Director of Operations

L.E.A.P. Inc.•New Haven, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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, LEAP provides academic support, social enrichment, and leadership development through its innovative peer mentorship model. This model empowers older students (ages 16–24) with training, education, and resources to serve as counselors to younger students (ages 7–15), building a community with power and purpose and 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.

Requirements

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
Proficient in computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), file sharing, databases, and research tools
Ability to organize and maintain digital records and filing systems for collecting and reporting data
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

Nice To Haves

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
Experience with Salesforce preferred
Experience and comfort effectively and accurately using AI tools to assist with operations, research, and analysis

Responsibilities

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