Center Manager

Nature of Work

The Center Manager (CM) is responsible for the daily oversight of center operations, including assurance of compliance with state licensing and federal standards. The CM provides short term and long term planning for service delivery and training; acts as an integrator of components, including health, nutrition, disabilities; functions as liaison and information conduit between central office leadership, staff and community collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications

Director's Qualifications as stated in Louisiana Bulleting 137, Chapter 17.1709. Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Staff Supervision and Development

• Hire, supervise, mentor, and coach assigned staff and volunteers
• Monitor and actively observe the performance, attendance, certifications, required documents and time of all assigned staff
• Communicate areas of performance improvement to staff and promote training that reflects the individual needs of staff members and/or the team as a whole. Ensure documentation is forwarded to Human Resources.
• Assist Human Resources in the hiring process
• Conduct probationary and annual performance evaluations based on quantifiable and objective criteria, utilizing agency forms designed for evaluations.
• Arrange and facilitate regular meetings with staff and provide for mandated trainings and updates to policies and procedures.
• Facilitate the resolution of conflicts between staff
• Monitor report and provide feedback for all employee related accidents
• Communicate and monitor assigned staff compliance with organizations policies and procedures

Center and Program Coordination

• Manage the day to day operations of assigned centers
• Implement safe environment practices to safeguard the health and safety of both staff and children.
• Attend specialist and center staffing and consultations as necessary
• Actively observe and monitor assigned worksites.
• Assure that all Licensing Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards are met through the efforts of collaborative teams; establish and monitor systems that assure program quality
• Arrange for services in all functional areas, utilizing internal and external resources to provide medical, social, mental health, educational, and special services as deemed appropriate
• Monitor and manage the maintenance and safety of facilities and availability of supplies

Communication and Partnership

• Coordinate with local agencies, community service organizations and educational providers and partners
• Build rapport with local agencies, community service organizations, and educational providers
• Develop and maintain community partnerships
• Communicate effectively to build trust
• Communicate regularly with Specialists, Executive Management, staff and consultants

Miscellaneous

• Attend meetings, training and professional development activities as needed or requested by Supervisor.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of early childhood development
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Maintain CLASS Certification
• Broad based knowledge and experience in computer applications and systems
• Ability to utilize agency resources and technology to appropriately answer questions and provide technical support to staff
• Demonstrated training skills, ability to provide presentations to small and large groups.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Intermediate to advanced level computer skills, internet and e-mail.
• Ability to work in a professional manner both independently and with others in a team environment.

Special Considerations

Employees within this classification are required to:

• Obtain a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check Determination of Eligibility
• Pass a physical examination every three years
• Maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirements
• Be able to frequently sit, work at computer keyboard and desk, and stand to file misc. documents in filing cabinet
• Be able to maintain regular and punctual onsite attendance
• Be able to travel overnight as required
• Be able to sustain concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously
• Be able to bend, stoop and kneel and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's need
• Be able to perform duties in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level