Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

Full-time | 12 months | Monday - Friday

Location: 1802 S. 17th Street, in the heart of Wilmington, NC

Spark Academy is seeking an Assistant Director to support our mission of providing high-quality early childhood education. This role blends leadership and organization - with occasional hands-on classroom support - while leading front desk operations and managing key admissions and enrollment functions. If you’re passionate about early learning and thrive in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is based on-site at Spark Academy (1802 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina). Spark Academy operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. This position is on-site only and reports to the Director of Spark Academy.

Responsibilities:

As the Assistant Director, you will work closely with the Director to ensure the school operates smoothly while maintaining a warm, engaging, and educational environment for children and staff. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead front desk operations and be a main point of contact for families, visitors, and staff, ensuring a welcoming and responsive environment
• Oversee admissions & enrollment processes including: communicating consistently and clearly with prospective families, managing inquiries, scheduling and leading tours, processing applications, receiving offers to enroll, filing enrollment paperwork, and maintaining waitlist
• Monitor enrollment and maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, progress, and requirements
• Manage and collect weekly tuition payments, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping and communication with families
• Oversee the Spark Academy’s Food & Nutrition program, including support in weekly menu planning, and special activities/holidays
• Assist the Director in managing daily center operations, ensuring a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for children
• Assist the Director in supporting staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation
• Serve as the lead administrator for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding substitutes
• Support the organization in maintaining compliance with state licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies
• Build strong relationships with families, addressing concerns and ensuring open communication
• Step into classrooms when needed to support ratios and classroom management
• In collaboration with the Director, plan and implement professional development opportunities to support staff growth and retention
• Attend meetings with Beacon Education’s leadership team, as required
• Act as the Director’s representative in their absence, making operational decisions as needed
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/designee

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with leadership or administrative experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of child development principles, licensing regulations, and best practices in early learning
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Familiarity with software used for enrollment, tuition processing, and center operations preferred

Compensation:

• Annual Salary between $42,000 - $50,000 based on education and experience

Benefits:

At Spark Academy, we believe in taking care of the people who care for our students. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health insurance with 80% of the premium paid by the employer
• Employer-paid dental, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits available at the employee’s expense
• An industry-leading 401(k) program with employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual
• Discounted childcare for employee's dependents
• Up to $1,000 in training assistance annually

Organizational Overview:

At Spark Academy, we believe every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning - no matter their background. As a state-of-the-art, mixed-income Early Childhood Development Center, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Powered by Beacon Education, Spark Academy is dedicated to expanding equitable access to high-quality early learning experiences that empower both children and their families.

As part of Beacon Education’s mission to close achievement and opportunity gaps, Spark Academy proudly joins the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW Academy) in advancing educational excellence across North Carolina.

Together, we are shaping brighter futures through innovative teaching, community partnership, and unwavering commitment to student success.

Pay: $42,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person