Regional Director of Operations

The role of the Regional Director of Operations (DO) involves ensuring high-quality programs are implemented in a designated region of schools serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Additionally, the Regional Director of Operations participates in cross-company projects and initiatives and supports harmonizing policies and procedures across the organization.

Location Note: The regional director will have a home-based office and will travel to various sites (territory will be around 6-8 locations) across Westchester County, Long Island and southern Connecticut.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the operational functions and school Directors, as direct reports, of all Magical Beginnings’ schools in assigned territory.
• Oversee and manage the facilities functions and Facilities Manager, as a direct report, of all Magical Beginnings’ schools in assigned territory.
• Demonstrate superior leadership in interacting with all Magical Beginnings’ stakeholders, including staff, children, families, early education colleagues, community partners, vendors, and contractors.
• Communicate expectations of company goals to direct reports and follow up to ensure understanding and compliance.
• Uphold and exemplify Magical Beginnings mission, values and culture to all stakeholders.
• Make sure all child-to-teacher ratios comply with state mandates.
• Set up an annual training plan with guidance from the Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Operating Officer for Directors and implement the plan.
• Ensure and implement all state-mandated laws, safety, and education regulations.
• Ensure and implement all child care financial assistance (voucher) regulations and guidelines.
• Ensure and implement all company policies and procedures as per employee and family handbooks and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate mastery of licensure regulations, including preparing a school for licensure inspections, communicating with licensors, and adapting to changing regulations.
• Maintain licensure guidelines and quality standards by scheduling school staff within budgeted payroll guidelines.
• Serve as Interim Director, when a vacancy occurs, and a school is left without leadership.

Operations Tasks

• Administer school audits to measure and provide feedback on top quality.
• Establish and maintain a regular visitation schedule for all schools within the assigned region.
• Perform outreach activities to ensure staff and families alike are having a positive experience at Magical Beginnings.
• Ensure that School Directors have access to your time and can express their desires and concerns.
• Perform annual performance reviews of all direct reports and advise leadership on recommendations for raises, promotions, performance plans, and terminations.
• In case of an issue that the Director cannot resolve, serve as primary custome service representative.
• Interview, hire and train School Directors with the approval of the Chief Operating Officer.
• Ensure the smooth operation of schools' day-to-day operations.
• Work with the school’s social worker, Directors, and teachers to ensure behavior plans are in compliance with company standards.
• Oversee and manage the Mentorship Program with assistance from the school Directors.
• Maintain and support Directors and school facilities, including maintenance, IT, and inventory.
• Make sure school leadership replenishes classroom supplies and materials regularly.
• With the support of the Executive Leadership Team, conduct licensing, furnishing, opening, hiring, and training for new start-up schools.
• Maintain an anti-bias and anti-racism culture throughout the school.

Marketing, Recruitment, and Financial Management Tasks

• Support all regional and school-level marketing outreach, enrollment, and staffing efforts.
• Hold school-level enrollment meetings to continuously manage and improve enrollment to meet set goals.
• Hold school-level recruiting meetings to continuously improve and manage classroom staffing to meet set goals.
• Ensure the School’s financial health.
• Supervise regional and school budgets ,supporting Directors in adhering to projections and budgets and in meeting organizational goals and objectives.
• Effectively manage and oversee school budgets with each school Director.
• Manage processes for meeting KPIs and financial plans
• Hold Directors accountable for meeting school financial goals.
• Communicate with Executive Leadership Team when financial goals or KPI’s will not be met.

Model and Foster Outstanding Leadership

• Project a positive image and a neat, professional appearance – at a higher standard than other staff
• Communicate concerns and non-compliances immediately to the Executive Leadership Team
• Proactively pursue the professional development of every staff member, ensuring staff attend at least 20 hours per year of training and development, including 33% in the special needs area.
• Develop an internal pipeline of candidates trained and seeking advancement in the organization to roles of Assistant Directors and Directors.
• Develop positive relationships and foster team building across schools and employees.
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and seminars to expand the knowledge base and provide improved practices for the organization. Additionally, support the development of biannual Professional Development content, as well as quarterly leadership Professional Development content.
• Follow the Executive Leadership Team’s direction and demonstrate flexibility in accepting tasks delegated.

Physical requirements

• It is possible to stand and move for 60 percent of the day without discomfort.
• Performing computer work for long periods as needed.
• Lifting capacity of 25 pounds.

Prerequisites

• Minimum five years of progressive leadership in early education organizations.
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication, especially in building and managing relationships.
• Demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and advocacy skills as an individual and team player.
• Solid business acumen, management, analytical, and problem-thinking skills.
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, education or related field
• Experience managing multi-unit operations.
• The ability and willingness to work a full-time schedule that could include weekends and nights as necessary.