Early Childhood Program Director locations

Bright Horizons at West 72nd

Kickstart your leadership journey with Bright Horizons as a Program Director. Partner with your teaching staff and families to support each child's growth, ensuring their success in school and life. Our ongoing professional development will help you nurture an inclusive and dynamic environment for all.

A Bright Horizons Career Includes: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) plan

• Paid time off 

• Referral bonus 

• Career development and FREE college degrees (for you and your teachers) through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

As a Program Director you will: 

• Inspire teachers to deliver high-quality programming in each classroom

• Lead and mentor staff, fostering an engaging workplace that attracts and retains top talent

• Collaborate with the leadership team to continuously improve program operations and achieve quality standards

• Embed our mission, culture, and values to build an inclusive environment for children, families, and staff

What we hope you will bring to this role: 

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field and New York State Certification (Professional or Initial working towards Professional) required

• At least three years of center leadership experience with additional teaching experience in a high-quality early childhood program required 

• Expertise in developmentally appropriate curriculum, accreditation, and licensing standards required

• Computer proficiency required

• Meet state, federal and Bright Horizons’ guidelines regarding immunizations, employment physical requirements, and required health and safety training and practices required

• Must maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

Physical Requirements:

This leadership role requires work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide center supervision, curriculum delivery, business management, and customer and client services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.

This role has a mixture of duties including office/computer/phone-based work, in-person supervision of care delivery and employees throughout all areas of the center, family/prospective family interactions which may take place in various areas of the center, and the ability to temporarily serve as a supervising

caregiver for relatively brief periods of time on an as-needed basis (e.g., covering employee breaks or unscheduled absences).

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

Salary/Hourly Rate and Other Compensation Disclosures:

The annual starting salary for this position is between $101,000 – $122,700. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

This position is also eligible for a hiring incentive of $5,000 payable after 100 days of employment.

Contribute to the creation of a safe, nurturing environment where children foster their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to develop strong, positive relationships. Explore the possibilities of where your passion and a Bright Horizons career can take you – all in an inclusive workplace where you can be you. Apply now!

Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference. Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights,  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.