Early Learning and Family Services Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Setting Objectives:

1. Leads development of a departmental vision and strategic plan that aligns with the Opportunity Council’s mission and vision.
2. Interprets all governmental statutes, regulations, transmittal notices, and memorandums pertaining to ELAFS programs and develops policies and operating procedures based on this guidance.
3. Directs the development of program financial plans and budgets including operating costs, capital, and extraordinary expenditures, and submits budgets to the executive director, governance bodies, and funding sources for approval.
4. Designs, coordinates, and updates community needs assessments and departmental self-assessment; develops goals and options based on the resulting information.
5. Oversees compilation of program outcomes data, reports to funders and the public and responds to monitoring reports by third parties.
6. Develops funding, including all aspects of grant applications and fund raising.
7. Directs program operations in a manner consistent with the requirements of contractual agreements, laws, regulations, and funding documents.
8. Directs departmental strategy to achieve client/customer outcomes expected by funders or governance bodies and effectively communicates results to diverse audiences.
9. Directly supervises six management and support staff positions in fulfillment of the Department’s mission.     

Organizing:

1. Works with agency administration to implement a fiscal accounting management system that will include monitoring budget expenditures and budget revisions, property procurement and inventory control; works to resolve audit exceptions and implement management recommendations.
2. Develops necessary systems and procedures to assure implementation of program coordination within ELAFS and integration with other Opportunity Council programs.
3. Assists service area managers in preparing and updating service area plans.
4. Establishes operating and administrative policies and procedures to assure efficient program operation and compliance with all contractual terms, conditions, and obligations.
5. Facilitates various meetings of staff personnel and special committees to obtain guidance, provide leadership, and coordinate the activities of these groups to the best interest of the agency and program.
6. Establishes management and/or leadership teams and facilitates activities that support program planning, professional development, management, and evaluation.
7. Develops and maintains clear lines of leadership and channels of communication.

Motivating and Communicating:

1. Serves as an advocate for early learning. Promotes good public relations by serving on boards, committees, participating in community activities and planning efforts, and encourages similar involvement by staff and parents.
2. Works closely with the executive director to foster shared decision-making with the Policy Council and Opportunity Council Board of Directors. Works closely with those groups to ensure organization, training, and effective operation in accordance with the legislative acts, performance standards, administrative rules, and related program guidance of all funders of the department.
3. Develops collaborative relationships with government partners, including educating elected officials and public agency staff about Opportunity Council’s mission, vision, and specific programmatic objectives.

Measuring and Evaluating:

1. Ensures internal and external reporting systems and procedures for monitoring and controlling fiscal and programmatic activities.
2. Develops, implements, and maintains an on-going evaluation system to ensure quality control of the total ELAFS Department, including fiscal accountability and cost-effectiveness.
3. Utilizes evaluation data to maintain, correct and/or improve delivery of program services.

Developing Staff:

1. Works with Opportunity Council Human Resources, Fiscal Department, and ELAFS managers to determine staffing patterns and develop hiring procedures, staff development policies and activities, and evaluation procedures.