VP of Education and Family Services Operations

The Centers•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Vice President of Education is responsible for overseeing the daily operational activities of The Centers' early learning division, including all program services and long-term strategic planning related to the management of both the directly operated program and its early learning affiliates. This position plays a crucial role in supporting The Centers as a Head Start and Early Head Start grantee, with the potential to serve as the Grantee Head Start Director. In this role, the Vice President will be accountable for delivering high-quality services to over 1,000 children and families across Cuyahoga County. The Vice President will ensure that the Early Learning program achieves its goals and maintains high-quality services that meet or exceed all Head Start and related funding performance standards and regulations. Additionally, this role will drive continuous improvement in operations and foster collaborative problem-solving and innovation within the program.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, social services, or related discipline
Minimum of 4 years' experience in a similar management role (Operations Director or other Director-level role)
Demonstrated leadership experience in multi-site, multi-layered operations, preferably in an educational environment
Demonstrated experience incorporating data in management and decision-making
Current valid driver's license and insured vehicle for travel between sites in the greater Cleveland area
No record of child abuse or moral turpitude as determined by background check based on fingerprints
Flexibility in working hours essential
Certification in CPR/First Aid, Communicable Disease, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, social services, or related discipline with at least 2 years' experience in a Head Start management role (Manager or Director role)
Understanding of the regulatory bodies that govern early learning environments

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of The Centers' Senior Staff team, participating in both organizational and program strategic planning and execution
Develop and execute program plans that meet or exceed all Head Start and Early Head Start performance standards and related regulations alongside the Chief Program Officer
Align the goals and outcomes of the grantee and Head Start/Early Head Start programs to The Centers' overall strategy
Serve as the Head Start Director when needed
Participate in internal program performance dashboard reviews and conduct regular review sessions for staff to monitor performance
Review, oversee analysis, interpret, and communicate overall program information to ensure all program operations utilize data to drive quality decisions
Identify opportunities for improvement, problem-solving, and strategic planning
Ensure all slots under grantee supervision receive appropriate oversight, monitoring, and technical assistance
Assist with readiness for Head Start and Early Head Start federal review processes
Ensure all materials and services purchased with federal dollars meet federal requirements
Oversee key members of the Early Learning Leadership Team: Director of Operations, Director of Education, Director of Grantee Services, Director of Family & Community Engagement, and Early Learning Administrative Assistant
Hire, evaluate, and terminate staff according to organization policies and procedures, including the collective bargaining agreement
Ensure appropriate professional development and training plans are in place for staff
Practice situational leadership to develop team members into self-reliant achievers
Support the governance process, including interaction with the Board of Directors, Board Program Committee, Policy Council, and other stakeholder groups
Oversee the development of recruitment and enrollment strategies that ensure all grantee slots remain fully enrolled (in coordination with Advancement function)
Support The Centers' leadership in pursuing the organization's advocacy agenda and establishing it as a thought leader on Head Start/Early Head Start and early learning
Assist with the development and implementation of strategic interventions with delegates, partners, or the direct operated program to resolve potential deficiencies, known deficiencies, or any type of non-compliance
Identify opportunities to improve overall program operations, including policies and procedures for both program and administrative functions (HR, Finance, Audit, etc.)
Keep current in the early learning/childhood fields
Other duties as assigned
Flexibility in working hours is essential
Travel between sites in the greater Cleveland area as needed