Center Director - Sheltering Arms Obama Center

Key Performance Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise center staff while ensuring high-quality program implementation.
• Facilitate monthly full staff meetings and weekly management meetings to promote communication and professional growth.
• Communicate policies, procedures, and organizational updates clearly while encouraging staff engagement and feedback.
• Participate in relevant conferences and professional development activities and share learning with staff.
• Partner with the Curriculum Specialist to ensure weekly lesson plan reviews and monthly classroom observations.
• Ensure all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect are reported to DFACS and DECAL and that required follow-up occurs.
• Monitor enrollment operations, family files, and compliance in collaboration with Enrollment Specialists and Family Support Coaches.
• Oversee tuition collection and accounting processes for accuracy.
• Support the development and sustainability of the Parent Leadership Organization.
• Complete probationary evaluations, performance improvement planning, and annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Communicate significant operational matters to Administrative Leadership in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain compliant personnel files and licensing documentation according to the Director’s Manual.
• Manage center operations within the approved budget, including responsible P-Card use and documentation.
• Ensure accurate time and attendance reporting.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Report staff injuries and complete workers’ compensation documentation.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Ensure completion of new staff and volunteer orientation and training.
• Cook staff schedules to ensure proper coverage and provide classroom support as needed.
• Report communicable diseases according to health department and agency protocols.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with families and community partners.
• Recruit parents and community members for advisory and policy councils.
• Represent Sheltering Arms at community events, meetings, and functions.
• Coordinate advisory committee operations and meetings.
• Conduct center tours and agency presentations.
• Aid in parent meetings, special projects, and community initiatives.
• Plan at least one annual community presentation highlighting Sheltering Arms.
• Support center fundraising initiatives.
• Partner with the Director of Family Services to strengthen community visibility and relationships.
• Complete monthly preventative maintenance and safety checklists.
• Ensure cleanliness and professional appearance of the facility and grounds.
• Maintain accurate equipment inventory, including separate tracking for Pre-K.
• Ensure nutritious menus are planned, approved, and posted timely.
• Ensure adequate supplies for food service, janitorial, and kitchen operations.
• Monitor food service staff performance and task completion.
• Ensure accurate meal counts, production records, and purchasing documentation.
• Conduct monthly kitchen observations.
• Maintain CACFP-compliant records.
• Model professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior.
• Promote the agency’s mission, philosophy, and educational goals.
• Remain current in early childhood education, nutrition, and human services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of licensing and governing standards including NAEYC, Quality Rated, and EHS/HS.
• Recognize and encourage staff growth and achievement.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and solution-oriented approach.
• Work effectively as a member of the management team.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with staff and leadership.
• Coach and mentor team members.
• Ensure management team cross-training.
• Delegate appropriately and provide support.
• Proactively address and resolve conflict.
• Notify Senior Site Director in advance of absences when possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Early Childhood Education or closely related field and three years of administrative or supervisory experience.
• OR Masters in Early Childhood Education or closely related field and 1 year administrative or supervisory experience.
• Bilingual is strongly preferred.
• Certificate and license requirements: None.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry children and equipment, 30lbs unassisted and 50lbs with assistance.
• Capability to sit on the floor and stand up independently to interact with children.
• Clean and maintain equipment and the center.
• Take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, and staff due to the potential exposure to anyone who may be ill and/or contagious.
• Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where there may be a number of activities and situations happening at once.
• Ability to use arms and legs and move their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Ability to learn/use technology.
• Ability to pass a hearing test.
• Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 20 feet.

Evaluation

• Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy.