Family Services of Westchester (FSW) provides mental health and social services that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of their lives. With 50 innovative programs, FSW serves 30,000 individuals annually in Westchester County, New York.
Founded in 1954, Family Services of Westchester is a private, nonprofit, non-sectarian social services agency.
FSW’s Head Start/Early Head Start is a federal government program that was created in 1965 to give preschool children from low-income families a “head start” on their readiness for elementary school.
*PLEASE INCLUDE A PROFESSIONAL COVER LETTER WITH RESUME*
Job Details:
POSITION TITLE: Director of Program Operations, Early Childhood Program
SALARY: $90,000 - $110,000 per year
STATUS: Exempt
SUPERVISED BY: Senior Vice President of Early Education Programs
Job Summary:
The Director of Operations, Early Childhood Programs, oversees day-to-day operations of FSW’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs, focusing on the administrative functions that ensure compliant, high-quality services. S/he may also be called upon to leverage this support on behalf of FSW’s other Early Childhood Programs, which are closely aligned with Head Start. The Director of Operations is responsible for the service locations for the programs -- including those operated directly by FSW and those operated by partners under contract -- concentrating on administrative requirements including facilities, staffing, materials, and compliance. The Director of Operations oversees the Department’s use of data from various systems to set and manage to performance goals, administering the QI function and supervising relevant staff. The Director spearheads the development and management of the budget for Head Start. As a senior staff member, the Director collaborates with leadership to advise on program strategy, set goals, and carry out agreed-upon initiatives. S/he will demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects FSW’s and Head Start’s mission to meet the needs of children, families, and communities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Management/Operations
- Direct, plan for, select, and supervise Site Director staff throughout the Head Start system. Provide site- and program-level orientation to new staff and/or refreshers as needed; monitor and review performance and take responsive action as appropriate.
- Ensure understanding by site directors of current regulations, requirements, and policies relevant to the operation of educational sites. This includes federal, state, and local obligations, as well as FSW’s internal policies and procedures and performance standards.
- Collaborate with Site and Program Leadership to gain, maintain, and renew applicable licensing to operate programs. Ensure program facilities meet or exceed the Head Start’s Health and Safety requirements and that documentation is up-to-date and available.
- Act as business liaison to Head Start partners and delegates; set up budgets and contracts and ensure understanding of and compliance with Head Start administrative standards and FSW policies and procedures. Collaborate with FSW’s finance department as needed to facilitate partner invoicing and reimbursement. Work with FSW’s facilities team to establish site monitoring and follow up procedures to ensure compliance by partners.
- Build and maintain critical relationships with external fiscal partners (i.e., School Districts, Federal Head Start) to ensure smooth fiscal and programming operations.
Qualifications:
EDUCATION
- Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related field, or advanced training in operations, project or quality management, plus at least 7 years of related work experience
SKILLS
- Exemplary leadership skills: position requires the ability to achieve programmatic goals in an environment of shared authority and decision-making, in accordance with Head Start’s philosophy.
- Superior communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Accomplished manager; demonstrated success planning, operating and evaluating programs in a data-driven environment.
- Ability to work across disciplines including education, finance, IT and social services.
- Strong computer (Microsoft Office Suite) skills, facility leading virtual meetings, and ability to learn new software applications quickly.
- Ability to articulate a compelling vision of the early childhood and Head Start programs and be an enthusiastic advocate for clients in our communities.
EXPERIENCE
- Experience in Head Start/Early Childhood operations or pre-school operations experience required.
- Direct supervisory experience within Head Start and/or Early Head Start highly desirable.
- At least 4 years’ program oversight experience
- At least 4 years’ Staff supervisory experience
- Experience working in a not-for-profit social service agency
- Experience managing government grants, including budgets, purchasing, contract compliance and/or data collection and management required.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must have valid NYS driving license and daily access to car
There are a variety of benefits to joining Family Services of Westchester, an organization with over 65 years of history impacting vulnerable communities. In addition to the opportunity to connect with and help thousands of residents in Westchester County, FSW offers its employees an inspiring, diverse and team-based work environment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and 403(b) for full-time employees.
At FSW, we enjoy working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace that prioritizes our clients and the communities we serve. If you want to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people across the communities of Westchester, and if the position of Head Start Assistant Teacher speaks to your capabilities, experience and commitment to social service, please submit your resume and cover letter. Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and/or email.
FSW is an equal opportunity employer.
