•      Familiarity with COGNIA or NAEYC accreditation processes

At Primrose, we believe who children become is just as important as what they know. Our Balanced Learning® approach nurtures curiosity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning during the most important years of a child’s development.

Primrose School of Westmont will proudly serve families throughout Westmont, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, and the surrounding communities.

If you are ready for the next step in your early childhood leadership career—and want the opportunity to help create an extraordinary school from the ground up—we would love to meet you.

Join us at the beginning of something big.

Primrose School of Westmont is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.