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Operations Director

The Operations Director is responsible for making sure operations, administration and communications run smoothly at Odyssey Early Learning Center. 

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Experience:

  • At least 2 years of experience in an administrative or management role, ideally within a nonprofit, school, or childcare setting.

  • Associates or Bachelors degree preferred.

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Skills:

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills; able to work well with staff, board members, parents, and community members.

  • Basic knowledge of financial management, including budgeting and using bookkeeping software like QuickBooks.

  • Comfortable with technology, including email, spreadsheets, and cloud-based file management systems.

  • Basic knowledge of commercial food prep, purchasing, handling and transport.

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Personal Qualities:

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently with a positive and flexible attitude.

  • Committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

 Other Requirements:

  • Must pass a background check required to work in a childcare facility.

 

Areas of Responsibility

  • Strategy – In collaboration with the Board of Directors and Education Director, make decisions for operational activities that align with strategic short term and long term goals.

  • Culture - Inspire and model a positive work culture that embodies Odyssey ELC’s values. Uphold the positive and productive attitude of the organization’s work culture. 

  • Policies and procedures – Implement policies and procedures that continually improve day to day operations. Manage day-to-day development and management of workflows, budget, and timelines. Establishes and enforces employment and administrative policies and procedures for the day-to-day operations. Works with Education Director to ensure staffing and food expenses align with the budget.

  • HR – In collaboration with the Education Director, lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment. Develop and maintain appropriate personnel procedures and policies, including scheduling performance reviews, assistance with recruiting and hiring procedures, general onboarding and orientation, disciplinary policies and record keeping.

  • Financial – Manage financial policies in accordance with policies and procedures, including QuickBooks, accounts receivables/payables, Best Beginnings payments, grant reporting, quarterly financial reports to the board of directors, and working with accountant to submit Form 990 and annual SAM.gov enrollment. Manage payroll, including paid time off and sick leave. Works with the Board of Directors to manage overall health of the nonprofit.

  • Facilities & Food – Oversee upkeep and maintenance of facilities, as well as ensure the office has the necessary supplies and equipment to ensure a smooth-running office. Also, oversee food programming, including coordinating with Education Director for daily meal planning, coordinating all food purchases, and maintaining state food program eligibility.

  • Technology – Ensure equipment and technology systems are in working order at all times, including upkeep of website, cloud-based file system, Brightwheel, and databases.

  • Marketing – Develop and implement annual marketing calendar to raise awareness about Odyssey ELC’s mission and advertise childcare availability and employment opportunities.

  • Board administration and support – Supports the administration of the Board by advising and informing Board members, fully participating in Board meetings and committee meetings, assisting with the development and implementation of committee work plans, and interfacing between the Board and staff.

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Approach

  • Initiative and ingenuity: You leverage resources creatively to solve problems and dive right in to take a concept from idea to implementation. You often consult with others, but you can also propose solutions in the best interest of Odyssey ELC and get things rolling without much guidance. 

  • High volume, high efficiency: We’re pretty busy here, and your job is to make it easy for our team members to do their jobs. You maintain systems for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. You’re able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality. You get back to people in a timely manner and take pride in providing clear, helpful information. 

  • Attention to detail: You aim to leave things better than you found them. As the owner of our operational systems, you notice and fix errors that others might overlook. When mistakes happen (which they will!), you address them quickly and look for ways to prevent similar errors.

  • Attentive, empathetic leadership: As our first point of contact for stakeholders, you make sure every single person feels welcome and has a role to play. You empathize with the communities we serve and put people at ease, especially when there are lines of difference or power. You listen to understand people’s needs and take steps based on that input.

 

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