Assistant Director

Full job description

The Clifton School

About The Clifton School

The Clifton School is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art childcare and early education services for employees of Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as full-time Emory students. Our mission is to cultivate a nurturing, inclusive environment that honors the rights of children, educators, and families while promoting lifelong learning through collaboration, creativity, and respect.

Position Summary

The Clifton School is seeking a passionate, experienced Assistant Director to support the overall operation of the center. This role is essential to fostering a positive learning community and ensuring that daily operations align with the school’s mission and educational philosophy. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Site Director to support staff, families, and children while ensuring compliance with state licensing and accreditation standards.

General Duties

To perform this position successfully, the individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

General Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in the daily operation of the center
• Assume responsibility for center operations in the Director’s absence

Family Partnership Responsibilities

• Maintain visibility and availability to children and families.
• Establish and sustain positive, professional relationships with families.
• Address family concerns promptly or refer to appropriate personnel.
• Contribute to family communications as needed.
• Assist with school tours, clearly communicating center philosophy and policies.

Staff Support and Supervision

• Build and maintain positive relationships with staff; respond promptly to concerns.
• Provide guidance related to licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, CACFP guidelines, and personnel policies.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with state licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Provide curriculum support as directed by the Site Director.
• Supervise the Administrative Assistant to ensure adequate staffing coverage.
• Communicate policy updates and center information to staff.
• Monitor staff attendance, punctuality, leave usage, and policy compliance.
• Collaborate with the Director on disciplinary actions and staff terminations.
• Substitute in classrooms as needed, modeling best practices.
• Assist with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of new staff.
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Director to conduct new employee orientation.
• Assist in planning and coordinating staff professional development.
• Contribute to employee evaluations and performance feedback.
• Assist with facilitating staff meetings.
• Supervise Food Service staff and ensure CACFP and kitchen safety compliance.
• Coordinate CPR and First Aid training across sites.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining up-to-date manuals and records.
• Support licensing (DECAL) and accreditation (NAEYC) monitoring visits.
• Maintain proficiency in center software systems and provide usability feedback.
• Ensure employee personnel files meet licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Prepare benefits packages and support staff with enrollment and questions.
• Review payroll data for accuracy, including hours, PTO, and overtime.
• Complete employment verification and payroll-related documentation.
• Maintain partnerships with colleges and universities for interns, work-study students, and volunteers.
• Oversee training and utilization of students, interns, substitutes, and volunteers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director or Executive Director.

Communication and Decision-Making

• Write professional, clear, and concise correspondence
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• De-escalate conflict and resolve issues with diplomacy and tact
• Apply sound judgment and common-sense reasoning in daily decision-making

Additional Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset
• Proficient in basic math and percentage calculations

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

The Clifton School’s mission is to provide state of the art childcare and education for employees of Emory, CHOA, and the Centers for Disease Control and full-time Emory students that recognizes and respects the rights of children, teachers, and families.

We at The Clifton School are moving into the future to enhance the positive and professional relationships within the Clifton community. Our mission is to cultivate a community which respects and nurtures the rights of the learner in an environment that fosters life-long learning through collaboration, compassion, creativity, wonder, and curiosity.

We are committed to a mutually respectful, supportive, and relaxing way of working and being together to create the best possible learning environment for our children and their families

In our collaboration, we will:

Recognize and nurture the stories, experiences and learning potential that enrich our image of the child.

Provide an environment rich with materials that enable children to express their ideas and explore their experiences.

Observe, listen, question and interact with the children, acting as research, document the children’s work as it progresses.

Recognize parents and include them as an integral part of the educational process.

Provide a comfortable home-like environment filled with opportunities for communicating and relating.

Learn more about the Reggio Philosophy through discussion, meeting, study and collaboration.