Program Manager

Reports To: Program Director
Exemption Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000
Created: April 2024- Revised October 2025

Position Summary
The Program Manager supports the Director in providing visionary leadership to early childhood and kitchen staff in the implementation of a high-quality early childhood program and the core features (social capital, health and well-being, financial stability, early childhood education, K-12 partnerships, college/career pathways) of a 2gen approach that builds family well-being through intentionality and simultaneously working with children and their primary caregivers in their lives through collaboration with the Family Engagement Manager and Curriculum Manager. The program manager is responsible for the day to day management of the early learning center, ensuring the implementation of comprehensive services including evidence based early childhood education for children ages 0-5, compliance with all DHHS licensing standards for childcare licensing, CACFP regulations, and Douglas County Health Department regulations, implementation of evidence based curriculum, and execution of ongoing professional development for staff through the execution of a regular and ongoing professional development model and coaching cycle.


Key Responsibilities
Early Learning Center and Kitchen Operations & Program Support

• Creates a culture of trust, transparency, and open communication including seeking of diverse viewpoints to ensure growth of the center
• Provides a clear explanation of the "why" behind decisions and seeks to ensure continuity of messaging with the Management Team and partner organizations.
• Fosters mutual respect, communication, and partnership between the staff through relationship building.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including opening/closing the center, managing supplies, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment in collaboration with operations, family engagement, and curriculum staff
• Ensure the center is clean, safe, and well-maintained, addressing any safety or maintenance issues promptly.
• Guarantee the center adheres to all local, state, and federal health, safety, and educational regulations.
• Ensure child and visitor safety and serve as the on-site point of contact for families, facilitators, and guests.
• Supervise child learning specialists including hiring, training, scheduling, and project planning.
• Supervise the food coordinators and management of the kitchen and logistics involved (for example: budget, inventory and ensuring nutritious meals and keeping a healthy budget)
• Support transportation logistics and serve as a minibus driver when needed.
• Maintain accurate records for children's attendance, medical information, and developmental progress.
• Collaborate with Director and Management team to ensure operational readiness for all center-based activities and special events.

Staff Management and Oversight

• Interview, hire, and train qualified staff members.
• Coach staff, supervise staff, conduct performance evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching, support and feedback.
• Implement the FAN model for reflective practice and restorative practices.
• Create and manage staff schedules to ensure proper ratios are maintained, and all shifts are covered. Be willing to step into the ratio if necessary.
• Provide staff with training and professional development opportunities.

Curriculum and child development

• Develop, implement, and oversee curriculum and educational programs.
• Review and provide feedback on classroom lesson plans to ensure they align with learning standards and developmental needs.
• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that supports the intellectual, physical, and social development of all children.
• Manage the enrollment of new children and communicate with families about their child's progress.
• Collaborate with the Director and Management Team on family and community events, as well as the recruitment plan to bring in new children and caregivers.
• Create and implement data digs with the Director and Family Engagement Manager with ongoing progress monitoring.

Family and Community relations

• Maintain strong relationships with families/primary caregivers, address concerns, and regularly communicate about their child's progress.
• Market the facility to drive enrollment and build relationships with community organizations.
• Act as a liaison between staff, parents, and other stakeholders.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead with professionalism, empathy, and integrity; model positive behavior and work ethic.
• Partner with the Director on hiring decisions, pay changes, and employee relations.
• Ensure fair work distribution, encourage team collaboration, and manage staff schedules, timesheets, and PTO.
• Facilitate team meetings and 1:1s and promote open communication across departments.

Program Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Track and evaluate program effectiveness using staff input, family feedback, and outcome data.
• Support innovation and process improvement to enhance family engagement services.
• Represent the organization positively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current on industry trends through professional development and networks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Education, Social Services, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of management or supervisory experience in an early learning center preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, and follow through.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to work occasional weekday evenings.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record; completion of minibus safety training required.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Workplace Expectations

• Maintain professional conduct, appearance, and confidentiality.
• Adhere to policies including IT security, FERPA, and acceptable use agreements.
• Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, flexibility, and a strong commitment to team success.
• Willingly perform additional duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy County is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other protected status.