Director of Operations - Starr Zapata

Director of Operations - Starr Zapata Rio Grande City, TX Job Type Full-time Description Job Overview The Director of Operations is responsible for tactical management, execution, and effective communication of the organization’s policies and procedures across the Rio Grande Valley. The Director of Operations works with the Deputy Director to manage the execution of AVANCE’s policies and procedures, including Head Start policies and state licensing regulations. The Director oversees current operations and s and will ensure the completion of required program-specific documents including budgets, contracts, leases, and other relevant or required documentation and information. The Director of Operations is responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for AVANCE internal employees and external stakeholders. Job Responsibilities Operational Strategy & Oversight Assesses and reports on trends that impact operational efficiency and develops/executes recommended action plans. Identifies opportunities for improvement in policies and procedures and proposes new systems and processes to streamline operations. Communicates policies and procedures to staff, providing necessary training and resources. Works closely with the Deputy Director and leadership team to align initiatives with AVANCE’s strategic goals. Collaborates with the Senior Director of Leadership and Coaching and the Senior Director of Early Learning, Mental Health, and Accessibilities to assess site needs and develop action plans. Participates in assigned meetings, events, and training as required. Facilities & Safety Management Directly supervises the Facilities Assistant, Facilities Supervisor, and Maintenance team to ensure efficient facility operations. Ensures safety standards are met and follows up on major inspection issues until resolved. Engages independent contractors for repairs and projects through appropriate bid and contract processes. Ensures licensed centers meet state licensing requirements and proper documentation is completed after visits. Manages and oversees the Child Care Regulation operation portals. Risk Management & Compliance Tracks, reviews, and escalates pending legal or risk management concerns to local leadership Ensures compliance with licensing, safety, and regulatory standards across all operational areas Collaborates with leadership and management teams to create and update contingency and emergency plans Expansion & Site Development Under the Deputy Director’s guidance, determines and evaluates potential sites for relocation/expansion efforts in the Rio Grande Valley AVANCE Core Competencies Execution & Accountability Problem Solving & Decision-Making Communication & Influence Collaboration & Teamwork Stakeholder Focus Adaptability & Continuous Learning Requirements Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish – Oral & Written) Work Experience Required: Minimum of three (3) years of previous supervisory experience required Minimum of three (3) years of facilities, custodial, food service, or related work experience required Experience leading and managing operations at an early childhood center/site Preferred: 3+ years’ experience leading and managing operations of Head Start/Early Head Start centers or early childhood centers Additional Skills Strong organizational systems, detailed orientation, and follow through Strong learning and continuous improvement and a growth mindset when experiencing setbacks Superior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills Superior managerial and diplomacy skills Extremely proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills Proven ability to supervise multiple functions with full accountability for effective operation and results Travel Ability to travel to various sites: Dependable transportation is required daily with a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record (subject to annual MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) check and policy), current auto liability insurance and be bondable by AVANCE, Inc. Travel required up to 40% of the time for work-related site visits, meetings, and functions Working Conditions? Work is generally performed in an office environment Noise level in the work environment is moderate to occasionally loud (examples: business office with computers and printers, light to moderate traffic, human voices) Standard office equipment generally used includes: Telephone Personal Computer (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) or Tablet Printer/Photocopy Machine Calculator May be required to operate a motor vehicle during the course of duties Mental and Physical Demands Maintain emotional control under stress; work with interruptions and deadlines; walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; occasional: lifting/carrying, pulling/pushing 10-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Environmental Factors Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.). Occasional expose to weather related conditions when working in outside environment /neighborhoods and events. ADA/ADAAA Statement AVANCE is committed to equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and any other applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, AVANCE does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Moreover, it is AVANCE’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of AVANCE’s business or would change the essential functions of the position. Retaliation against an individual with a disability for utilizing this policy or seeking a reasonable accommodation is prohibited. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department. Salary Description $70,992.00/Salary