Director of Operations - Early Childhood

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Director of Operations - Early Childhood
REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer
CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Exempt
LOCATION : Brookings, SD

MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all early childhood education programs across the organization. This position ensures high-quality educational services, regulatory compliance, programming excellence, staff development, fiscal responsibility, and family engagement while supporting the mission and values of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains. The Director of Operations is responsible for maintaining consistent standards and operational excellence across all ECE sites.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction for all Early Childhood Education programs throughout the organization.
• Develop and implement a unified vision for ECE programming aligned with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains mission and organizational goals.
• Establish and monitor quality standards across all childcares, preschool, and early learning sites.
• Conduct regular site visits to evaluate program quality, compliance, classroom environments, and staff performance.
• Ensure consistency of policies, procedures, and educational practices across all locations.
• Develop strategic plans for program growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Curriculum and Assessment

• Oversee curriculum implementation across all ECE sites.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with state early learning standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Monitor child assessment systems and evaluate developmental outcomes.
• Analyze data to identify trends, measure progress, and improve program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with site leadership to ensure high-quality instructional practices.

Licensing, Accreditation, and Compliance

• Ensure all programs maintain compliance with state childcare licensing regulations.
• Oversee licensing visits, inspections, corrective action plans, and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and documentation at all sites.
• Develop and maintain policies that support regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Monitor adherence to health, safety, and risk-management standards.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate ECE leadership staff.
• Develop professional development plans for all ECE employees.
• Ensure staff receive required training and maintain necessary credentials.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management support.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support leadership succession planning and workforce development initiatives.

Family and Community Engagement

• Promote positive relationships with children and families.
• Address family concerns professionally and effectively.
• Build partnerships with school districts, community agencies, and early childhood organizations.
• Represent the organization in community meetings, committees, and professional organizations.
• Advocate for high-quality early childhood education services throughout the community.

Financial Management

• Develop and oversee ECE budgets across all sites.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of resources.
• Evaluate staffing plans and operational efficiencies.
• Support grant development, reporting, and funding opportunities.
• Ensure programs operate within approved budgets while maintaining quality standards.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management

• Ensure safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for all children.
• Oversee implementation of emergency procedures and crisis response plans.
• Monitor health, sanitation, and safety practices across all locations.
• Ensure timely resolution of safety concerns and compliance issues.

Membership Recruitment and Enrollment

• Develop and implement strategies to increase enrollment and maintain healthy program participation across all ECE sites.
• Monitor enrollment trends, waiting lists, and program capacity to maximize utilization and sustainability.
• Collaborate with marketing and Club leadership to promote ECE programs within the community.
• Build relationships with families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to support recruitment efforts.
• Oversee enrollment processes and ensure a positive experience for prospective and current families.
• Monitor retention rates and implement strategies to improve family satisfaction and long-term engagement.
• Establish annual enrollment goals and regularly evaluate progress toward recruitment objectives.
• Represent the Boys & Girls Club at community events, family engagement activities, and recruitment opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for expansion of ECE services to meet community needs and organizational growth goals.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare reports for executive leadership, funding agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain accurate program and performance data.
• Lead ECE leadership meetings and organizational initiatives.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to support organizational decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood education.
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations and quality standards.
• Outstanding leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple sites and priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Program Management
• Staff Development
• Curriculum Leadership
• Regulatory Compliance
• Fiscal Management
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Accountability
• Continuous Quality Improvement

Performance Expectations

• The Director of Operations is accountable for:
• Maintaining licensing compliance across all ECE locations.
• Ensuring high-quality educational programming and positive child outcomes.
• Meeting or exceeding annual enrollment and membership goals.
• Developing and implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies.
• Maintaining strong family satisfaction and engagement.
• Developing, supporting, and retaining qualified staff.
• Managing financial resources effectively.
• Building strong relationships with families, staff, and community partners.
• Supporting organizational growth and mission achievement.