Program Manager - DECFS

ENRICHMENT SERVICES PROGRAM INCORPORATED•Columbus, GA

9d•$75,000 - $77,751•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager serves on the Senior Leadership Team within the Department of Early Childhood and Family Services and supervises Center Managers for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Under the direction of the DECFS Director, the role provides overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these work units. The Program Manager also supports recruitment and staff development activities, including screening, selecting, onboarding, and training candidates, and is responsible for assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, recognizing employees, handling discipline, and resolving problems. The position oversees center-level program operations and supports compliance with applicable Office of Head Start standards, state licensing requirements, agency policies, procedures, operational plans, contracts, laws, regulations, and funding requirements. The Program Manager works closely with department leaders and center teams to monitor program performance, address needs, improve service delivery, and coordinate timely resolution of operational, facility, personnel, and technology or risk-related issues. The ideal candidate is a structured problem solver and decision maker with strong relational skills who can work independently and as part of a larger team.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, formulating, coordinating, and implementing Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the center level.
Ensure timely submission and accuracy of center reports, including the Center Manager Monthly Report, Weekly Building Checklist, Weekly Playground Checklist, Incident Reports, BLS, and Attendance Plans.
Collaborate with Senior Leaders to ensure centers comply with OHS Standards, state licensing requirements, and ESP policies, procedures, and operational plans.
Hold weekly check-in meetings with Senior Leaders to review service-area information and individual center needs.
Visit at least four centers per week to monitor, coach, and support managers.
Conduct at least one formal in-person monthly meeting with Center Managers and invite Senior Leaders to provide updates as needed.
Conduct weekly virtual meetings with Center Managers and invite other departments to participate and provide updates as needed.
Hold bi-weekly check-ins with individual Center Managers to document performance, center needs, and staff progress.
Coordinate with the Director of Operations, HR Director, HR Generalist, and IT/Risk Manager on work orders, facilities requests, HR needs, and timely escalation and resolution of issues.
Conduct monthly Combined Service Area Meetings to monitor center-level data and compliance, analyze root causes, and plan follow-up actions after monitoring visits.
Assist the PFCE Team and Center Managers with meeting in-kind and volunteer requirements.
Participate in strategic planning and contribute to program goals and objectives.
Work with other leaders to assess program and community needs and update the Community Needs Assessment annually.
Direct center-based operations in accordance with contractual agreements, laws, regulations, funding documents, and agency goals and objectives.
Work with the Department Director to establish operating and administrative policies and procedures that support efficient operations and compliance.
Advocate for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs and maintain clear lines of authority and communication.
When approved by the Program Director, preside over meetings of program personnel and committees to provide leadership and coordinate activities.
Use Community Assessment data to maintain, correct, or improve center-level service delivery.
Study policies, methods, and procedures and modify or recommend modifications as needed for proper program functioning.
Assign, onboard, develop, train, supervise, and evaluate Center Managers.
Collaborate with HR on personnel actions and employee relations.
Support, coach, and build the capacity of direct reports.
Support development and implementation of in-service training and technical assistance plans when requested.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director.