Center Director Jobs in California
Center Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in early childhood education, community health, workforce development, and nonprofit programming, with openings from entry-level program coordinators stepping up through seasoned executive directors. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established organizations like Kaiser Permanente, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and First 5 California-funded agencies maintain a consistent presence. The most in-demand specialties are early learning and childcare administration, behavioral health program management, and workforce center operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About us:
Young Scholars (YS) is an educational organization that offers programs and services to students of all grade levels, ranging from elementary school to high school. Our mission is to empower students to reach their full potential through innovative and engaging educational programs that help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.
We offer a range of programs and services, including after-school programs, summer camps, academic support, college prep courses, and other educational resources. At YSI, we believe that every student deserves access to high-quality education and support, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Our team of experienced educators and mentors is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters growth and inspires our students to become lifelong learners.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree (completed)
- 3+ years of experience in education and/or sales
- A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Strong customer service skills
- An ability to prioritize, work independently, and work on multiple activities
- A dynamic and engaging personality
- Effective written communication and public speaking skills
- Patience, sincerity, and compassion
- Ability to use computer programs, including word processors and database applications, and general office equipment
- Ability to work full-time (min. 40 hours per week) between the hours of 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays
- Related work experience (e.g., managing or working in a professional business environment, teaching, and working with youth) is strongly preferred
Responsibilities:
- Program Scheduling and Marketing – Plan class and program schedules for the branch office; develop and implement advertising and marketing campaigns to promote YSI’s program offerings.
- Student Enrollment and Management – Counsel students and parents on a regular basis regarding student's academic performance and college plans; oversee accurate recording and maintenance of data associated with students’ work performance at YSI.
- Human Resources – Hire and train staff, including instructors and administrative staff.
- Budget Planning and Bookkeeping – Plan the annual budget and strive to maximize the profitability of the branch office by increasing student enrollment and implementing cost control measures; oversee accurate bookkeeping and accounting of office finances.
- Curriculum Development
- Tracking students’ progress
- Communicating with clients about their children’s progress
- Consultation with new clients
Compensation The pay rate for this position will be determined based on your educational background and relevant experience. Please note: the compensation range listed on Indeed is an estimate and may not reflect the actual pay for this role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- Mandarin (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Diamond Bar, CA 91765: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
About us:
Young Scholars (YS) is an educational organization that offers programs and services to students of all grade levels, ranging from elementary school to high school. Our mission is to empower students to reach their full potential through innovative and engaging educational programs that help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.
We offer a range of programs and services, including after-school programs, summer camps, academic support, college prep courses, and other educational resources. At YSI, we believe that every student deserves access to high-quality education and support, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Our team of experienced educators and mentors is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters growth and inspires our students to become lifelong learners.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree (completed)
- 3+ years of experience in education and/or sales
- A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Strong customer service skills
- An ability to prioritize, work independently, and work on multiple activities
- A dynamic and engaging personality
- Effective written communication and public speaking skills
- Patience, sincerity, and compassion
- Ability to use computer programs, including word processors and database applications, and general office equipment
- Ability to work full-time (min. 40 hours per week) between the hours of 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays
- Related work experience (e.g., managing or working in a professional business environment, teaching, and working with youth) is strongly preferred
Responsibilities:
- Program Scheduling and Marketing – Plan class and program schedules for the branch office; develop and implement advertising and marketing campaigns to promote YSI’s program offerings.
- Student Enrollment and Management – Counsel students and parents on a regular basis regarding student's academic performance and college plans; oversee accurate recording and maintenance of data associated with students’ work performance at YSI.
- Human Resources – Hire and train staff, including instructors and administrative staff.
- Budget Planning and Bookkeeping – Plan the annual budget and strive to maximize the profitability of the branch office by increasing student enrollment and implementing cost control measures; oversee accurate bookkeeping and accounting of office finances.
- Curriculum Development
- Tracking students’ progress
- Communicating with clients about their children’s progress
- Consultation with new clients
Compensation The pay rate for this position will be determined based on your educational background and relevant experience. Please note: the compensation range listed on Indeed is an estimate and may not reflect the actual pay for this role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- Mandarin (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Diamond Bar, CA 91765: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 56 Center Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Center Director JobsCenter Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Center Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- PetVet Care Centers8
- Family Health Centers of San Diego4
- Carbon Health3
- United Health Centers Of The San Joaquin Valley3
- Abbvie Bioresearch Center2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services31
- Education9
- Consumer Goods8
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals4
- Electronics & Hardware4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in center director jobs across California.
- Active California Child Development Program Director Permit or equivalent California-issued credential
- Bachelor's degree in education, social work, public administration, or a related field
- Three or more years of supervisory or program management experience in a relevant field
- Demonstrated knowledge of California Community Care Licensing Division regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience managing budgets, grants, or government-funded program contracts in California
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for staff leadership and community stakeholder engagement
Center Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a center director in California?
The most common path is earning a California Child Development Program Director Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which requires a qualifying degree with coursework in child development plus supervised field experience. Directors overseeing licensed childcare facilities must also satisfy the California Community Care Licensing Division site-director qualifications. For community health or workforce development centers, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree combined with program management experience is the typical entry point.
Which companies hire center directors in California?
Employers hiring center directors in California right now include PetVet Care Centers, Family Health Centers of San Diego, and Carbon Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large network of Title IV-funded childcare agencies, county behavioral health departments, and federally designated workforce development boards means the employer pool is broader here than in most states.
Which California cities have the most center director jobs?
Fresno, Sacramento, and San Diego have the most center director openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its sheer size and its concentration of Head Start agencies, community health centers, and county-funded social service organizations, while San Francisco and San Diego add volume through their dense nonprofit sectors and large healthcare systems that run patient-facing program centers.
Are there remote center director jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Center director roles are typically on-site by nature because they involve direct oversight of staff, facilities, and in-person programs. About 7% of center director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be in workforce development, grant administration, or regional oversight roles where the leadership function is less tied to a single physical location.
How can I get hired as a center director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a site supervisor or lead teacher role at a California Community Care Licensing-regulated childcare center, then pursuing the California Child Development Program Director Permit while working. Large California operators such as county Office of Education childcare networks and Head Start grantees regularly promote from within. Adjacent roles like program coordinator, case manager, or family services specialist are common lateral moves that count toward the supervisory hours many director positions require.
Where can I find and apply to center director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to center director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across early childhood education, community health, workforce development, and nonprofit sectors. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly through each listing.
See All 56 Center Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Center Director Jobs