Operations Manager, Godine Early Learning Center-Newton

About the role

The Operations Manager oversees all non-curricular, day-to-day operations of the Godine Early Learning Center. This role ensures effective administrative workflows, operational efficiency, and a high standard of customer service for families, staff, and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Center’s compliance with JCCGB security protocols and EEC emergency procedures.
• Coordinate and participate in annual safety and CPR/First Aid trainings; manage staff training participation.
• Maintain active communication with designated Godine off-site evacuation locations.
• Coordinate with outsider partners to schedule annual Security Training.
• Develop and maintain efficient administrative systems to support daily center operations.
• Create, document, and maintain effective procedures to manage administrative functions efficiently and in support of the Directors, teachers, and JCCGB imperatives while meeting internal and external deadlines including transactions and processing related to enrollment, marketing, accounts payable, supply management, filing, classroom support, staff schedules, communications, and calendaring (holiday/vacation, summer programs, on-going events).
• Manage front office operations and ensure phone and walkie coverage and monitoring of the entry when the Administrative Assistant is unavailable.
• Provide professional, supportive, and timely customer service to families, staff, and guests via phone, email, and in-person.
• Share communications between parents and teachers regarding children as needed.
• Remain aware and sensitive to family’s needs and individual situations and respond in a helpful and appropriate manner.
• Share any questions and feedback when applicable with the Directors and others as needed to improve operations.
• Possess working knowledge of all office machines and troubleshoot when necessary.
• Track and manage portions of the Center’s budget including grant spending; initiate monthly budget tracking reports.
• Process accounts receivable/payable using Fidesic, reconcile credit card usage, and generate monthly financial statements/reports.
• Ensure accurate tracking of staff hours, timesheets, and payroll submissions as assigned for substitute teachers, hourly teachers and staff, and extra hours for salaried staff according to the respective payroll schedules; work directly with the Payroll Manager to ensure proper payments.
• Manage inventory and order office supplies and Center materials as needed.
• Manage onboarding for all new hires including completing HR change forms, processing EEC Background Checks, and coordinating with HR, Payroll, Membership, and IT.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date staff and children files in compliance with EEC licensing regulations and monitor all files as needed, including files related to children’s allergies.
• Provide regular EEC compliance updates to the Director and Enrollment Coordinator to ensure the team remains informed.
• Plan and coordinate with other departments monthly staff meetings, two Days of Learning, two Off-Site Teacher events, annual Open House, Educators Training Week, and other special events.
• Work with vendors to manage logistics, food and beverage, and space setup.
• Create and support a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes staff engagement and morale.
• Serve as the key point person between Godine and other JCCGB departments including Accounting, HR, Payroll, Marketing, Membership, Business Office, IT, FEJL, etc.
• Attend and contribute to leadership meetings, offering data-informed insights to enhance operational practices.
• Participate in Bonim engagement and professional development experiences.
• Serve as the Center’s point of contact for HR-related concerns, managing staff attendance, performance issues, and documentation in partnership with the Director and HR.
• Respond to requests from AVP.
• Provide operational support as needed, including coverage, emergency response, and troubleshooting across departments.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree, and at least 2 years’ experience in an office administration, recruitment and admissions, and/or customer service role, including some supervisory experience.
• Non-profit experience a plus.
• Must have strong computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office, familiarity with social media.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to multitask and manage situations effectively and diplomatically in a fast-paced environment; ability to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances and problem solve.
• Must have a record of successfully working well independently and with others, building/sustaining collaborative working relationships.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates a commitment to building strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Interest in and the ability to learn about school environments is a must.
• Interest in taking a class in child growth and development (at JCCGB expense) a plus.
• Knowledge of Jewish customs and rituals a plus.

Physical Requirements

This is an in-person position at the Godine ELC in Newton, MA. This position may require local travel to other JCC locations, evening meetings, and occasional weekend responsibilities. Must be able to work independently and handle a fast-paced, child-centered work environment. In the course of regular work, may need to bend, reach, lift, and carry. Must be present at work during Training Week, usually the last week of August each year. In addition, may not take vacation during the ELC blackout periods, which are typically the last week of the School Year Program, the first week of the Summer Program, or the first two weeks of the new School Year in August/September. Depending on workflow, there may be additional restrictions to vacations due to busy periods.