Job Description

Director of Operations at CHS Central Office summary:

The Director of Operations at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning leads and manages operational functions across multiple centers to ensure high-quality support for early learning programs. Responsibilities include overseeing program support services, risk and safety management, facilities maintenance, and regulatory compliance. The role requires collaboration with leadership teams to drive operational excellence, staff accountability, and continuous improvement in line with organizational mission and standards.

The Director of Operations at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) is responsible for leading and managing operational functions across the CHS Central Office and Centers to ensure high-quality operations that directly support the CHS early learning program. Key areas of oversight include Program Support Services (food, transportation, cleaning, and child & family supports), Risk, Safety, and Security, and Facilities Management. The Director will develop and implement policies and procedures that promote operational excellence, staff accountability, regulatory compliance, and a safe, supportive environment for children and staff.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Operations leader with strong skills in planning, communication, conflict resolution, and compliance. Experience in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred. The salary range for this position is $ 81,072 to $108,231 per year, based on expertise.

Responsibilities:  

Leadership & Collaboration  

• Work in close partnership with the Executive Director to align operational priorities with CHS' mission and vision
• Collaborate with senior leaders across departments including Programs, Finance, HR, and Family Engagement to ensure seamless coordination and execution of initiatives
• Participate in leadership meetings and cross-functional work groups to promote alignment, innovation, and continuous improvement across the CHS network
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to Center Directors and other operational staff to strengthen leadership capacity and Center-level execution
• Coordination and logistics of operating areas for building, training, and opening a new Center

Risk, Safety, and Security Management  

• Develop and maintain CHS Central Office and Center-level operational policies and procedures
• Conduct regular internal audits and site reviews to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (e.g., OCDEL, Keystone STARS, NAEYC)
• Lead the design and implementation of an organization-wide risk and safety strategy and provide data and trend information to Centers and CO Leadership to inform safety strategy
• Oversee incident management processes, monitor and implement mitigation strategies in partnership with the CHS Leadership Team

Facilities Management  

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor operational consistency, facility maintenance, and adherence to best practices
• Ensure all CHS Centers meet physical environment standards required by licensing and accreditation bodies
• Oversee long-term maintenance planning, capital improvements, and vendor performance
• Support operational readiness and infrastructure planning for new CHS locations  

Program Support Services  

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to implement operational strategies that support program quality and scalability
• Manage contracts and vendor relationships for essential support services (e.g., food service, transportation, cleaning, child supplies)
• Design, oversee, and drive compliance for key program support models across the organization
• Evaluate and improve service delivery based on performance data and evolving program needs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or Logistics required. Master's Degree - MS, MBA preferred
• 8 years of experience in related field (Operations preferred)
• 2+ years of experience working in the Early Childhood space, and closely with OCDEL, Keystone STARS, and NAEYC quality standards preferred
• Previous experience in new venture or similar entrepreneurial, high-growth setting preferred
• Experience operating multiple entities and ensuring collaboration across large, decentralized teams
• Advanced functional knowledge of integrated ERP systems, and advanced data analysis skills
• Exceptional executive functioning, organizational, and time management skills, and an action- oriented mindset
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, educate large teams
• History of achieving strong demonstrated outcomes
• Proficiency in using technology, including MS Office and Internet
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management, must have an understanding of new management techniques and objectives
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
• Ability to work well across silos and departments to forge strong cross-disciplinary relationships 
• Ability to forge strong business relationships with external vendors at the community at large
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for children
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Keywords:

operations management, early childhood education, facilities management, risk and safety management, program support services, regulatory compliance, staff leadership, vendor management, cross-functional collaboration, policy development

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