Senior Director Programs

The Senior Director of Programs ECE is responsible for providing leadership for and oversight of all aspects of network-wide Early Childhood Education programming at the Catherine Hershey Schools of Early Learning. They serve as a thought leader and operations and administrative leader in the domain of early childhood education by guiding the development of curricular, pedagogical, and administrative practices of CHS’ network of centers. The selected individual will ensure NAEYC’s / OCDEL’s programmatic standards are met, incorporate inclusion and behavioral health considerations into the curriculum, drive CHS’ continuous improvement process, and ensure all centers are aligned in their delivery of the program as it relates to the mission, vision, and program model of CHS. Starting salary is in the range of $104,157 - $139,050 a year, based on expertise.

Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises Center Directors, Research and Evaluation Manager, and Training and Curriculum Development Manager by providing guidance, feedback, and annual performance evaluation
• Provides continual evaluation of processes and procedures related to curriculum and assessment, program operations, and licensing and accreditation
• Participates on leadership teams for high-priority projects, initiatives, and strategies for the organization
• Responsible for suggesting methods to improve staff operations, efficiency, and service to both internal and external stakeholders
• Co-develops with Executive Director, Center Directors, and Central Office Directors organizational and center strategic plans to meet corporate goals
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet company goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations
• Collaborates with CHS Centers leadership staff to carry out the organization’s goals and objectives
• Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, organization, and material efficiency are in line with the organization’s strategic plan and vision
• Establishes, communicates, and implements, operations-related policies, practices, and standards to ensure effective and consistent support and execution
• Works in collaboration with the Executive Director, Center Directors, and Director of Finance and Administration to establish the CHS Center’s budgets
• Reviews and approves curriculum proposals/changes from the CHS Centers
• Ensures compliance with OCDEL’s / NAEYC’s programmatic standards as applicable
• Ensure an overall alignment between the central office and CHS Centers objectives and priorities
• Identifies evidence and reviews trends to support programmatic improvement
• Cultivates a welcoming environment for all staff, children, families, and the community
• Ensure Centers adopt and implement the program model with full fidelity, quality, and consistency and pilot, as needed, new techniques to enhance CHS impact
• Work in collaboration with CHS Human Resources and Center Directors to recruit, retain and develop a diverse and engaged staff
• Analyze and review outcome data with Center Directors to determine strategies for enhancing student, family, and community impact
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, engaged team of Center Directors
• Identify and mitigate implementation challenges across CHS Centers. Creates timely action plans to address concerns
• Assumes Executive Director's responsibilities when Executive Director is out
• Reinforces CHS culture and values and ensures alignment with the organization’s strategy with CHS Center Directors
• Oversee CHS Research and Evaluation and the measurement and tracking of performance metrics against CHS operating goals and strategic initiatives
• Creates and presents high-quality materials to the Board of Directors within the areas of Research and Evaluation and Program Development
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree required
• At least 8 years of industry-related experience including three years in upper management required
• Experience running a multi-site ECE center preferred
• Experience measuring educational program-related outcomes and adjusting accordingly
• Experience in new venture or similar entrepreneurial, high-growth setting preferred
• Experience developing, implementing, and teaching in a high-quality ECE program with a holistic, evidence-based curriculum preferred
• Exceptional communication skills – written, verbal and platform
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, educate and collaborate
• Proficiency in using technology, including MS Office and Internet
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all CHS staff are considered to be role models for students
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• History of achieving strong demonstrated outcomes