Director of Program Operations (3910) at Lutheran Services Florida

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Director of Program Operations who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

Support the Program Head Start Director in the planning, design and implementation of program operations to ensure compliance across all service areas at each of LSF Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Works collaboratively with the Head Start Director to implement special project initiatives, provide oversight of program operations, facilitate quality assurance and continuous improvement efforts, and serves as agency liaison for major program contracts and vendors.  

Essential Functions:

• Provides oversight and evaluates the Head Start/Early Head Start day-to-day operational activities to ensure compliance with program, statutory, and regulatory requirements. Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; plans and implements adjustments as necessary.  
• Assist Head Start Director with development of program annual budget workplan.  Manages and monitors department budgets and contracts, monitors and controls expenses related to the unit, and ensures appropriate expenditures stay within the assigned budget.
• Provides direct support and oversight of the HS/EHS Facilities Department to ensure transportation, maintenance, facilities, inventory, and Information Technology (IT) services maintain compliance with all federal performance standards, local and state regulations, and program policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with the Quality Assurance Department. Develops, conducts, and implements an ongoing evaluation system to ensure quality control of HS/EHS operations along with continuous quality improvement of services and management. 
• Assists with the Annual Self-Assessment and program monitoring. Prepares program performance and summary reports for the Policy Council, Board of Directors, and the executive leadership.
• Provides support in the implementation and roll-out of LSF policy and procedures and management by objectives and the approval process.
• Collaborates with Head Start Director and other members of leadership team in the development of short- and long-range plans, goals and objectives for the department and program.
• Coordinates with program staff, property managers, landlords, and contractors to ensure the efficient flow of communication relating to maintenance, information technology, construction, and facilities projects.
• Maintains and monitors contractual and service agreements (MOU) with appropriate service providers and community partners. Seeks out and maintains collaborative relationships with community programs providing services to low-income families to ensure resources are available and accessible to Head Start families. 
• Regularly schedules meetings for program managerial staff for planning, management, reporting, and problem solving. Conducts and participates in monthly program management meetings.
• Provide direct support in the aggregation of school readiness data, family outcomes data and required assessments for all LSF Head Start and Early Head Start children.
• Provides technical assistance for staff to assure the health, safety and positive growth and development of the children, their families and the staff.
• Collaborates with Head Start Director in the identification and solicitation of local, state, and federal funding opportunities to enhance service offerings to Head Start/Early Head Start children and their families and programs.  Manages the tracking and reporting of other funding sources that support the program such as School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), and other community partners.
• Assures remediation for any non-compliances discovered with the grantee or delegate through assessments, audits, and compliance plans by incorporating action steps to ensure compliance.  
• Attends workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the Head Start Director.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families and staff in accordance with LSF and HS/EHS policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

Note: The above duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift at least 40lbs.

Education:

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or related field OR Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Business, Human Services or related field.

Experience:

If Master’s degree, at least two years of previous experience in management/administration managing operations, preferably in a Head Start environment.  If Bachelor’s degree, at least five years of previous experience in management/administration managing operations, preferably in a Head Start environment. 

Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Also required: Successful completion of a Level II background screening and drug screening prior to hiring.

Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail are required and the candidate must be able to meet designated deadlines. 
• The individual must possess strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality; identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.  
• Knowledge and ability to use computer programs (i.e. MS Word, Excel, assessment software applications,  etc.).
• Ability to accurately evaluate financial data.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local transportation, safety and building code requirements.
• Knowledge of standard methods, practices and regulations pertaining to technical trades.
• Knowledge of regulations associated with the prevention of occupational diseases and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions and effective supervisory techniques.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of governmental budget preparation and record keeping.
• Ability to communicate ideas and instructions verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general training/informational materials related to facilities and technical procedures related to health and safety.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to make recommendations and develop implementation strategies based on valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and communicate them to other employees.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle necessary to complete work assignments.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. 

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.