Manager of Center Operations

ECS4KIDS•Thomson, GA

23d

About The Position

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Manager of Center Operations oversees the planning, daily operations, and evaluation of assigned Head Start centers. This role ensures compliance with program standards and supports high-quality educational programming. The Manager directly supervises Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists, integrating operational leadership with educational excellence. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Supervision Supervise and support Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists across assigned locations. Develop professional development plans and conduct performance reviews for direct reports. Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training of center-based staff. Foster a collaborative and mission-driven work environment. Educational Oversight Ensure fidelity in curriculum implementation and adherence to Head Start Start Performance Standards and other regulatory guidelines. Support Education Specialists and Center Managers in analyzing child assessment data to inform instruction and improve learning outcomes. Evaluate classroom environments using tools such as CLASS, ECERS, and applicable assessments. Coaching & Training Collaborate with the Education Specialists to plan and facilitate training for center staff. Monitor and support in-class coaching efforts, providing feedback and ensuring consistency across sites. Conduct regular site visits and observations to assess coaching quality and classroom practices. Operational Management Oversee center operations in the absence of Center Managers. Ensure timely and accurate reporting in Child Plus and other systems. Monitor budgets and take corrective action on variances. Address parent and community concerns in collaboration with HR and Regional Director. Collaboration & Communication Work closely with the Regional Director of Head Start and Management Team to align goals and strategies. Represent ECS4Kids programs to families, community partners, and stakeholders. Maintain timely and professional communication, including a 24-hour response time during business hours. (These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
Minimum 3 years of experience in Head Start or center operations.
Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
15 hours of annual training?(January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, and program operations.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy.
All required curriculum courses within six months of employment.
CLASS Preschool within nine months of employment and successfully renewed annually
GOLD Inter-Rater Reliability certification in Preschool within nine months of employment and successfully renewed annually
Lastinger Coaching Certification within one year of employment and successfully renewed annually
Strong leadership and team development skills.
Knowledge of early childhood education best practices and regulatory standards.
Ability to analyze data and use it to inform instruction and operations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Child Plus.
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, with frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and stretching required to interact with young children at their level and to support classroom activities.
Sufficient hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to operate a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office and classroom equipment.
Normal or corrected vision and hearing required to observe children’s behavior, assess developmental progress, and communicate effectively with staff and families.
Ability to speak clearly and effectively in both one-on-one and group settings, and to write detailed reports, assessments, and documentation.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally, including lifting children or classroom materials as needed.
Comfortable working in a variety of settings including classrooms, offices, and outdoor environments, with the ability to transition between them throughout the day.
Ability to travel locally between program sites, with occasional out-of-town travel for training or meetings.

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred.
Experience with CLASS, curriculum implementation, and coaching preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise and support Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists across assigned locations.
Develop professional development plans and conduct performance reviews for direct reports.
Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training of center-based staff.
Foster a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
Ensure fidelity in curriculum implementation and adherence to Head Start Start Performance Standards and other regulatory guidelines.
Support Education Specialists and Center Managers in analyzing child assessment data to inform instruction and improve learning outcomes.
Evaluate classroom environments using tools such as CLASS, ECERS, and applicable assessments.
Collaborate with the Education Specialists to plan and facilitate training for center staff.
Monitor and support in-class coaching efforts, providing feedback and ensuring consistency across sites.
Conduct regular site visits and observations to assess coaching quality and classroom practices.
Oversee center operations in the absence of Center Managers.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting in Child Plus and other systems.
Monitor budgets and take corrective action on variances.
Address parent and community concerns in collaboration with HR and Regional Director.
Work closely with the Regional Director of Head Start and Management Team to align goals and strategies.
Represent ECS4Kids programs to families, community partners, and stakeholders.
Maintain timely and professional communication, including a 24-hour response time during business hours.