Center Director

About Brella

Brella is on a mission to create a beloved child care experience for today’s families and the educators who support them.

We are thrilled to expand the Brella village to the Newport Beach / Orange County area and welcome a new community of children, families, and educators into our story. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a launch team that will help shape the next chapter for the center while creating a warm, thoughtful, and connected experience for families from the very beginning.

At Brella, our center leaders play a critical role in bringing our mission to life. We believe great child care starts with strong, supportive leadership and caring for the educators who provide it. Leading at Brella is a great fit for someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about developing educators, building strong relationships with families, and creating a high-quality center experience where children can thrive.

Where We're Located

Brella has three centers in the Los Angeles area. We are excited to expand our footprint to Newport Beach, located at 2500 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 and anticipate opening in October 2026.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Brella’s newest center and help shape the experience from the very beginning. The Center Director will bring the Newport Beach center to life by building and developing a strong team, guiding daily operations, and creating an exceptional experience for children and families. As a collaborative, servant leader, you’ll establish meaningful relationships within the center and surrounding community while partnering with Corporate and Regional teams to support a successful launch and long-term center success—all while fostering a culture rooted in quality, support, and delight. Our goal is to hire the Center Director as soon as possible, ahead of center opening to support with hiring, family engagement, and preparing the center for opening.

As the Center Director, you will:

• Oversee Brella’s childcare and education program to deliver the highest-quality developmental experience for children ages 3 months to 6 years.
• Manage the center-wide execution of Brella’s curriculum across all age groups, ensuring alignment with brand expectations.
• Provide in-classroom support to ensure curriculum, child development, and teaching standards are met.
• Partner with Brella’s People team to recruit and effectively onboard teaching staff, ensuring required teacher-to-child ratios are maintained.
• Inspire, coach, and develop a team of motivated educators through regular observations, meaningful feedback, one-on-ones, performance evaluations, and opportunities for career growth.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment through effective communication and team-building.
• Address and resolve staff conflicts or concerns promptly and effectively.
• Lead tours and ensure a warm welcome for prospective and new families.
• Support families through transitions into and out of the center while embracing Brella’s flexible model and approach.
• Engage in regular and proactive communication with families, managing parent interactions related to curriculum, child development, and the overall family experience.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and center policies and procedures, including interfacing with local licensing representatives.
• Ensure adherence to all health and safety requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet the center’s monthly performance and enrollment targets while maintaining optimal occupancy and program quality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and/or completion of all Title 22 Child Care Center Director qualification requirements
• At least six years of experience in an administrative or leadership role, preferably within a childcare center or preschool
• Demonstrated experience leading a large, multi-age child development program
• Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and/or RIE principles
• Knowledge of California childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements
• Experience overseeing curriculum execution across multiple age groups and learning areas

Skills & Abilities

• Collaborative, servant-leadership approach with the ability to inspire, engage, and develop educators
• Strong track record of hiring, onboarding, retaining, coaching, and growing teams
• Ability to lead center operations, manage competing priorities, and drive results
• Excellent family communication and relationship-building skills
• Sound judgment and a calm, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
• Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Adaptability, comfort with technology, and an interest in childcare innovation

Physical Demands

• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, walk, bend and otherwise fully participate in activities. Standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to physically handle children between 0-5 years of age using appropriate techniques. Ability to lift children up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Follow state, federal and Brella's guidelines regarding immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training and practices.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed, not an exhaustive list of all essential functions and responsibilities. Qualified applicants or employees with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Caring for the Caregiver

At Brella, we care for our caregivers through competitive pay, meaningful benefits, paid time off, and opportunities to grow and connect. Full-time educators at Brella are eligible for:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Brella-sponsored life insurance and LTD
• 401(k) eligibility to contribute after 3 months
• Quarterly Bonus potential
• Paid Time Off
• Sick & Safe Time
• Paid Holidays
• Wellness Days at tenure milestones
• Access to Stanford FIND professional development
• Leadership development and professional growth opportunities
• Team celebrations and community connection

The pay range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 annually with final compensation determined based on experience and qualifications.