Leadership and Professional Learning Assistant Director

Leadership and Professional Learning Assistant Director

Cleveland, OH, USA

At The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued. As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner, the organization is nationally recognized, based entirely on employee feedback, for trust, purpose, and care. This position plays an important role in advancing our mission and supporting the communities we serve.

The Assistant Director of Leadership and Professional Learning supports the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in strengthening professional growth, instructional quality, credential advancement, and leadership development for educators across The Centers’ Early Learning programs, including directly operated early learning centers and designated delegate and affiliate sites. This position assists with the implementation and coordination of systems that promote continuous learning and professional excellence among early childhood educators.

The Assistant Director supports coaching and professional learning initiatives that strengthen teacher practice, support effective curriculum implementation, develop emerging leaders, improve staff morale and engagement, and promote clear pathways for credential and career advancement. Working under the direction of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and in collaboration with the Education and Family Service leadership team, early childhood teachers, and external partners, the Assistant Director helps ensure educators are supported from recruitment and onboarding through credential attainment, degree completion, leadership development, and career advancement.

Required Skills:

• Master's degree in early childhood education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Ohio Approved Trainer through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA), or ability to obtain approval.
• Child Development Association (CDA) Content Trainer and Professional Development Specialist.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Early Childhood Education, professional learning, coaching, or Early Learning leadership, with strong background experience in a Head Start program preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience designing and facilitating professional development training for early childhood educators, specifically Ohio-approved professional development through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA).
• Demonstrated background in curriculum and instruction, including experience developing curriculum, supporting instructional practices, implementing curriculum, and creating professional learning content for adult learners.
• Experience providing CDA training and supporting staff pursuing Child Development Associate credential attainment.
• Strong organizational, coaching, facilitation, collaboration, and project coordination skills.

Preferred

Skills:

• Knowledge of Ohio's Professional Development Registry, credentialing systems, and licensing requirements preferred.

Staff Onboarding & New Employee Success

• Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive onboarding program for all Early Learning staff.
• Design onboarding experiences that ensure new educators successfully transition into classroom environments and the organizational culture.
• Coordinate structured