Vice President of Operations

OFFICIAL TITLE:

Vice President of Operations

SUPERVISOR:

President and CEO

SALARY RANGE:

In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Full-time, full year

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The ideal candidate will oversee the comprehensive operations of Sheltering Arms, ensuring compliance with all Federal and State regulations to uphold a high-quality organization. Sheltering Arms seeks a mission-driven, strategic, and process-oriented leader. The Vice President of Operations must enhance existing strengths, optimize current resources, and seize opportunities presented by the new strategic direction.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

IMPACT EXPECTED

Foster consensus and provide robust leadership within a collaborative environment, demonstrating the highest level of professional and personal integrity.

Identify promising initiatives and integrate them into the organization's future strategies while effectively filtering out ideas that may not align with the organization's mission.

Assess the progress of innovations and adjust the pace or direction of new initiatives as necessary.

Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team and other stakeholders to uncover innovative solutions to longstanding challenges.

Design, implement, and manage ongoing, multifaceted quality initiatives to prepare the organization and staff for future early learning and family center delivery.

Act as the internal expert and key advisor for organization-wide quality enhancement, educational excellence, and childcare safety across the Sheltering Arms network.

Assume a strategic role in the daily management of the company's operations.

Develop and execute short-term (quarterly) and long-term (annual) strategic plans that align with the overall business objectives.

Collaborate on financial operations and the development of the operating budget; review financial reports and devise plans to meet or exceed financial targets.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of direct reports while assisting them in creating action plans for performance improvement.

Support the recruitment and selection of direct reports responsible for various departments.

Research, develop, and implement company initiatives and projects under the direction of the CEO.

DUTIES

Provide guidance and oversight to site and facilities leadership, ensuring the overall operation of a quality childcare program at each location.

Offer consultation, technical assistance, project coordination, and problem-solving support to select Program Directors, Site Leadership, and Center Directors.

Engage in collaborative planning and analysis of operational and programmatic needs.

Continuously assess the effectiveness of training seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Organize annual management retreats and staff development activities.

Maintain a system for regular evaluation of center goals, collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure all objectives are achieved.

Provide leadership for conflict resolution to enhance working relationships with parents and staff.

Ensure that all centers achieve and maintain accreditation and meet standards as defined by relevant accreditation processes.

Oversee the Director of Quality Assurance, ensuring compliance efforts are effectively monitored across various programs.

Assist the President/CEO in maintaining fiscal oversight of center finances by familiarizing with budget requests and financial procedures.

Regularly confer with the President/CEO and Senior Director of Site Leadership regarding needs and requirements.

Review monthly reports and provide constructive feedback.

Monitor budget inputs and assist Center and Facilities leadership in maintaining control over variable expenses.

Recognize and celebrate staff contributions and achievements.

Prepare new programs for initial licensing requirements.

Consult with management on policy-related actions, ensuring compliance and recommending improvements.

Ensure center directors receive annual training in management and leadership.

Address employee and parent concerns to reach satisfactory resolutions.

Provide supportive leadership and implement Human Resources policies to ensure compliance.

Recommend and execute strategic operational changes organization-wide.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Keep Senior Management informed of project developments and challenges, particularly regarding changes in schedules or resources.

Participate in Center Director and Staff meetings.

Conduct regular visits to each center as needed.

Identify potential compliance issues.

Assist in planning and implementing annual board orientation and retreats.

Provide input on proposed new programs.

Engage in professional committees outside the organization to establish future resource connections.

Perform other duties as assigned by the President/CEO.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Master's degree in a related field is preferred.

A minimum of ten years of administrative and supervisory experience, including participation on a senior leadership team. Experience in an early childhood setting is highly desirable.

Multi-site experience is strongly preferred.

Prior experience or exposure to early childhood agencies is highly desirable.

Experience with Head Start programs is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Ability to work creatively within a budget and utilize innovative approaches to resource management.

Strong business acumen and understanding of various business practices within the industry.

Possess an inquisitive and creative mindset.

Demonstrated success in leading effective teams and developing talent with high retention rates.

Strong customer service skills, fostering open communication and motivating through influence.

Creative and solution-oriented thinker with actionable ideas.

Proficient in computer skills and familiar with various software applications, including the Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

None

PHYSICAL 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.

This description may be modified at any time. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and 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.