Director of Operations

Summary/Objective

The Director of Operations will report to the Executive Director and support the program as a member of the senior management team. The main duties and responsibilities include managing the day to day operations of the program, directly supervising managers in the areas of program operations, including education, health, family and social services, data and facilities, ensuring program compliance regarding licensure and funding requirements, and supporting the program in meeting local, state and federal regulations. The Director of Operations will have a strong commitment to the agency mission and service in the community, the ability to lead with competency in skills in leadership, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, and demonstrate effective efforts in continued development of themselves and their team.

Essential Functions

1. Collaborates with the Leadership team, governance body and Policy Council in promoting the mission and vision of the organization.
2. Supervises the management team in meeting the program’s mission, goals and objectives.
3. Manages the day to day operations at all LULAC sites, and addresses areas of need promptly and effectively.
4. Participates in the program self-assessment process, including monitoring and completing reports for data collection and analysis.
5. Leads the management team in providing comprehensive case management for all families.
6. Develops and coordinates the program calendar and agency events throughout the program year.
7. Leads management and staff meetings.
8. Works to ensure program compliance with the Office of Early Child Care licensing regulations and all regulating entities and funders (i.e., Head Start, School Readiness, CACFP, etc.), and participating in all audits.
9. Collaborates with Social Services in monitoring children’s enrollment, transitions, and attendance, supporting families and classrooms with strategies to meet compliance when needed.
10. Monitors student and family records on an ongoing basis.
11. Supports and leads the education team in education advisory, curriculum development and implementation, assessment of child progress and maintaining NAEYC accreditation.
12. Attends meetings with the Board of Directors and Policy Council as required.
13. Works with office staff in identifying and ordering program supplies as needed, and approving purchase requests.
14. Collaborates with the Facilities team and HR in maintaining a safe workplace environment.
15. Prepare reports and presentations as needed for internal and external purposes.
16. Coaches direct reports in their development and the development of their team, and reviews training requests.
17. Works with Human Resources and supervisors in addressing employee matters and issuing coaching plans and disciplinary actions when needed.
18. Supervises the planning of Center events, parent activities, and educational programs for staff and parents.
19. Supports the management team in establishing and sustaining a sense of community through parent and staff involvement.
20. Participates in the development and updates to program policies and procedures for staff and families, and provides training.
21. Works with supervisors to effectively address parent and employee concerns.
22. Assist Human Resources in recruitment, recommendations for hiring, onboarding, employee matters and terminations.
23. Monitors staff development program for compliance, ensuring that staff obtain required credentials.
24. Identifies and establishes community partnerships that support agency needs.
25. Supervises student internship programs and serves as the point of contact.
26. Stays up-to-date on updates to accreditation, state and federal requirements.
27. Represent the organization at trainings, conferences and community events.
28. Meets regularly with program consultants to review contracts/agreements, receive program feedback, develop plans of action and monitor center/classroom/staff progress.
29. Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

1. Must have the following degree AND experience:
2. A Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, psychology or a related field;
3. A Minimum of five (5) years of full time experience as a Manager or in a supervisory role.
4. A minimum of (5) years of teaching in a child care or community agency is preferred.
5. Experience working in a non-profit organization is required.
6. Master’s Degree preferred.

Additional Requirements

1. A thorough knowledge of OEC Licensing regulations for child care centers and a great understanding of developmentally-appropriate practices is preferred.
2. Compassionate, positive and mature individual who relates well to others.
3. Strong leadership skills with the ability to positively influence and develop others.
4. Experience in budgetary oversight.
5. Self starter who takes initiative and is internally motivated.
6. A basic understanding of accreditation requirements and Head Start Performance Standards.
7. Ability to perform numerous tasks simultaneously and meet required deadlines.
8. Ability to keep the necessary proprietary information confidential.
9. Proficiency in computer skills, including Google and Microsoft suites.
10. Current physical and TB exams.
11. Current enrollment in Child Care Division-Criminal History Registry.
12. Valid Connecticut Driver’s License, reliable transportation.