Center Manager

Job Title: Center Manager Department: Early Childhood and Family Services FLSA Status: Exempt Hours/Weeks: Part Year, Full Time Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): No Level: 5 Hiring Range: -$26.73 - $33.69 NEKCA Mission Statement: To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive. SUMMARY The Center Manager works in management partnership with the Director, Associate Directors, and Content Area Managers to assure provision of quality services to enrolled families and the communities in which they are served. The Center Manager supervises the day-to-day operation of the Family Resource Center in accordance with NEKCA Core Values, Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Strategic plan, policies and procedures (applicable Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, Parent Child Center Quality Standards, and the NEKCA Head Start Standard of Conduct). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of conduct. Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized Professional Development Plan. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES Lead a work culture that fosters NEKCA’s Core Values in your work environment. Develop a clear vision for the team's work and align it with NEKCA's mission and strategic goals. Recruit, interview, hire, and train new staff. Ensure timely and accurate time entries for all staff. Ensure timely and accurate submission of invoices, employee reimbursements, staffing changes, and credit card receipt submission. Review and approve transactions in a timely manner. Directly provides support and supervision of staff and programmatic guidelines, policies and procedures. Conducts annual written evaluations of all staff that assess performance. Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with NEKCA policy. Facilitates professional development, training, and certification activities to ensure best practices. Initiates appropriate action plans to ensure staff work in a safe working environment. Actively listen to employees and stakeholders to address their concerns and input while leading staff to self-reflect and develop goals. Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help employees grow and succeed. Lead teams through periods of change and uncertainty. Ability to make decisions and solve problems. Manage budgets and resources efficiently while ensuring financial sustainability. Collaborate and integrate across programs and departments. Build and maintain relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and funders. Understanding grant requirements and maintaining accurate files and records accordingly. Ensure that NEKCA adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Utilize reflective practices in support of staff as they work with participants. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Create a space that is welcoming and inviting to children, families, staff, and community partners. Oversee day-to-day operations of the center and facility management. Be an active participant in community related activities and meetings. Support staff and families in completing applications, subsidy paperwork, intake forms, UPK information, and all other documentation needed. Plan and lead weekly staff meetings – provide an agenda and meeting minutes. Monitor and ensure all center records and files are up-to-date and meet all program timelines and requirements. Complete monthly reports as required. Contribute to data collection and be active in the analysis and sharing of information to support program planning and growth. Complete child and family file reviews as required. Monitor classroom and home visit activities to meet program expectations. Facilitate and actively participate in center activities. Keep up-to-date with current trends and demonstrate commitment to best practices in the Early Childhood field. Facilitate the hiring process of center staff in accordance with protocols and policies. Provide support and supervision to center staff in accordance with protocols and policies. Participate in completion of Intake and Income Verification forms. Oversee the obtaining of heights, weights and sensory screenings for children enrolled after screening day and returning children. Participate in the development and implementation of Individual Health Plans if required. Promote parent involvement through parent meetings, on-going support, and encouraging parent leadership in Program Governance. Promote staff participation in program committees and at Parent Committee meetings. Develop Center Plans annually: implement, evaluate and revise in collaboration with center staff, utilizing available data. As a member of the site supervising team, need to be responsible for collaborating with building leadership for coordination and oversite of all aspects related to the daily operation of the site and maintaining an atmosphere of care, respect, safety, and intention. Demonstrate knowledge of current local, state and Federal regulations. Attend and be actively involved in Agency Leadership Meetings and Management Meetings. Be actively engaged in our program – understand how the center is meeting the needs of its community, impacting the program at large, and how it can support NEKCA’s mission and vision. Ensure new center staff and volunteers complete all orientation and training activities in partnership with NEKCA Human Resources Director, Early Childhood Director, Associate Director’s, and Content Area Managers. Monitor and maintain center budgets. Submit all documentation (invoices, reimbursements, timesheets) and communication in a timely manner. Promote community collaborations for public awareness and partnership building. Monitor enrollment and initiate recruitment efforts. Implement program wide selection criteria. Collect attendance data, monitor patterns and develop follow-up strategies. Participate in the development of promotional materials and strategies. In partnership with the center team, participate in collecting and documenting non-federal share. Available to work year round according to program design, if necessary. Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS Education and Experience Minimum of Associates Degree in early childhood or human development/child development. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. 2 years relevant experience. Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within six months of employment. Core Competencies Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community. Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems. This position is considered a mandated reporter. Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent). Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them. Maintain confidentiality. Complete all required trainings and professional development. Core Values Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values. Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change. Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community. Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes. Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community. Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout. Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct. Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety. Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers. Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users. In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor. Be respectful and sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges. Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission. Background Checks Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records. Transportation Requirements This position necessitates that employees possess a valid driver's license and have access to dependable transportation. WORKING CONDITIONS Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr