Assistant Director of Early Learning

Greater Lawrence Community Action Council; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council in Lawrence, MA is seeking an Assistant Director of Early Learning to lead operations, budgeting, transportation, facilities, procurement, and safety for multiple program sites. The role partners with program leadership to align activities with regulatory requirements and the division’s mission.

Responsibilities include developing operational policies, monitoring budgets, ensuring compliance with licensing and Head Start standards, supervising staff,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum five years of operations or administrative management experience.
• Demonstrated budgeting and facilities oversight experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred.
• Must have CORI & SORI completed within the first 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational strategies, policies, and procedures for Early Learning programs.
• Lead day-to-day operations across multiple program sites.
• Monitor budgets and ensure cost efficiency.
• Ensure safety, licensing compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee procurement, enrollment systems, and facilities maintenance.
• Provide staff leadership and professional development.

Skills

Budgeting

Facilities oversight

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: GLCAC - Lawrence, MA 01840, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 Salary/year,

The Assistant Director of Early Learning provides strategic leadership and management for key operational areas, including budgeting and financial oversight, transportation services, facilities management, procurement and purchasing, health and safety compliance, technology and administrative systems, risk management, and program operations. The position works closely with program leadership to align operational priorities with the division's mission, goals, and regulatory requirements.

Operational Oversight

• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures that support the efficient delivery of Early Learning programs.
• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operational functions across multiple program sites.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, streamline processes, and increase organizational efficiency.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support strategic planning, program expansion, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and licensing standards.
• Manage administrative workflows, enrollment systems, and procurement.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee the development, monitoring, and management of operational and program budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure effective stewardship of financial resources.
• Analyze operational costs and recommend strategies to improve cost efficiency.
• Support financial reporting, audits, grant requirements, and budget forecasting activities.
• Monitor non-federal share requirements.

Facilities, Safety & Transportation

• Oversee building maintenance, safety inspections and improvement of all Early Learning facilities and grounds.
• Ensure facilities provide safe, healthy, accessible, and welcoming environments for children, families, and staff.
• Ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and regulatory compliance of transportation services.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Lead efforts to maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, licensing, and Head Start performance standards.
• Maintain records and coordinate with facilities for required audits and monitoring.
• Oversee emergency preparedness planning and facility-related risk management activities and implement risk management strategies.
• Ensure effective records management, reporting, and documentation practices.

Strategic Operations Planning

• Support long-term planning for facilities, staffing logistics, and resource allocation.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to operations, facilities, transportation, and administrative staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support workforce planning efforts.

Governance & Reporting

• Provide operational data and reports to governance bodies.
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in training and implement system improvements.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum five years of operations or administrative management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting and facilities oversight.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred.
• Must have a suitable CORI & SORI completed within the first 30 days of employment.