The Ripon Children’s Learning Center is looking for a gifted and energetic individual to serve on our leadership team as the Director of Operations. Duties include regular customer contact with parents and children, financial management, record keeping, oversight and decision making in center operations, assuring the center meets all state licensing criteria, and other administrative duties. The Director of Operations is half of the leadership team and will work side-by-side with the Business Director who manages the business and management operations.

Our optimal candidate will be a self-starter, an effective communicator, responsible, well-organized and possess a sense of humor and a love for children. Previous experience in leading, inspiring staff, managing budgets and operations and working with children will be an asset to the individual in this position.

Responsibilities

The Director of Operations must develop a strong understanding and working knowledge of the RCLC philosophy, program, and operations. He or she must create a professional atmosphere and culture where staff and volunteers work together to meet the needs of children, families, and the community by developing an age-appropriate program and curriculum.

Duties

Leadership and Management

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to staff members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Oversee daily operations of the childcare center, including scheduling, staffing, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children.
• Implement and enforce center policies and procedures in accordance with state regulations and best practices in early childhood education.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions to promote professional development and ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Programming

• Oversee the program and curriculum which can include:
• Review weekly lesson plans for each classroom to ensure the curriculum is developmentally and age-appropriate for each group.
• Monitor program implementation through spot-checks and classroom observations.
• Manage transitions between groups as children develop
• Prepare weekly staff work schedules to optimize staff-to-child ratio requirements, continuity of care, and full-time/part-time employment.
• Supplement the teaching staff roster in the classrooms to provide additional supervisory oversight
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and supervise staff to meet the needs and mission of the center.
• Provide performance appraisals for all teaching staff on an annual basis, or more often is the situation dictates
• Help develop and tailor individual staff professional development plans and maintain records of continuing education requirements.
• Track and record staff’s continuing education to meet DCF qualifications

Child and Family Care

• Manage the enrollment process and waiting lists
• Foster Positive Customer Relations and Communications
• Provide accurate and timely verbal and written communications with parents and potential clients, including casual conversations, face-to-face meetings, written letters, phone calls, and email notes.
• Recognizing parent concerns, evaluating an appropriate course of action, and responding professionally and promptly to parents.

Licensing and Compliance

• Meet state licensing requirements
• Accurately maintain staff and children’s files
• Overseeing and implementing the CACFP food program to maintain compliance

Financial Management

• Provide assistance and best practices to the Business Manager and the Board of Directors in developing policy.

Community Engagement

• Represent Ripon Children’s Learning Center in the local community, establishing partnerships with other organizations and participating in community events to promote the center's services.
• Serve as a resource for families seeking information on early childhood education and childcare options, offering guidance and support as needed.

Benefits

Paid time off

Paid sick time

Major holidays off

Flexible/adaptable schedule

Paid trainings

Discounted childcare

Meals provided

Paid opportunities for further education

Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years of age.

• At least 2 years of experience as a child care teacher or Director of Operations in a licensed child care center (or other approved setting).
• Must have Early Childhood Education degree or equivalent, (or have completed coursework and are willing to take required classes) to meet state licensing standards.
• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) Director Level Administrator Credential or eligibility to obtain.
• Must be a minimum of a level 10 on the Wisconsin Registry
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Work Location: In person