Kepler Academy is Edmonton and area’s largest and fastest-growing childcare provider, delivering modern early learning through our Exploratory Education™ approach. As part of our team, you'll experience meaningful work, professional development opportunities, and a values-driven culture focused on excellence in early learning.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and full compensation package
• Paid sick and wellness days, vacation, and additional stat holidays
• Group Benefits plan including health, dental, and life insurance
• Employee discounted childcare at Kepler Academy up to 40%
• Paid professional development and internal career growth
• Employee perks and discounts with local partnerships
• A strong, supportive, and diverse workplace culture

Role Overview

The Area Director, Edmonton, oversees multiple licensed childcare centres across Edmonton and surrounding areas. This leadership role ensures operational excellence, financial efficiency, regulatory compliance, and a consistently high-quality experience for children, families, and staff. You will mentor Centre Directors, lead performance management, and ensure each program meets Kepler’s standards and strategic goals.

This role requires travel to all Kepler locations, including the head office within Edmonton and surrounding areas on a regular basis.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and support Centre Directors in day-to-day operations, HR matters, conflict resolution, and professional growth.
• Support Centre Directors in recruiting, onboarding, performance planning, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Drive a leadership culture that promotes accountability, staff retention, and employee satisfaction.

Operational Oversight

• Ensure daily operations across centres meet or exceed licensing, health & safety, and organizational standards.
• Monitor centre readiness, programming execution, and internal policy adherence through regular audits and Director feedback.
• Support with coordination of repairs, maintenance, and fleet management in collaboration with the Facilities team.

Strategic & Financial Planning

• Execute regional strategies to support enrollment growth, financial efficiency, and service consistency.
• Monitor controllable expenses (labour, food, supplies) and guide Centre Directors in meeting targets.
• Provide oversight and input on budgeting, billing, and reconciliation processes.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Lead licensing and regulatory compliance efforts; ensure that audits and inspections meet provincial standards.
• Coach Directors on curriculum delivery, site presentation, and continuous improvement practices.
• Ensure emergency preparedness protocols and risk mitigation plans are in place across all centres.

Client Experience & Communication

• Serve as a point of escalation for family, staff, or community concerns not resolved at the centre level.
• Promote strong relationships between Centre Directors and families, emphasizing satisfaction and engagement.
• Communicate consistently with Directors, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams (HR, Finance, Education, Marketing).

New Program Launch & Expansion

• Collaborate with senior leadership in licensing, staffing, marketing, and operational planning for new site development.
• Ensure successful launch and smooth integration of new centres into the broader Kepler network.

Qualifications

• Child Development Certificate issued in the Province of Alberta, Level 3
• 5+ years experience in Early Childhood Education
• Multi-site Management or Senior Leadership Experience
• Valid Standard Child Care / Level C First Aid certificate
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (within 6 months)
• Post-secondary education in business, leadership, or operations is an asset
• Knowledge of provincial regulations, licensing, and ECE compliance
• Familiarity with operational software (Parent, Payworks, Microsoft Suite, etc.)
• Class 5 Driver's License

Ideal Candidate- You are a confident, collaborative leader with a passion for high-quality childcare. You balance operational efficiency with a people-first mindset and can navigate change, growth, and performance pressure with clarity and empathy. You thrive in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and are motivated by building high-performing teams.

Kepler Academy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a Top Choice Childcare organization. Join our extraordinary team and help shape the future of early childhood education.