Senior Executive Director, Head Start Operations

Program Management 

• Provide guidance and leadership to the team to ensure high-quality services are implemented. 

• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care  Licensing Regulations, Child and Adult Care Food Program, as well as applicable state, local and federal regulations.

• Utilizing a DEI lens, promote a positive and inclusive culture for all associates

• Review and analyze monthly financial reports to assess opportunities and risks.

• Stay abreast of developments in comprehensive early childhood services

• Work with like-minded organizations in the community to foster collaboration. 

Communication, Planning, Ongoing Monitoring, Implementation of Services

• Plan and communicate with the team  to develop a system to effectively monitor ERSEA, Education, Health, and Family Services implementation to ensure optimal child and family outcomes. 

• Conduct regular team meetings.

• Maintain regular contact and remain in compliance with all funders

• Ensure a Community Needs Assessment is conducted every five years with annual updates.

• Ensure the Program Self-Assessment is conducted annually and results are used to improve program operations.

• Ensure associates implement exemplary customer service standards.

• Develop a plan for remediation to ensure targets/goals are achieved. 

Human Resources 

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of personnel policies and procedures, and ensure the team is aware of these and any changes to them that occur.

• In collaboration with Human Resources, ensure the program is fully staffed. Comply with the agency employee recruitment and selection procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with EEO, legal hiring practices, and internal policies and procedures.

• Provide ongoing supervision and support to direct reports. 

• Model best practices by instructing, training, and working effectively with the team.

• Devise work methods and procedures that support improvements in existing work practices; support direct reports in developing and setting goals, priorities, and timelines.

• Meet once per month, at a minimum, with direct reports to monitor and provide ongoing verbal and written feedback consistent with individual development plans for performance improvement, and adherence to the Head Start Program Performance Standards

• Plan and adjust work operations to meet changing or emergent program requirements within available resources and with minimum sacrifice to quantity or quality of work.

• Submit performance appraisals as required

• Take required disciplinary action, objectively and fairly, following Program Policies and Procedures and EEO requirements 

• Make appropriate personnel decisions not requiring higher approval as needed and submit others as a recommendation to the supervisor 

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment & Attendance 

• Ensure overall eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance policies are aligned with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and meet the needs of families and the community.

• Monitor to ensure funded enrollment level and analyze enrollment data to inform the planning process

• Analyze causes of absenteeism, on an ongoing basis, to prevent daily attendance from falling below 85%   

Safety and Well-Being

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children, families, and associates at all times

• Fulfill the role as a mandated reporter as stated in the Y Child Abuse and Neglect Policy

Leadership

• Lead for the good of the entire organization, understand the big picture, and use it as a framework to make decisions.

• Make decisions that support program quality, excellence, and accountability. 

• Align program goals with the organization's strategic plan. 

• Help others successfully manage organizational change.

• Promote the consistent exchange of information throughout the program.

• Actively participate in the shared governance process (Policy Council, Advisory Board, Y Board of Directors)

• Ensure all regional Y Head Start associates and volunteers understand Y Policies and Procedures, COMAR regulations, and HSPPS.

• Uphold the overall employment standards outlined in the Y Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual

• Uphold the CORE values of the Y in Central Maryland at all times. 

General Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the VP of Head Start Operations and Head Start Senior Leadership Team to develop operational procedures, implement strategic initiatives, and complete projects that impact programs and the Y’s Organizational objectives.

• Serve on project teams, or in an advisory capacity, to support organizational initiatives.

• Support the VP of Head Start Operations in meeting all program and organizational goals.

• Maintain vendor contracts

• Responsible for ensuring building and grounds are properly maintained.

• Responsible for compliance with municipal ordinances, state licensing laws, and federal standards.

• Responsible for ensuring an inventory of program equipment remains current. 

• Respond to all emergencies; act as Emergency Liaison with Municipal departments.

• Along with the VP of Head Start Operations, negotiates competitive terms for property lease agreements and surveys new buildings and opportunities for business expansion. 

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Ensure all grants are submitted promptly 

• Develop an annual budget to ensure high-quality operations and program delivery.

• Develop a multi-year budget plan to incorporate expected growth opportunities.

• Maintain a close working relationship with the Fiscal Team to ensure effective oversight of expenditures.