Operations Manager – Center Based

Classification:  Full-time                                                   Status:  Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Operations Manager – Center-Based may act as an Interim Director of Early Childhood Service in his/her absence.  Responsibilities include providing supervision/management support to the Director of Early Childhood Services in the overall operations of the Early Childhood program consistent with agency policies, federal regulations, applicable laws and required funding source guidelines.  They are responsible for providing leadership and direct support to Teachers, and classroom staff which promotes both the engagement of families and community to participate in the program.  Facilitate effective social service coordination to Head Start and Early Head Start families as outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, which encourages strong parent engagement and family self-sufficiency. Have knowledge of family dynamics, societal trends, and be able to educate staff, parents, and community members which will promote the delivery of quality services. Ensures the ongoing recruitment of eligible families for the entire program through oversight and ongoing monitoring of recruitment activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise daily program operations to ensure Early Childhood program goals and objectives are implemented successfully and that the Head Start philosophy continues to thrive.
• Serves as a role model for employees, children, parents, clients, and community partners.
• Maintains good work habits through timeliness and low absenteeism.
• Develops and maintains a positive, professional working relationship with the staff, clients, and community.
• Knowledge of SEK-CAP Inc, policy and procedures, performance standards, and Kansas state licensing regulations.
• Understands, accepts, implements, and promotes SEK-CAP, Inc. Mission Statement, program goals, philosophy, and objectives.
• Participates in new hire interviews subject to the approval of the Policy Council.
• Supervising Asst. Operations Managers, Center Managers/Lead Teacher, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Floaters, Itinerate Teachers and Translators/Interpreters and other ECS staff assigned by the Director of Early Childhood Services.
• Brings staff suggestions, ideas, concerns, and grievances to the attention of the Director.
• In consultation and coordination with the Human Resources Manager, participates in the investigation and resolution of ongoing Early Childhood employee relations problems with input from the Director of ECS, provides guidance to assigned staff whose performance does not meet the job standards for the program.
• Completes performance evaluations for assigned staff as outlined in the SEK-CAP, Inc. Personnel Policy and Procedures Handbook and assists with administering corrective actions and/or discipline as outlined in the SEK-CAP, Inc. Personnel Policy and Procedures Handbook.
• Coordinates with HR to keep Early Childhood employee/ applicant / hire/ termination/ records up to date.
• Actively participates in employee orientations (new hire and staff), and any other staff training as requested by the Director of ECS.
• Assists the Director in preparation and direction of program/department/policy council meetings.
• Maintains a communication network with staff to provide necessary, accurate and up-to-date information.
• Participates in community activities to develop opportunities to serve clients and promote agency goals.
• Attends all required/assigned local and out-of-town Early Childhood and/or agency functions, training, and staff meetings locally, out of town and state.
• Visits agency sites to evaluate the effectiveness of the services being provided as requested by the Director of EC and required by federal regulations and funding source’s guidelines.
• Assists in maintaining an effective program of public relations.
• Assists with the preparation and submission of the Head Start grant application as required by applicable federal statutes, regulations and administration practices including proposals for modification(s) as necessary.
• Assists the Director of EC with budget preparation, fund allocation, cost control, and participates in the periodic review.
• Supervises inventory of property and makes recommendations of equipment, supplies, consulting services, etc.
• In conjunction with the Property Manager ensures that all Early Childhood centers and equipment are safe and provide a healthy environment consistent with all applicable Local/State codes and community standards.
• Ensures preparations of and/or supervises the preparation of required program reports are reviewed and submitted to the Director of Early Childhood in a timely manner for management team meetings.
• Coordinates the planning and updating of program plans with Early Childhood Management Team.
• Participates in on-going self and program assessment to enhance personal skill and program development/improvement.
• Participates in workshops, in-service training, as well as other personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Work with Early Childhood Program Director to ensure that program goals and objectives are implemented that support Head Start Performance Standards
• Provide leadership, which promotes harmony with the agency’s strategic priorities and organizational values.
• Responsible for contract development and management as assigned by Director EC.
• Ensure development and maintenance of resources including training opportunities.
• Provide data analysis of quality and impact of program.
• Identify programmatic barriers that prohibit optimal development of parents as their child’s teacher and aid in the development of strategies to remove those barriers.
• Ensure ongoing recruitment of eligible families.
• Approve purchase orders and timesheets for payroll.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.
• Comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
• Advocate for SEK-CAP Head Start 0-5 in the community.
• Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP, Inc. customers.
• Support management decisions both in actions and words and carry out all other assignments to Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc.
• Other Duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Program planning & development, assessment and community relations.
• Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Knowledge of outcomes-based management practices.
• Effective Personnel administration and staff supervision and training skills that promote a positive and productive environment for staff, community partners and customers. 
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standards, state, and federal regulations relevant to the Head Start Program 0-5 and uphold all program and agency expectations.
• Committed to the concept of helping children and families to become self-sufficient.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Be resourceful and well organized with an understanding of budget preparation and management.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
• Demonstrate good work habits such as punctuality and dependability in meeting work and adhering to appropriate break times.
• Ability to learn and adapt and possibly work flexible and/or nontraditional work hours.

• Knowledge of office skills which includes the following, but not limited to: Computer, Word, Windows, PowerPoint, etc. Typing, filing, faxing, calculator and record keeping.
• Be involved in Program Planning, Assessment, and Evaluation and use data input and conduct ongoing monitoring using program data.

Desired:

• Familiar with theories and principles of human and child development and early childhood education services.
• Committed to the concept of helping children and families to become self-sufficient.
• Familiar with area resources and services.
• Resourceful and well-organized self-starter, needing minimal supervision.
• Knowledge and understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards, and State and Federal regulations relevant to the Head Start Program.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, preferably Early Childhood, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field from a traditional four-year regionally accredited college or university and three (3) years of related work experience.
• Five years of experience working in Early Childhood Education with preference given to Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• Possess a current, valid driver’s license and be insurable by the organization’s motor vehicle insurance carrier.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB screening prior to employment and every three years thereafter.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to ten pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Outside weather conditions.
• Extreme cold and extreme heat.
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.
• Travel within agency area with occasional out of area trips for training.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Disability Insurance
• Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Training
• Referral Program
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person