District Support Director

The Gardner School

. Provide leadership coverage and operational support across district schools based on business and staffing needs.

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesLead💰 $60,000 - $70,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong leadership and operational support capabilities in early childhood education settings, with a focus on compliance, team development, and effective communication. Proven ability to manage staffing, enrollment, and operational processes while fostering positive relationships within school communities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership Experience in Early Childhood EducationOperational Support and ManagementStrong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsKnowledge of Licensing Standards

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Staffing CoordinationEnrollment ManagementBudget AwarenessOperational PlanningCompliance with Health and Safety Standards

Soft Skills

FlexibilityRelationship BuildingCollaborationProfessionalismSolutions-Oriented Mindset

Certifications & Qualifications

Director Qualified

Industry Keywords

Early Childhood EducationSchool OperationsFamily CommunicationTeam DevelopmentOperational Readiness

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 school 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 operational priorities.
Support implementation of company initiatives, operational processes, and best practices across schools.
Support compliance with licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and company policies.
Maintain organized school operations, operational readiness, and documentation standards.
Support enrollment-related activities, including tours, family follow-up, lead management, and execution of school enrollment priorities.
Assist with budget awareness and financial support 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 operational periods, school events, enrollment initiatives, or special projects.
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 onboarding, coaching, and development of school team members when appropriate.
Reinforce a positive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented culture within schools.
Support family communication and service recovery efforts as needed.
Model professionalism, accountability, flexibility, and leadership presence consistent with The Gardner School culture and expectations.
Partner with Executive School Directors and the District Manager to continue building leadership and operational capabilities.
Gain exposure to school leadership responsibilities including staffing, enrollment, parent communication, compliance, team development, financial awareness, and operational planning.
Participate in leadership development experiences and district-level initiatives designed to broaden operational knowledge and leadership capability.
Continue developing decision-making, communication, organizational, and leadership skills through hands-on district support experiences.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Business, or related field preferred.
Director Qualified in the relevant state/market.
Previous leadership experience in an early childhood education environment required.
Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, flexibility, and strong communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with 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 licensing standards and early childhood school operations preferred.
Ability to travel regularly between schools within the district.
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.