Senior Director, Children’s Programs

If you’re looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, Metropolitan Ministries may have a role for you. Since 1972, we’ve been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. As a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a commitment to making a difference.

About the role

The Senior Director, Children’s Programs provides dynamic and responsive leadership for educational and social-emotional programs for all school-age children. This position supervises the CREATE Early Learning and Out-of-Schooltime program, a therapeutic program primarily serving homeless children, teens (infants through 12th grade), and their families.

Responsibilities

• CREATE Early Learning and Out-of-Schooltime Programs
  • Supervise program service delivery to ensure quality care and compliance with all licensing and accreditation guidelines.
  • Support the hiring, supervision, performance evaluations, and training of staff in the CREATE programs.
  • Ensure techniques used are evidence-based and suited to meet the needs of the children.
  • Facilitate staff access to external continuing education opportunities.
  • Build relationships with community partners such as colleges, universities, comparable service providers, neighborhood leaders, and agencies to enhance the effectiveness of Ministries’ services.
  • Represent CREATE – Early Learning in ECE Quality trainings, association meetings, and community events.
• Youth Programs
  • Supervise and support the Manager of Youth Programs.
  • Oversee planning, budget compliance, data collection, and reporting for grants and funders.
  • Hold staff accountable for program planning, data reporting, grant reporting, donor reporting, and KPIs.
  • Facilitate partnerships with grant organizations and donors such as Lamplighters and other community partners.
• Education Transition
  • Supervise and support the Education Transition Coordinator.
  • Oversee support for transitioning families to determine and assist with school needs, including enrollment, transportation, uniforms, shoes, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), or 504 plans.
  • Understand county, state, and federal guidelines governing homeless and special education rights, and advocate accordingly.
  • Coordinate and communicate regularly with the HELP team coordinator for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), Project Promise, and other local education agencies (LEAs).
  • Provide support for the annual Back to School Bash.
• Universal Expectations
  • Ensure all notes and assessments are updated in a Metropolitan Ministries-approved data tracking system and that Key Performance Indicators are tracked and monitored.
  • Oversee appropriate implementation and modifications of policies and procedures as necessary.
  • Monitor ongoing progress, needs, and support services for children.
  • Ensure families are linked to services and natural support systems as needed.
  • Support the hiring, supervision, performance evaluations, and training of staff in the programs.
  • Supervise staff to ensure trauma-informed interactions with all clients and maintain professional boundaries.
  • Conduct routine staff meetings to develop the early learning and out-of-schooltime team.
  • Responsible for data tracking and outcome reporting in compliance with all major grant allotments.
  • Oversee all financial aspects of the programs, including school readiness funding management.
  • Coordinate with all Client Care staff to ensure service delivery best meets the needs of the children.
  • Participate in children’s coordination and programs team meetings.
  • Meet personal goals and actively contribute to the achievement of team and organizational targets/goals as stated in the KPI and annual plan.
  • Attend required staff meetings and ongoing trainings.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Master’s degree in education, social work, mental health counseling, or related field from an accredited university.
  • Experience working in early learning and/or out-of-schooltime programming.
  • Knowledgeable about homeless issues, with experience working with individuals with trauma, and/or willingness to seek continuing education related to the homeless population.
  • Director’s credentials preferred.
  • Supervision experience preferred.
  • Bilingual is a plus.
• Skills
  • Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team framework.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Dependability and professionalism in handling job-related matters diplomatically and confidentially.
  • Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients served.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision while accepting direction.
  • Well-organized and detail-oriented.
• Physical Requirements
  • Hearing and speaking ability for effective oral communication.
  • Physical and emotional stamina to handle job-related issues and stress.
• Other
  • Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
  • Preferred: Valid FL driver’s license with a good driving record and insured vehicle for transporting self and clients when necessary.
  • Must pass applicable pre-employment background screening procedures.

Benefits

• Salary: $70,000 - $75,000
• Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, with family coverage available for purchase.
• Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.
• PTO: 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually (for full-time and part-time employees).
• Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.
• $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Training and career development.
• Discounted membership at the YMCA.