Chief Operations Officer

OFFICIAL TITLE:Chief Operations OfficerSUPERVISOR:President and CEOSALARY RANGE:In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary SchedulesTERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:Full-time, full yearSUMMARY DESCRIPTION:The ideal candidate will manage the overall operations of Sheltering Arms, in keeping with all Federal and State regulations, in order to maintain a high quality organization. Sheltering Arms desires a mission-focused, strategic, and process-minded leader. The Chief Operations Officer must amplify what’s working, optimize current capabilities and capitalize on the sense of opportunity with which the new strategy is being greeted. Under the direction of the President and CEO, this position is responsible for maintaining a philosophy of high quality care for children and their families that includes respectful, constructive and energetic leadership to maintain quality, measurable and cost-effective results aligned with the Sheltering Arms mission, vision, values and strategic objectives.PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:IMPACT EXPECTEDBuild consensus and provide strong leadership in a team environment with the highest level of professional and personal integrity.Recognize promising ideas and find ways to integrate them into the organization’s future plans while positively filtering ideas that may be out of alignment or scope.Evaluate the progress of innovation and regulate the pace or direction of new projects.Brainstorm with the Executive Leadership Team and other internal/external stakeholders to discover new solutions and approaches to old problems.Develop, prepare and implement ongoing, multifaceted, quality initiatives to prepare the organization and Center staff for future early learning and family center delivery.Serve as the internal subject matter expert and key advisor for organization wide quality improvement, educational excellence and child care safety throughout the Sheltering Arms footprint.Assume a strategic role in the overall day to day management of the operations of the company.Develop and implement short-term (quarterly) and long term (annual) strategic plans that support the business plan.Partner in the financial operations and development of operating budget; review financial reports; develop plans and make revisions as needed to meet or exceed financial goals.Review and monitor the effectiveness of direct reports while assisting them with action plans to improve performance.Assist in the recruitment and selection of direct reports responsible for various departments.Research, develop, and/or implement company initiatives and projects under CEO direction.DUTIES:Provide direction and supervision of site and facilities leadership while assuming responsibility for the overall operation of a quality childcare program at each site.Provide consultation, technical assistance, project coordination and problem solving support to select Program Directors, Site Leadership and Center Directors.Engage in interactive planning and group analysis of Center operational and program needs.Continually review effectiveness of technical training seminars, in-service workshops and conferences.Plan annual management retreat and staff development day activities.Maintain a system of regular evaluation of center goals, plan activities in cooperation with Executive Leadership Team to assure all objectives are met.Provide leadership for problem resolution to facilitate improved working relationships with parents and staff.Ensure that all centers attain and maintain accreditation, and meet standards as defined by NAEYC accreditation process.Ensure that all centers attain and maintain Quality Rated status.Manage the Director of Quality Assurance while providing oversight in ensuring that compliance efforts are properly monitored for programs including but not limited to Health and Nutrition, Pre-K, ERSEA, Facilities, and Environmental Health and Safety.Assist President/CEO in maintaining fiscal control of Center finances by familiarizing self with budget requests, financial instructions, and procedures in partnership with the VP of Finance to avoid over expenditures.Confer regularly with President/CEO and Sr. Director–Site Leadership concerning needs and requirements.Review monthly reports online and provide feedback.Monitor budget input and assist Center and Facilities leadership in maintaining proper control over variable items (i.e., janitorial supplies, food, salaries, program supplies).Provide opportunities to recognize staff for their dedication, performance and service.Prepare new programs for initial licensing requirements.Consult with all areas of management responsible for policy or actions. Ensure compliance within areas of responsibility, and make recommendations for improving effectiveness of policies and procedures.Ensure that center directors receive training in management and leadership annually.Respond to employee and parent complaints to reach appropriate resolutions.Provide supportive leadership, influence, and implementation of Human Resources policies and procedures to ensure Center compliance in partnership with the VP–Human Resources.Recommend and implement strategic changes in operations agency wide.GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:Keep Senior Management informed of project progress and problems, particularly to needed changes in schedule or resources, etc.Participate in Center Director and Staff meetings.Visit each center regularly as needed.Identify apparent and potential compliance problems.Assist with planning/implementing annual board orientation/retreat.Provide input on proposed new programs.Participate in professional committees outside the organization that will provide links for future resources.Perform other duties as assigned by President/CEO.EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Education, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.Minimum of ten years’ of administrative and supervisory experience, including experience on a senior leadership team. Experience in an early childhood setting is highly desirable.Multi-site experience highly preferred.Prior experience or exposure to Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning and other early childhood agencies strongly preferred.Experience with Head Start highly desirable.KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:Must be able to work creatively within a budget and use innovation to find ways of more effectively managing resources.Strong business knowledge, understanding of a variety of business practices, and familiarity with the company’s industry.Must possess an inquisitive and creative mind.Demonstrated track record of leading successful teams and developing talent with solid retention.Strong customer service engagement with all constituents in ways that encourage open communication motivating through influence.Creative and solution oriented thinker with ideas that can be successfully implemented.Extensive computer skills and working knowledge of a variety of software programs, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office Suite.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:NonePHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. without assistance; 50 lbs. with assistance. Position requires the ability to reach with hands and arms as well as to use hands to finger, handle or feel. Ability to talk and hear as well as stand, walk, and sit required. Occasional need to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Willingness and ability to travel to all center locations and special events as well as work extended hours and/or a flexible schedule. Must pass a criminal background check and a drug screen.EVALUATION:Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy.Date Established: Date(s) Revised:This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by leadership. Sheltering Arms reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.

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