Assistant 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

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 support the Center Director with the opening of Brella’s newest center and help shape the experience from the very beginning. The Assistant Director supports with daily center operations, developing educators, and building strong relationships with children and families. This role helps maintain a safe, collaborative, and high-quality center environment while providing hands-on support in classrooms and across the center. We’re looking for a dependable, solutions-focused leader who can model Brella’s standards, support the team, and step into center leadership responsibilities when needed.

As the Assistant Director, you will:

• Create staffing schedules and approve PTO requests for center staff in partnership with the Center Director.
• Coach and develop a team of motivated educators and Center Experience team members.
• Provide in-classroom support and model the Brella Basics for engagement, curriculum, and family and co-teacher communication.
• Participate in hiring and onboarding processes with the Center Director and in partnership with Brella’s People team.
• Support the Center Director in assessing employee performance and conducting performance evaluations twice per year.
• Support child success plans and help navigate challenging family conversations.
• Lead tours for prospective families as needed.
• Support center administrative needs, including maintaining staff files and required documentation.
• Manage center inventory, ordering, and supplies.
• Maintain knowledge of Title 22 requirements and Brella’s policies and procedures.
• Open and close the center as needed during Brella’s operating hours and serve as the acting Center Director in the Center Director’s absence.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with the Center Experience team to support family bookings, questions, and overall experience.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of all Title 22 infant teacher qualification requirements, plus at least three units in Early Childhood Education Administration (Required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
• At least one year of experience in an administrative or leadership role, preferably within a childcare center or preschool; experienced Lead Teachers ready to advance into center leadership may also be considered
• Demonstrated experience supporting a 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

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 $70,000 - $75,000 annually with final compensation determined based on experience and qualifications.