Center Director

Overview

Center Director role at Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.

Department: Head Start and Children's Services

Location: Dorchester Early Head Start

Compensation: $88,670 / year

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Description

The Center Director is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the center by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Center Management and Operations (70%)
  • Ensure all staff support and implement the delivery of high quality services for each content area.
  • Maintain a physical environment that conforms to governmental and agency standards of safety and cleanliness, is conducive to optimal growth and development of children and staff at the center and meets state licensing standards at all times.
  • Responsible for the overall planning, convening, and documentation of all staff and parent engagement meetings and activities such as: orientation, Parent Committee meetings, selection of parent representative to the Policy Council, training activities, parenting curriculum, center leadership meetings, selection and placement of children, Community Partners meetings, and others that may apply.
  • Ensure implementation of a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive curriculum as prescribed and chosen by the Head Start Central Office.
  • Develop, implement and monitor center recruitment plans to maintain full enrollment and a waitlist.
  • Ensure staff participation in the overall center-wide recruitment effort of children.
  • Continuously inspect building and grounds for cleanliness. Submit requests for needed repairs and general upkeep, and monitor all facility work and/or recommendations.
  • Complete applications and reporting with multiple outside agencies for center related operations such as licensing, accreditation, QRIS, etc.
  • Participate in department staff meetings and training sessions.
  • Supervise and maintain accurate and confidentially center record keeping required by licensing, governmental and agency policies, such as: a) personnel files and documentation such as but not limited to hiring packets, training certificates, employee sign-in sheets, timesheets; b) records of children\'s enrollment, attendance, progress and all applicable services; c) health and safety inspections, including fire drills; d) requisitions and inventories; e) in-kind and non-federal contributions; f) anecdotal records and observations; g) other documentation as required.
  • Participate in activities which inform the community of the services and goals of the agency.
  • Abide by agency, local, state and accrediting organization requirements for other related program operations tasks, such as but not limited to: reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect, conducting monthly fire drills, serve as a substitute when no substitute is available, distribution memos, and other materials, etc.
  • Work collaborative with the Deputy Director of Program Operations in the annual local budget preparation process.
  • Manage and monitor the center’s finances using the established budget and ensure the timely completion of the center’s financial paperwork.
  • Ensure the center is adequately stocked with necessary materials, supplies and equipment
  • Participate in development, implementation and monitoring of center agreements and contracts.
  • Establish and maintain relationships and collaborations with public school districts, systems of higher education, and other community agencies and partners.
  • Attend interagency organizational and planning meetings as appropriate.
  • Oversee the center’s participation in annual self-assessment and community assessment process following guidance from the Head Start central office.
  • Perform any other related duties as assigned from time to time.
• Staff Supervision (30%)
  • Screen, interview and make recommendations to Central staff for employment of suitable candidates or termination of center staff with appropriate documentation and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
  • Supervise and evaluate all center personnel (paid and volunteer). Monitor and track staff activity to ensure completion of required tasks.
  • Conduct annual performance appraisals incorporating a professional development plan for each staff inclusive of educational goals and objectives to help staff increase their skill level and knowledge of the field.
  • Conduct onboarding process of new staff while meeting the expectations of the agency as well as those of local, state and federal organizations, that is inclusive of ongoing trainings and observations.
  • Schedule assignments of center personnel, paid and volunteer, to ensure adequate adult to child ratio, ongoing services to families and required supervision/administration qualifications at all times.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate ongoing professional development activities for center staff
  • Perform any other related duties as assigned from time to time.
• Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in working with ethnically and culturally diverse staff and candidates.
  • Successful experience in working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Strong proficiency of computer literacy such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and Google applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Drive, etc.) required and the ability to learn new systems as needed.
  • High level of efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Significant experience in administration, including knowledge of State licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Strong knowledge of best practices and systems in the field of early childhood.
  • Sustained concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.
  • Significant diagnostic and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to direct and assess the performance of center staff, volunteers and vendors.
  • Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
  • Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.
  • Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
  • Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
  • Strong organization and time management skills, ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Willingness to engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.
  • Ability to travel frequently for events, trainings and meetings.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years professional leadership/management and supervisory experience, preferably in Head Start setting
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or human services management or a related field.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

Industries

• Non-profit Organization Management