Position Function :
The Assistant Director of Monitoring, Compliance, & Operations serves as the administrative and operational leader of a group of Centers and works collaboratively with the Director to build a culture of excellence and accountability and ensures the operation of safe and healthy environments that meets required licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.
The Assistant Director of Monitoring, Compliance, & Operations is responsible for ensuring that data is effectively used to drive decision-making throughout the organization.
He or she serves on the organization’s Senior Leadership Team and is accountable for both ensuring that the data being used in the program is both accurate and timely, and that the data is effectively utilized and integrated by the management team to drive program quality and maintain confidentiality of program at all times.
The Assistant Director of Monitoring, Compliance, & Operations oversees the management and implementation of the Head Start program’s data system application for tracking, reporting and analyzing information about children and families.
S / he is responsible for training staff on the use of data, providing technical support and troubleshooting for users, insuring the accuracy of data, and reporting and analyzing information.
In addition, the Assistant Director of Monitoring, Compliance, and Operations is expected to serve as a positive ambassador for the program.
Salary Grade : 16
Please see or for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile :
Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families.
In the past decade, MSU-Extension has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.
Anticipated Appointment Date :
July 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
- Provides monitoring oversight to assure that all centers in program is fully compliant with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and Policies and Procedures.
- Builds a Program level team that effectively communicates to coordinate services and support, resolve compliance concerns in a timely manner and establishes a culture of excellence.
- Consistently monitors center Health and Safety, including adherence with all licensing requirements.
- Consistently works with Center Director regarding areas of non-compliance, Health & Safety issues and corrective action plans.
- Manages facilities staff in collaborations with the Assistant Director of Education, Center Operations Coordinator, and Education Leader.
- Works with Director to develop operational procedures, implement strategic initiatives, and complete projects that impact the local program.
- Assures that Program Centers are operating within yearly budgetary allocations including CACFP (food program) oversight, managing and monitoring ordering, procurement, inventory, and approval / reconciliation of petty cash.
- Oversees monthly facilities health and safety monitoring to assure timely communication with Operations regarding outstanding health and safety concerns.
- Assures that all Centers maintain up to date licensing in all required areas and that proper documentation / follow up is completed after licensing visits.
- Analyzes and mitigates risk to the Program (attendance issues, low enrollment, licensing issues) by proactively monitoring;
developing an action plan and coordinating with Center Operations Coordinator and Family Services lead to execute the plan.
- Receives, investigates and acts upon significant incidents, accident reports and / or any complaints and concerns expressed by staff, parents and community, subsequently shared with Director.
- Coordinates with other program leadership and management to conduct Center Success Rubric self-assessment processes and validation visits.
Develops and carries out action plans to promote quality improvement.
- Works in coordination with delegate and grantee leadership to carry out other monitoring and quality improvement activities.
- Facilitates professional development workshops as appropriate.
- Communicates directives, policies and procedures as necessary at center level to families and staff.
- Prepares reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Ensures compliance with municipal ordinances, state licensing laws, and federal standards.
- Responsible for the operation and compliance of fire and security systems for all centers.
- Maintains the transportation fleet, obtains insurance cards and vehicle registrations.
- Maintains the license compliance files.
- All other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, child and family studies, social work, or related field.
Experience : Two (2) years' experience helping children and families in a manner directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Substitution : An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Licensures :
- Obtain certification in CPR and First Aid.
- Current driver’s license & reliable form of transportation.
Preferred Qualifications :
- Master’s degree in related field.
- Previous experience in early childhood and / or Head Start.
- 3+ years’ experience in multi-site project management required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
- Passion for helping children and families, and a drive to close the achievement gap.
- Ability to multi-task, work independently, efficiently organize and communicate effectively with off-site supervisors.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written or verbal format to groups of all sizes and individuals.
- Excellent computer / e-mail / word processing skills required.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
- Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
- Must be able to lift / move heavy and / or bulky objects weighing up to 75 lbs.