Logo
job logo

Assistant Director of Operations-ECES

SEK-CAP, Girard, KS, United States


Classification: Full-time

Status: Exempt

Position Summary The Assistant Director acts as Interim Director of Early Childhood Service in his/her absence. Responsibilities include providing supervision/management support to the Director of Early Childhood Services in the overall operations of the Early Childhood program consistent with agency policies, federal regulations, applicable laws and required funding source guidelines.

Essential Functions Leadership & Program Oversight

Supervise daily program operations to ensure that Early Childhood goals and objectives are implemented successfully and that the Head Start philosophy remains central to program delivery.

Participate in developing and updating program plans in collaboration with Component Managers, especially the activities involving licensing, hiring, and supervision.

Ensure that all program activities comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards and state/federal regulations.

Conduct site visits to assess program effectiveness and ensure compliance with quality standards and funding source guidelines. This is accomplished through Manager Visits.

Support continuous improvement through ongoing self-assessment and program evaluation.

Personnel Management & Human Resources Collaboration

Supervise the Center Supervisors and support their efforts in staffing and scheduling, including maintaining a substitute calendar.

Collaborate with the HR Manager to ensure appropriate handling of personnel matters, including disciplinary actions, staff concerns, and investigations.

Administer personnel policies and ensure consistent application in daily operations.

Maintain and update the Center Manager/Lead Teacher Manual with the support of the Center Supervisors and provide training on the items when needed.

Support Center Supervisors in providing guidance to assigned staff whose performance does not meet established standards.

Support Center supervisors in administering corrective actions and performance evaluations in accordance with the SEK-CAP Personnel Policy and Procedures Handbook.

Maintain a schedule for performance evaluations for ECE staff and remind supervisors of when the evaluations are due and coordinate the information with HR.

Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of new staff, subject to Policy Council approval.

Coordinate with HR to maintain up-to-date employee records, including applicant tracking, new hires, and terminations.

Communication, Reporting & Administrative Support

Assist the Director of Early Childhood (EC) with problem resolution, program planning, and departmental meetings.

Maintain open, accurate, and timely communication with staff to ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability.

Assist with contract (Memorandum of Understanding) development and management as assigned by the Director.

Approve timesheets for the people they supervise and assist the Senior Staff Accountant-Payroll with resolving issues with timesheet submissions, especially in the absence of supervisors.

Review the Leave Without Pay (LWOP) report from the Chief Financial Officer to track overuse of LWOP and contact the supervisors of the staff with concerns.

Training, Professional Development & Performance Support

Participate in staff training, orientations, and professional development initiatives, as assigned.

Promote opportunities for continued learning and skill enhancement for staff, parents, and self.

Ensure training and development resources are made available and align with Head Start standards and best practices.

Health, Safety & Facilities Management

In coordination with the Property Manager, ensure all Early Childhood centers meet local/state health and safety codes and provide a healthy, developmentally appropriate environment. (worked with Brian in the past)

Community Engagement & Public Relations

Represent the Early Childhood program in community events and activities to build partnerships and promote agency goals.

Assist in maintaining a proactive public relations strategy that enhances awareness and support for Head Start and SEK-CAP.

Advocate for Head Start in the community and cultivate opportunities to serve eligible families.

Mission Alignment, Ethics & Compliance

Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc.

Understand, support, and implement the goals and objectives of the Early Childhood program and the broader agency.

Ensure confidentiality and privacy of all client and agency information.

Comply with all applicable agency policies, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and state licensing regulations.

Report any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authority as required by law.

Additional Responsibilities

Support management decisions through consistent communication and conduct.

Perform all other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the Early Childhood program and SEK-CAP, Inc.

Knowledge and Experience

Proven ability in personnel administration and staff supervision, with effective leadership skills that promote a positive and productive work environment.

Skilled in program planning, development, assessment, and evaluation.

Experienced in building strong community relationships to support program goals.

In-depth knowledge of child development and early childhood education practices.

Comprehensive understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards, and applicable state and federal regulations for children ages 0–5.

Proficient in administrative and office functions, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), typing, filing, faxing, calculator use, and accurate recordkeeping.

Highly organized and resourceful in managing multiple responsibilities.

Able to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, families, and community partners.

Respectful of cultural differences and diverse family structures.

Flexible with work hours and adaptable to changing priorities and environments.

Committed to empowering children and families toward self-sufficiency and lifelong success.

Education and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university required, preferably in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience required.

Five years of supervisory experience is preferred. Experience in Early Childhood Education is preferred, with preference given to candidates with Head Start or Early Head Start experience.

Must possess a current, valid driver’s license and maintain insurability under the organization’s motor vehicle insurance policy.

Must obtain and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.

Must submit to and pass a standard criminal background check.

Must successfully complete a physical examination and TB screening prior to employment and every three years thereafter.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed throughout the day.

Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

The work environment may include occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes such as heat and cold. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate but can be loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Health insurance

Paid sick time

Paid time off

Paid training

Paid Life Insurance

Vision insurance

Weekly Day Range

Monday to Friday

Work Location In person

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr