About the role
TITLE: Director of Operations - Early Childhood REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Exempt LOCATION: Brookings, SD
MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all early childhood education programs across the organization. This position ensures high-quality educational services, regulatory compliance, programming excellence, staff development, fiscal responsibility, and family engagement while supporting the mission and values of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains. The Director of Operations is responsible for maintaining consistent standards and operational excellence across all ECE sites.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership and Program Oversight * Provide leadership and direction for all Early Childhood Education programs throughout the organization. * Develop and implement a unified vision for ECE programming aligned with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains mission and organizational goals. * Establish and monitor quality standards across all childcares, preschool, and early learning sites. * Conduct regular site visits to evaluate program quality, compliance, classroom environments, and staff performance. * Ensure consistency of policies, procedures, and educational practices across all locations. * Develop strategic plans for program growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
Curriculum and Assessment * Oversee curriculum implementation across all ECE sites. * Ensure curriculum aligns with state early learning standards and developmentally appropriate practices. * Monitor child assessment systems and evaluate developmental outcomes. * Analyze data to identify trends, measure progress, and improve program effectiveness. * Collaborate with site leadership to ensure high-quality instructional practices.
Licensing, Accreditation, and Compliance * Ensure all programs maintain compliance with state childcare licensing regulations. * Oversee licensing visits, inspections, corrective action plans, and ongoing compliance requirements. * Ensure accurate recordkeeping and documentation at all sites. * Develop and maintain policies that support regulatory compliance and operational excellence. * Monitor adherence to health, safety, and risk-management standards.
Staff Leadership and Development * Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate ECE leadership staff. * Develop professional development plans for all ECE employees. * Ensure staff receive required training and maintain necessary credentials. * Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management support. * Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. * Support leadership succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
Family and Community Engagement * Promote positive relationships with children and families. * Address family concerns professionally and effectively. * Build partnerships with school districts, community agencies, and early childhood organizations. * Represent the organization in community meetings, committees, and professional organizations. * Advocate for high-quality early childhood education services throughout the community.
Financial Management * Develop and oversee ECE budgets across all sites. * Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of resources. * Evaluate staffing plans and operational efficiencies. * Support grant development, reporting, and funding opportunities. * Ensure programs operate within approved budgets while maintaining quality standards.
Health, Safety, and Risk Management * Ensure safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for all children. * Oversee implementation of emergency procedures and crisis response plans. * Monitor health, sanitation, and safety practices across all locations. * Ensure timely resolution of safety concerns and compliance issues.
Membership Recruitment and Enrollment * Develop and implement strategies to increase enrollment and maintain healthy program participation across all ECE sites. * Monitor enrollment trends, waiting lists, and program capacity to maximize utilization and sustainability. * Collaborate with marketing and Club leadership to promote ECE programs within the community. * Build relationships with families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to support recruitment efforts. * Oversee enrollment processes and ensure a positive experience for prospective and current families. * Monitor retention rates and implement strategies to improve family satisfaction and long-term engagement. * Establish annual enrollment goals and regularly evaluate progress toward recruitment objectives. * Represent the Boys & Girls Club at community events, family engagement activities, and recruitment opportunities. * Identify opportunities for expansion of ECE services to meet community needs and organizational growth goals.
Administrative Responsibilities * Prepare reports for executive leadership, funding agencies, and regulatory bodies. * Maintain accurate program and performance data. * Lead ECE leadership meetings and organizational initiatives. * Develop and update policies, procedures, and operational guidelines. * Utilize data and performance metrics to support organizational decision-making.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Strong knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood education. * Knowledge of state licensing regulations and quality standards. * Outstanding leadership, organizational, and communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple sites and priorities effectively. * Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.
Core Competencies * Strategic Leadership * Program Management * Staff Development * Curriculum Leadership * Regulatory Compliance * Fiscal Management * Relationship Building * Communication * Accountability * Continuous Quality Improvement
Performance Expectations * The Director of Operations is accountable for: * Maintaining licensing compliance across all ECE locations. * Ensuring high-quality educational programming and positive child outcomes. * Meeting or exceeding annual enrollment and membership goals. * Developing and implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies. * Maintaining strong family satisfaction and engagement. * Developing, supporting, and retaining qualified staff. * Managing financial resources effectively. * Building strong relationships with families, staff, and community partners. * Supporting organizational growth and mission achievement. * Creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments for all children. * This addition ties enrollment directly to organizational sustainability and growth, which is often a key responsibility of an organization-wide Director of Operations.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS: Education * Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Education, or a related field required. * Master's Degree preferred.
Experience * Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Early Childhood Education. * Multi-site management experience preferred. * Experience with childcare licensing, accreditation, and regulatory compliance. * Experience managing budgets, staffing, and program operations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Capacity to observe, interact with, and communicate effectively among youth, staff, volunteers, and parents to ensure a safe and supportive Club environment. * Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods during a shift. * Ability to safely operate general office equipment (computers, phones, copiers). * This position is safety-sensitive and requires consistent awareness of and responsiveness to the safety of all Club members.