Licensing Manager - Acquisitions 

Location: Cadence Education – Scottsdale, AZ

Cadence Education is currently in search of our next Licensing Manager. 

Cadence Education is one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States, operating over 325 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With over 30 years in business, we have developed an unparalleled expertise in preparing students to thrive in the next step of their childhood.

At Cadence Education, our mission is to create bright futures for children, families, employees and our communities. This mission can only be accomplished through a team of passionate childcare professionals who combine their talents to provide an unparalleled level of care and compassion for children and their families. Our research-based curriculum and home-based environments are the leading edge of early education.

Our schools are staffed with individuals who are talented, fun, and genuinely enthusiastic about child development and learning. We encourage collaboration and cherish open-communication in each school and with our corporate office.  We work hard to create an outstanding work-life balance by supporting leaders and staff members every step of the way. For additional information about Cadence, please visit www.cadence-education.com.

Benefits of Working Full Time at Cadence Education:

• Competitive compensation
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Educational and professional development
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• 401K
• Pet insurance
• Paid CDA 

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Licensing, Health and Safety, this position is responsible for managing all aspects of the child care licensing process for new acquisitions, ensuring timely and compliant approvals across multiple states. The Licensing Acquisition Project Manager oversees the coordination, preparation, submission, and tracking of all required documentation for new school licenses, including child care, health, fire, and local operating permits. This role partners closely with the Corporate Development, Operations, Legal, Facilities, and Integration Teams to ensure that each newly acquired location meets all regulatory requirements and can open or transition without delay.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead and manage all state and local licensing activities for newly acquired schools, including completing and submitting applications, renewals, and supporting documentation in compliance with applicable regulations.
2. Serve as the primary liaison between the company and state/local licensing, fire, and health departments during acquisition-related licensing processes.
3. Coordinate site inspections, ensure all corrective actions are addressed, and track the progress of license issuance to completion.
4. Develop and maintain detailed licensing project plans and timelines for each acquisition; provide regular updates to internal stakeholders.
5. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Corporate Development, Operations, Facilities, Legal, Risk, Integration, and Regional Leadership) to ensure all requirements are met for each location’s timely licensure.
6. Prepare, collect, and review all ownership and facility documentation required by state agencies (e.g., organizational charts, background checks, floor plans, zoning approvals, affidavits, and local permits).
7. Oversee the completion of health department permits, fire clearances, and environmental safety reviews, ensuring all documentation aligns with licensing application requirements.
8. Develop and maintain strong relationships with state regulators, inspectors, and local officials to foster collaboration and expedite processes.
9. Maintain a centralized tracking system for all licensing activities related to acquisitions.
10. Identify potential compliance risks or delays and proactively implement solutions or escalation strategies.
11. Partner with the Licensing team to ensure consistency and alignment with existing company licensing standards and post-acquisition compliance expectations.
12. Provide training and guidance to integration teams and school leaders regarding licensing processes and expectations.
13. Maintain all licensing documentation and correspondence in organized digital files for future audits and reference.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.