Area Manager

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Area Manager leads, manages, and coordinates the development of program options for the local service area, which may include Migrant and/or Regional programs and/or Childcare/Early Childhood collaborations, to assure quality services for children and families which comply with Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations and Tri-Valley policies. The Area Manager is responsible for developing, supporting and monitoring effective program operations at Head Start service locations within a multi-county area. The Area Manager assists the Head Start, Child & Family Programs Director, in planning and implementing services and provides resources, training and technical assistance to local staff and assures integrated services from all local teams and/or agencies, as well as support services. The Area Manager is Tri-Valley's representative for all center activities and services, which are funded through the corporation, and is responsible for the supervision and guidance of the Center Managers within their group. Helps recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Implementation and Coordination

1. Collaborates under the leadership of the Head Start, Child & Family Programs Director in developing effective program design services for Head Start children.
2. Contributes to developing effective systems for service delivery, documentation, training, monitoring, and reporting.
3. Ensures effective communication, training, and technical assistance are provided at the center level that meet center needs.
4. Assists service locations in determining needs, ordering materials and equipment, and conducting the necessary work.
5. Serves as a resource to service locations to advocate, mediate, and facilitate problem-solving and exercise professional judgment as needed.
6. Leads and develops assigned systems such as playgrounds, transportation, etc. This involves creating effective forms, policies, procedures, reporting, and monitoring systems while ensuring coordination with other service areas.

Operations

1. With the assistance of service area specialists, ensure effective systems are in place and performed at the center level across all service areas.
2. Facilities communicate and share information at the center level to ensure centers have what they need to offer top-notch services.
3. Assures that facilities for program operation and storage meet the program's needs.
4. Assures that transportation services and staffing provide for child safety and meet program regulations.
5. Coordinates with the administrative office, service area specialists, center staff, and local agencies to improve local programming.

Personnel

1. Assures systems for recruitment, hiring and retention of center personnel, which plan for staff and parent involvement.
2. Assures that Center Managers complete performance appraisals with input from other appropriate sources.
3. Promotes positive staff relations and mediates conflicts.
4. Assures the personnel paperwork is completed in an accurate and timely manner.
5. Assures all required training is completed.
6. Empowers Center Managers to increase their skills and to take ownership of their center and services in their community.

Community Assessment and Relations

1. Assists in assessing the characteristics, needs, and resources of local communities.
2. Supports the Head Start Program Managers in exchanging information with and making presentations to community employers, organizations and groups to promote understanding of the Head Start program.
3. Develops written agreements with community partners, training institutions, and other entities to effectively deliver Head Start services as needed.
4. Assists the Head Start Program Managers in improving program design at existing locations and establishing new locations and service models that best meet the needs of eligible populations.
5. Remains knowledgeable of local, state, and national requirements, standards, and guidelines for child care programs serving children, ages birth through 5 years.
6. Cooperates with local communities to improve program design at existing locations and establishes new locations and service models that best meet the needs of eligible populations.

Fiscal

1. Manages multiple Center fund systems effectively, utilizing the budget as a management tool.
2. Oversees purchasing and procurement for the Center and assures an accurate, current and secure center inventory.
3. Assures that fiscal procedures follow Tri-Valley guidelines and that forms/reports are completed and submitted in an accurate and timely manner.

Leadership

1. Assists the Center Manager in creating the vision for the center, which includes meeting family needs, exceeding performance standards and other regulations while providing an optimal work environment.
2. Coordinates planning and evaluation to facilitate progress toward the vision.
3. Incorporates results of community assessment into center planning.
4. Brings the needs and priorities of centers forward in areas of planning and improving services.

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Collects data and compiles reports as requested by the Program Design Manager.
2. Participates in the evaluation and self-assessment process as needed or requested at local service locations.
3. Ensures management systems are in place at the local level that provide for effective services.

Safety

1. Have or obtain within 90 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification, as well as maintain the certification during employment.

Supervisor and Leadership

1. Ensures quality services are provided by their staff; provides comprehensive training on duties, responsibilities and expectations of the position; offering continued support, guidance and resources as needed to be successful.
2. Monitors staff performance, providing positive and negative feedback in a timely manner. Conducts annual performance appraisals, supports staff in defining and meeting goals and professional development needs.
3. Addresses performance concerns in a timely manner, holding staff accountable for their actions. Offers constructive feedback, clear expectations, and necessary support to promote a positive outcome. Seeks assistance from management and the Human Resources Director as needed to ensure staff are given sufficient support in meeting the expectations of their position.
4. Communicates and enforces the expectation of a professional and positive work environment, treating everyone with respect.
5. Leading by example, energizes and encourages staff to commit to excellence; empowering them to succeed, making each day a positive experience for themselves and others.
6. Provides solid, unified, positive leadership for staff in times of challenge or change; displaying support and confidence, adapting priorities and focus as needed.
7. Effectively plans short and long term goals for success; personally and for the work group.
8. Effectively manages multiple projects, commitments, and the work produced by staff; ensuring deadlines are met and quality of work meets expectations.
9. Ensures a safe, positive and productive work environment is provided to staff.

Safety

1. Have or obtain within 90 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Public or Community Health, Social Work, Management or another field directly related to the responsibilities of the position, or four years equivalent experience/combination of education and experience.
2. Three years of experience supervising two or more staff.
3. Three years of experience promoting adult learning.
4. Three years of experience working in a leadership or management position.
5. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
6. Proof of valid driver's license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage.
7. Two years of experience working with computer programs, including Microsoft Excel and Word, email and the internet.

Tri-Valley is a non-profit community action agency. We believe in the value of all human beings. It is that belief that drives our efforts to identify needs, seek resources and provide opportunities for people to thrive.

Our work is committed to strengthening our communities so that its citizens have better places to live, work, worship and enjoy.

The mission of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities.

If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

Application Deadline: 6/17/2026

Employee Type: 12 Month

Hours per Week: 40

Benefits: 401K/Roth, PTO Accrual, Paid Holidays, ESST, and Employer Paid Life/LTD, Optional benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, Aflac/Colonial Life and Short-Term Disability

If any questions about the position, please contact: Tracey Sundeen, View email address on click.appcast.io