Senior Operations Manager

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

6d•$109,558 - $164,337•Hybrid

About The Position

Multnomah County voters chose to invest in culturally responsive, inclusive, joyous early learning opportunities for all 3 and 4 year-old children. This investment will transform and impact educational experiences for young children and their families and we want you to help make it a success! As the Senior Operations Manager of the Preschool & Early Learning Division, you will actively champion racial justice and equity within early childhood programs and systems at Multnomah County and in the community. You will provide support and oversight to two teams: Budgets & Contracts and Application & Enrollment. This includes developing, implementing, and improving operational systems related to budgets, contracts, and the preschool application process. You will support the development of the Division budget, support and oversee launch of major operational IT solutions for your teams, and provide leadership to ensure families have a positive experience navigating the application process. You will collaborate closely with other members of the Leadership Team to align efforts across teams and be responsive to evolving and emergent issues. You will utilize the community framework and vision for Preschool for All to build and maintain systems, policies, and procedures that promote racial justice and equity. You will lead strategic planning, set operational goals for Preschool for All, and monitor compliance. You will collaboratively develop creative solutions that prioritize the needs of Black, Brown and Indigenous families and families of color who apply and enroll in Preschool for All programs. You will ensure that internal processes align with Preschool for All’s goals to partner with Black, Indigenous and preschool providers of color in ways that build positive relationships and support success and growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, or equivalent education and/or practical experience
Five (5) + years of increasingly responsible program management experience including supervision and budget management
Must pass a criminal background check

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, institutional racism, and other forms of systemic oppression
Experience using knowledge and understanding of institutional racism and systemic oppression to build or change processes, policies, and/or procedures
Knowledge and understanding of cultures, customs and social experiences of communities experiencing marginalization and barriers to opportunity, especially for Black and Indigenous child care providers and families, and families and providers of color
Experience in leading public sector budgeting and contract processes and management
Experience with technology system management
Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed practices that actively resist retraumatization of individuals and communities
Experience using a participatory management style to promote teamwork and a "learning" work environment for employees
Experience in supervising and leading diverse teams
Experience in planning and leading complex projects, programs, and/or initiatives
Comfort with change

Responsibilities

Develop and Implement Internal Operations Systems for a New Preschool Initiative: Plan, develop, and oversee internal operations, practices, and policies for the Preschool Division, including budgeting, procurement, contracting, and external vendor application system development, ensuring all systems promote racial equity. Lead internal strategic planning regarding application processes, intermediary organizations, and administrative support to effectively scale with growing numbers of preschool providers and slots. Organize planning and quality initiatives that center the needs of Black and Brown children and families of color to ensure racially just access and success in the preschool system. Lead the development of program policies, procedures, business practices, and change management systems deeply informed by feedback from BIPOC community members and service providers. Conceptualize and define partnerships and projects for innovative service delivery, including close coordination with the State to align programs and funding.
Provide Leadership and Supervision to Supervisors and Division Staff: Directly supervise the Budget & Contracting Supervisor and the Application & Enrollment Supervisor, providing coaching, guidance, and support for key initiative activities. Manage work schedules, duty assignments, probationary/annual performance evaluations, ongoing coaching, and progressive discipline when appropriate. Utilize trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices to build a workplace culture of safety, belonging, trust, and respect for racial differences. Conduct inclusive recruitment, hiring, and onboarding for direct report positions. Promote collaborative working relationships, vulnerability, and creativity while working with division leadership to eliminate oppression and white privilege in the workplace. Advise on complex or sensitive concerns, direct work prioritization, and offer professional development/training opportunities to staff.
Oversee and Monitor Division Budgets: Oversee the development of the Division budget with a consistent, intentional focus on racial equity and alignment with strategic goals. Lead forecasting for additional staffing/resources based on the needs of BIPOC families and providers, ensuring budget allocations center community feedback. Identify and secure funding from major grants and community partners; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and adjustments. Participate in interpreting, negotiating, managing, and enforcing major Division contracts. Author Program Offers during annual budget cycles and monitor ongoing expenditures throughout the year to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal rules.