Head Start Center Operations Specialist

Jefferson County•Arvada, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head Start Center Operations Specialist plays a key role in supporting daily operations across multiple sites, coordinating coverage, ensuring safety and inventory processes stay on track, and serving as a primary point of contact for operational corrections and secondary support for emergency readiness. This role also provides scheduled on-site leadership coverage and supervises temporary site Aides to maintain continuity of care and operations. The position directly oversees a team of four to six temporary staff, providing day-to-day guidance, coordination, and support. The ideal candidate is organized, flexible, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-site environment. They have experience supervising staff and providing clear direction and support. They work well with others, stay calm under pressure, and are committed to supporting smooth operations and high-quality service for children and families. Help keep Head Start centers running smoothly, safely, and ready to serve!

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certificate
Two years of work-related experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Must have a valid driver's license, if you are from out of state, you must obtain a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date and you must not have any major violations, nor more than one DUI, DWI, DWAI conviction in the past three years.
Willingness to occasionally travel to assigned Head Start Sites (Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood).

Nice To Haves

Preferred supervisory experience managing employees, including supervision and management of work performance, expectations, timecards, assigned duties, and employee goal development
Colorado Shines PDIS Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) 3.0 Level 3 or higher highly preferred, with the ability to meet CDEC qualifications for a Large Center Director
Bachelor’s degree preferred in Public Administration, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Business Management, or a related field
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and federal program requirements
Understanding of early childhood education programs and family support services
Familiarity with compliance, monitoring, and audit processes
Strong organizational and project coordination skills
Experience with data management and analysis, with strong attention to accuracy and detail
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Problem-solving and process improvement skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related systems (e.g., Excel, Word, data systems)
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
Experience supervising or leading teams, including coaching, feedback, and performance management
Staff that are fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for additional compensation of $3,000 annually for use of bi-lingual skills.

Responsibilities

Direct and support a team of temporary site aides who provide classroom coverage and support, kitchen coverage and support, and operational task support.
Align site aide assignments with daily site needs and program expectations.
Collaborate with other supervisors to coordinate daily coverage needs across all sites, including reviewing the attendance line and assign site aids to fill gaps caused by staff callouts, including classroom support, kitchen support, and front desk support.
Assign and communicate daily operational tasks to support smooth site operations across all five Jefferson County Head Start (JCHS) centers.
Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to site aides, including setting expectations, monitoring performance, approving timecards, addressing concerns, and supporting staff development and accountability.
Provide scheduled supervisory coverage.
Lead inventory management across all sites, including taking inventory, purchasing supplies, receiving inventory, ensuring materials and supplies are stored, put away, and organized appropriately.
Monitor supply levels to prevent shortages and ensure readiness for daily operations.
Ensure routine safety checks and monitoring are completed at scheduled intervals across multiple locations.
Use monitoring checklists to confirm safety and compliance documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Serve as the primary point of contact to coordinate required corrections identified through health inspections and childcare licensing inspections.
Track follow-up actions and support completion of corrective items in a timely manner.
Maintain compliance with childcare licensing.
Plan, schedule, and conduct emergency drills across all locations in coordination with the Operations Manager.
Ensure required documentation and drill materials are completed according to program expectations.
Address and resolve conflicts; implement corrective action when appropriate to maintain a positive and respectful experience for all.
Performs other duties as assigned.