Center Manager

About You

A self-motivated and dedicated person who is excited and passionate about working with staff and office functions in a supportive role to enhance the programs operations. You are personable, energetic, and responsible, who can manage multiple projects in a prioritized manner to meet the goals and objectives of our internal Urban Strategies goals and within compliance of all current Head Start Performance Standards.

General Description

Responsible for three major functions in the administration of the Early Head Start Program. The first major responsibility involves the implementation and supervision of all aspects of the operation of the center. The second major responsibility involves collaboration with the EHS Director, the Program Managers, the teachers, and center staff to assure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and the State Child Care licensing requirements in the operation of the center. The third major responsibility is the implementation of the human resources policies and procedures applicable to center staff. In all major functions a systems approach is desired.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leadership ability with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Establish and sustain collaborative and supportive partnership with the host facility and their staff.
• Lead the planning, implementing, and monitoring the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes of the Early Head Start Program and continuously document progress in the achievement of goals, objectives, and expected outcomes to report to the Program Director.
• Plan the collection, analysis, and use of data regarding goals, objectives, and expected outcomes and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Responsible for collaborating with other team members to meet full enrollment in the program option being implemented.
• In collaboration with other Content Specialists or Managers, Supervise and evaluate assigned center staff.
• Conducts monitoring of children screenings and assessments, ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations.
• Conduct daily observations following the monitoring system of classrooms, offices, kitchen, and playground and assure the center is fully equipped with all furniture, materials, and supplies to ensure the indoor/outdoor learning environments are clean, healthy and safe for the children.
• Responsible for coordinating daily classroom coverage based on ratio.
• Responsible for the implementation of the CACFP program, monitoring the daily meal service, documentation, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines which includes staff-child ratios and daily attendance.
• Collaborates in the implementation of parent engagement activities in the center to include parent meetings, open house, parent/teacher conferences, home visits, and any meetings and communications with parents regarding referrals and child needs.
• In collaboration with the Director of Early Head Start and HR Director, implements personnel policies and procedures inclusive of background checks and hiring, evaluation, compensation, and termination procedures, standards of conduct, staff qualifications and competency requirements, staff health and wellness, and the recruitment and training of volunteers.
• Assist in the development of a parent handbook that summarizes policies and procedures for the operation of the center and communication procedures.
• In collaboration with the EHS Director develops a training and professional development plan for all center staff, regardless of their program option, that adheres to the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the state childcare licensing requirements to provide training to center staff in all areas of operations of the center.
• Supports the Onboarding process.
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding all personnel actions, legal actions, terminations and non-renewal documents and organizational plans.
• Support with classroom coverage as needed.
• Support the planning and attend Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC), and any other program committees and community trainings.
• Support the planning and attend Policy Council.
• Support kitchen duties as necessary.
• Support classroom duties as necessary
• Support CACFP tasks and meal preparation.
• Support the safe practices related to pedestrian safety during children's arrivals and departures time.
• Support outdoor environment tasks and sanitation needs.
• Conduct health and safety classroom and facility walk throughs.
• Attending all Professional Development training required by the program.
• Completes other related activities and duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Family and Human Development or equivalent in a related field.
• Three plus years' experience working in an administrative capacity in an education setting with at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in Human Resources management and operations and the use of management information systems with Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Experience and/or knowledge of childcare licensing.
• Experience in the CACFP guidelines and implementation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Education Curriculum & Instruction or Administrator's Certification.
• Five plus years' experience working in an administrative capacity in an educational setting with five years of supervisory experience.
• Significant experience in educational administration, with knowledge and skills in finance and human resources.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and State Child Care Minimum Standards.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish)

About Urban Strategies

Urban Strategies exists to equip, resource and connect faith- and community-based organizations so that all children and families can reach their full potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., our team serves in the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico, and Central America.

Company Culture

Our work is driven by our three core values: Authentic Relationships are foundational to our work and move beyond a transactional nature to truly know people. They serve as opportunities for mutual development and growth and are based on the belief that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Servant Leadership is rooted in an other-centric mindset that informs the way one leads and builds up individuals, families, and communities. Intentional Compassion describes a deliberate commitment to understand, formulate strategic responses, and activate others to reach their full potential.

Benefits

• Remote work for eligible positions.
• Urban Strategies offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• In addition to these benefits, we provide company-paid life and long term/ short term disability insurance.
• 401K matched contributions up to 4%.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Vacation time is generous but varies depending on program and position.
• 9 Sick Days and 11 Holidays.
• Positions that require laptops, the company provides one.
• Positions that require cellphone, company issues one.

Perks

• Meaningful employee engagement programs.
• Education discounts (BA-PhD) with a variety of education partners.