Senior Director of Operations

Job Overview

The Senior Director of Operations is responsible for tactical management, execution, and effective communication of the organization’s policies and procedures across the Rio Grande Valley. The Senior Director works with the Deputy Director to manage the execution of AVANCE’s policies and procedures, including Head Start policies and state licensing regulations. The Senior Director oversees current operations and supports expansion efforts across the Rio Grande Valley. The Senior Director of Operations is responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for AVANCE internal employees and external stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Operations Management Oversight:

• Assesses and reports on trends that impact operational efficiency and develops/executes recommended action plans related to trends.
• Ensures that safety standards are being met and adhered to and follows up on major items noted on inspections until resolved. Tracks, reviews, and escalates pending legal or risk management concerns to local leadership.
• Reviews and assesses risk management policies and protocols; makes recommendations and implements modifications and improvements.
• Directly supervises the Director of Facilities and Food Services and supports the team, ensuring efficient facility and food services operations.
• Collaborates with the Senior Director of Leadership and Coaching and the Senior Director of Early Learning and Inclusion to assess needs across sites and develop action plans that support operational efficiency and high-quality learning environments.
• Under the Deputy Director’s guidance, determines and evaluates potential sites for relocation/expansion efforts in the Rio Grande Valley.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement for policies and procedures that will improve day-to-day operations and proposes the creation of new systems and processes to streamline operations.
• Communicates the policies and procedures to staff members, providing them with the necessary training and resources to adhere to them.
• Ensures that licensed centers meet state licensing requirements in all required areas and that proper documentation and follow up is completed after licensing visits.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director and leadership team to algin initiatives with AVANCE’s strategic plan goals and improve learning opportunities for all students.
• Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
  
  

AVANCE Core Competencies

• Accountability
• The AVANCE Way
• Demonstrates Ability to Learn
• Fosters Innovation
• Takes Initiative
• Recovers from Setbacks
  
  

Education

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
  
  

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business administration or related field.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish – Oral and Written)
  
  

Required:

Work Experience

• 5+ years’ experience managing operations of Head Start/Early Head Start centers or early childhood centers
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience leading and managing operations at an early childhood center/site
  
  

Additional Skills Required

• Strong organizational systems, detail orientation, and follow through.
• Strong learning and continuous improvement and a growth mindset when experiencing setbacks.
• Superior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Superior managerial and diplomacy skills.
• Extremely proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to supervise multiple functions with full accountability for effective operation and results.
  
  

Travel

• Ability to travel to various sites: Dependable transportation is required daily with a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record (subject to annual MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) check and policy), current auto liability insurance and be bondable by AVANCE, Inc.
• Travel required up to 40% of the time for work-related site visits, meetings, and functions.
  
  

Equipment

Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental and Physical Demands

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with interruptions and deadlines; walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; occasional: lifting/carrying, pulling/pushing 10-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Factors

Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.). Occasional expose to weather related conditions when working in outside environment/neighborhoods and events.