Director of Operations

West Des Moines, IA, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $40,000.00 - $50,000.00

Benefits

Ongoing professional development & growth opportunities

401(k) Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Employee childcare discount

Job Description

Yellow Brick Road is a dedicated early childhood education organization committed to fostering nurturing, joyful, and inclusive environments for children, families, and staff. At its core, the institution emphasizes community, growth, and meaningful connections, aiming to develop good humans who will positively impact the world. With a strong focus on purpose and collaboration, Yellow Brick Road cultivates warm and supportive atmospheres across its centers, ensuring every stakeholder thrives in a culture that celebrates individuality and excellence.

The Director of Operations at Yellow Brick Road is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing and ensuring the seamless function of the school's daily operations. This role involves strict adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. The Director will lead a dedicated team to cultivate engaging, nurturing, and safe learning environments where children receive exceptional care and education. This position is not only focused on maintaining current success but also on driving growth by expanding the school's presence and impact within the community. By fostering collaboration among various departments — including marketing, enrollment, finance, and career coordination — the Director ensures holistic operational effectiveness. The role demands a hands-on leadership style, encompassing team development, quality assurance, parent and community engagement, financial oversight, and organizational health alignment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to fostering a positive culture, meeting enrollment goals, assuring compliance with licensing laws, and continuously enhancing program quality. Compensation for this role ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 annually for the Iowa location, with variations based on geography, experience, and qualifications. Employment at Yellow Brick Road comes with extensive benefits such as professional development, health insurance, paid time off, and childcare discounts, making it a fulfilling career opportunity within early childhood education leadership.

Job Requirements

Must be able to make the commute to the assigned school
Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment
Must be able and willing to perform physically demanding work, such as (but not limited to) lifting, carrying, kneeling, crouching, etc. and up to 65lbs
Must have initiative and a "can do!" attitude
Maintain a flexible and open-minded mindset
Must be able to regularly use technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, daily reporting
Act as a classroom Teacher and Mentor Teacher as needed
Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of experience in childcare management, early childhood education, or a similar leadership role
Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of team building, staff development, and operational excellence
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
CRM experience and experience with parent communication apps a plus
Comprehensive knowledge of childcare regulations, licensing standards, and industry best practices
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
Strong analytical, strategic planning, and financial management capabilities
Flexibility to adapt to changing goal and quota needs, schedules, and priorities within the childcare center environment

Job Duties

Provide hands-on leadership to the center's staff, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of professionalism that promotes the company’s mission and core values
Conduct regular staff meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews to ensure team members are well-equipped and motivated
Address any staffing issues, concerns, or conflicts promptly and professionally to maintain a positive working environment
Hold themselves and their team accountable
Develop, train, and continually coach staff members on your team in accordance with compliance and program expectations
Collaborate with other company departments including but not limited to marketing, enrollment, career coordinators, and the financial team to maintain communication in accordance with company policy and procedure
Ensure the center meets and exceeds the company’s quality standards, as well as state and local licensing requirements
Ratio and classroom distribution is always met in accordance with state laws
Implement regular classroom observations, assessments, evaluations, and audits of curriculum and program philosophy, facilities, and staff performance to maintain high-quality care using instructional coaching techniques, providing appropriate documentation for each
Maintain and update [as given by the company] policies, procedures, and guidelines to address evolving needs and best practices
Build and cultivate strong relationships with current and prospective parents, guardians, and families through open communication, regular updates, and involvement opportunities
Regular oversight of teacher communication to parents via parent communication app
Organize and facilitate parent intake meetings, family events, and community outreach programs to enhance engagement and support
Collaborate with local schools, organizations, and agencies to provide resources, referrals, and seamless transitions for children and families
Oversee and manage the center's budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of labor cost-effectiveness, and financial sustainability
Regularly examine expenses, and financial trends to make informed decisions, adjustments, and projections to all budgetary expectations
Monitor and maintain company given enrollment goals and quotas to meet growth objectives while upholding quality standards
Partner with Finance Team to address any irregularities and proactively solve issues
Work with peers and other leadership within the company to align with company values, mission and goals
Meet and maintain enrollment quotas and goals by frequently evaluating marking efforts, prospective parent communication and follow up, and initiating quality school tours