Description With the direction of the Head Start Department Head, the Deputy Director of Center Operations provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the daily operations of all Head Start and Early Head Start centers. This position works in close partnership with program leadership, agency departments, and external partners to ensure high-quality service delivery, a positive environment, and full regulatory compliance.   The Deputy Director of Center Operations is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.    This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures.    All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G.  Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.   The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form. All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality. Essential Duties Center Oversight and Management Collaborate with program leadership (Deputy Directors, Education, Family & Community Engagement, Health & Nutrition, Inclusion, Mental Health, Facilities, Finance and HR) to ensure holistic support and integrated services at centers.

Collaborate with leadership at partner programs to ensure alignment and adherence to partner agreements and OHS HSPPS

Screen, interview and make recommendations to Central staff for employment of suitable candidates or termination of center staff with appropriate documentation and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Supervise, mentor and evaluate all Center Directors. Monitor and track staff activity to ensure completion of required tasks.

Conduct annual performance appraisals incorporating a professional development plan for each staff inclusive of educational goals and objectives to help staff increase their skill level and knowledge of the field.

Oversee staff onboarding and continuous professional development; identify external training opportunities and maintain partnerships with higher education and training programs to support workforce growth and advancement.

Monitor and maintain physical environments that conform to governmental and agency standards of safety and cleanliness, is conducive to optimal growth and development of children, families and staff at the center and meets state licensing standards at all times.

Ensure Center Directors have the required tools and guidance to deliver high quality services at all times.

Identify and collaborate with new and existing local community agencies to develop a network for advocacy, referrals, and services.

Coordinate with other ABCD staff that has similar functions.

Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Compliance and Quality Assurance Conduct regular site visits to assess program quality, ensure compliance, and support center performance improvement efforts.

Participate in the creation and monitoring of existing standardized operational and management systems, as well as make recommendations for strengthening systems, as appropriate.

Participate in the preparation and submission of reports to the Head Start department head and other ABCD departments as needed.

Cultivate strategic partnerships with schools, training programs, and community agencies to support staff development, child and family services, and program advocacy.

Assist in the guidance and completion of applications and reporting with multiple outside agencies for center related operations such as licensing, accreditation, QRIS, etc.

Participate in department staff meetings and training sessions.

Abide by agency, local, state and accrediting organization requirements for other related program operations tasks.

Attend interagency organizational and planning meetings as appropriate.

Participate and provide guidance to ensure the centers participation in annual self-assessment and community assessment process, following guidance from the Head Start central leadership.

Contribute to strategic planning, data collection, policy development, and budget preparation for center operations.

Lead center-level preparedness efforts and support compliance reviews, audits, and licensing inspections.

Represent the agency at community events, stakeholder meetings, and cross-agency initiatives as needed.

Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in human services management, early childhood education, or a related field and at least five years of progressively responsible administrative and center management experience in early childhood or human services, preferably within a Head Start environment. Master’s degree preferred.

High proficiency with software such as MS Office, Google, other related software, technology, and other analytical tools, and ability to manage and maintain large amounts of data.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced and diverse environment.

Demonstrated high-level knowledge and operational experience in the area of early childhood development programs.

Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.

Experience in implementing change, personnel management, strategic planning, budget oversight, support and evaluation.

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