Regional Director of Center Operations

ECS4KIDS•Jacksonville, FL

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Regional Director of Center Operations is responsible for providing oversight for the day-to-day operations of the Head Start and Early Head Start centers in assigned region. The Director will provide vision and leadership to the staff by planning and coordinating training, providing programmatic support, and reporting of programs, classrooms, and child outcomes. These duties will be completed in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards, Policies and Procedures, and state licensing requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years related experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management and administration required
Director's Credential or obtainment within 1 year of employment required
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
Knowledge of early childhood and adult learning techniques
Working knowledge of accounting principles and budgeting processes
Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
Significant experience in planning, administration, and supervision
Demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact with all levels of personnel, parents, and external vendors with professionalism and diplomacy
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; make recommendations and develop implementation strategies
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to interpret agency, federal and state laws pertaining to the program
Ability to plan and direct activities to write goals and objectives
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
Complete 15 hours of in-service/professional development training hours each fiscal year (July-June)
Renewal of Director’s Credential six months prior to expiration date to ensure compliance
A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Early Childhood, Public Service, Business or Management preferred

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Center Operations, the Regional Director of Operations is responsible for administering programs through compliance of State and Federal regulations and adherence to the Head Start Performance Standards, APPLE Accreditation, State Partnership for School Readiness, and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten.
Provide leadership, supervision, and support to the Managers of Center Operations (MOCO).
Maintain regular staff meetings with MOCOs as needed.
Seek out new opportunities to partner with CCP’s within the communities we serve.
Oversee RFP process for Child Care Partnership (CCP) contracts.
Provide and coordinate training to enhance the skills of the HS/EHS program Operations and CCP staff as deemed necessary.
Monitor services and provide reports documenting compliance with all standards in assigned content areas, including but not limited to HS Program Performance Standards, APPLE Accreditation requirements, DCF Regulations, and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten rules and regulations.
Supervise and evaluate systems and procedures relating to reporting program quality for Early Head Start, Head Start Centers and CCP’s.
Collaborate with the Education Leadership team to assist with HS/EHS pre-service, on-going staff training events, retreats and staff meetings.
Review HS/EHS program evaluations, develop reports, and recommend improvements to inform instructional practices, CLASS scores and child outcomes.
Ensure individual professional development plans for staff are completed and updated as needed.
Collaborate with the Education department to establish educational goals that will meet the needs of the children and families.
Assist VP HS/EHS, Senior Director of Operations, management team and Policy Council with developing program plans and goals for Head Start and Early Head Start that meet the needs of the community.
Ensure that all Head Start and Early Head Start staff/CCP’s are trained in accordance to ECS HS/EHS Education policy and procedures.
Monitor the approved center and CCP budgets for Head Start/Early Head Start and take appropriate action to correct variances.
Review and ensure accuracy of monthly reimbursement PO’s for CCP’s.
Ensure performance evaluations are completed accurately and timely for center staff.
Ensure the performance improvement process is implemented according to policy.
Monitors and evaluates program quality and effectiveness by conducting field observations.
Assist MOCO as needed in employee relation matters including conflict resolution, mediation, staff investigations, etc.
Work with MOCO, CCP Directors/Owners and HR as needed to follow up on parent and community complaints.
Assist HR as needed to investigate staff disciplinary issues.
Assist the Senior Director Educational Operations with the annual HS and EHS service calendars.
Prepare and submit accurate and timely reports required by funding sources.
Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the Senior Director of Operations and the VP of HS/EHS informed of all critical issues.
Stay current in the field of early childhood education through research, current literature, and attending workshops and conferences.
Take an active role in representing ECS throughout the community and cultivating key relationships.
Support and encourage a working atmosphere that allows for creative thinking, positive attitudes, dedication to the mission of ECS, and teamwork.
All other duties as requested to maintain the success of ECS and the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.