Director of Operations

Director Of Operations

For over 33 years, LEAP has worked with children, teenagers, and young adults in New Haven, Connecticut, transforming lives in some of America's most underserved communities. As New Haven's largest youth agency with a growing national presence, we provide academic support, social enrichment, and leadership development through our innovative peer mentorship model. We empower older students (ages 16–24) with training, education, and resources to serve as counselors to younger students (ages 7–15). This approach builds a community with power and purpose while positioning LEAP as a national model for youth development.

The Director of Operations oversees the day-to-day operational functions that enable LEAP to deliver high-quality youth programs across multiple sites. This position ensures organizational efficiency, facility management, compliance, and operational excellence to support LEAP's mission of empowering young people in New Haven's underserved communities.

This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position that is highly visible requiring effective interaction and communication with a wide range of internal staff and outside partner organizations, community leaders, educational institutions, and vendors. The position provides ample opportunities for professional development, including training, conference attendance, networking, and on-the-job learning experiences.

Reports to: VP/Chief of Staff

Essential Duties

• Facilities & Property Management
• Supervise the Reception Coordinator and Building Management Coordinator
• Train new staff, and where necessary, existing staff on proper building management (including building opening and closing)
• Ensure that grounds and facilities are well maintained

• Program Operations Support
• Support transportation needs and field trip logistics
• Assist with resource provider identification and onboarding
• Oversee inventory management systems
• Provide support to program trainings
• Support communication outreach via text and email regarding LEAP and Q House events and applications; and train other staff to take leadership on this as well
• Facilitate Office of Early Childhood inspections and background check processes

• Technology & Systems
• Manage organizational technology infrastructure and systems
• Identify and oversee technology vendors
• Identify and schedule necessary tech-oriented trainings for staff
• Oversee database management for participant tracking and program evaluation
• Ensure data security and privacy compliance
• Support staff with technology needs and training

• Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure organizational compliance with state licensing requirements, insurance policies, and regulatory standards
• Maintain safety protocols across all sites
• Manage organizational insurance policies and claims
• Oversee emergency preparedness and response procedures

• Process Improvement
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies
• Develop and document standard operating procedures
• Analyze operational data to inform decision-making

• Vehicle Fleet Management
• Oversee maintenance schedules, repairs, and safety inspections, ensuring all vehicles meet Connecticut DMV requirements and maintain current registration and insurance
• Manage vehicle reservation system for staff use across programs and sites
• Ensure compliance with organizational vehicle use policies, driver qualification requirements, and coordinate vehicle replacement cycle planning

• Cross-Departmental Projects & Initiatives
• Lead and coordinate special projects that span multiple departments
• Serve as project manager for selected strategic initiatives requiring cross-functional collaboration between programs, development, finance, and operations teams
• Support partnership initiatives with external organizations requiring operational coordination and resource allocation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Minimum of five years of progressive operations management experience, preferably in nonprofit or youth services sector
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation with ability and willingness to drive
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for youth-serving organizations
• Cultural competency-based experience working in African American and Latino communities
• Ability to physically complete on-site supervision and in-person meetings

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field
• Experience with facilities management including aquatics facilities
• Knowledge of Connecticut nonprofit regulations and youth program licensing
• Experience in organizations with similar scale ($6M+ budget)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Connection to New Haven community

Technical Skills

• Proficient in computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), file sharing, databases, and research tools
• Experience with Salesforce preferred
• Experience and comfort effectively and accurately using AI tools to assist with operations, research, and analysis
• Ability to organize and maintain digital records and filing systems for collecting and reporting data

Essential Competencies

• Strong organizational and systems management skills with strategic thinking abilities
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities
• Exceptional attention to detail with ability to manage time effectively, prioritize work, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated tact and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to LEAP's mission and the communities we serve

Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed for events and organizational activities.

LEAP is an equal opportunity employer.