Center Operations Coordinator

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Center Operations Coordinator for their Head Start program. This role involves overseeing center operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting strong family partnerships. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field, has experience in preschool program management, and possesses strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field is required.
• Experience in managing operational functions of a preschool program.
• CPR and First Aid certification; physical exam and background checks are required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operational lead for the Head Start program.
• Ensure compliance with all program policies/procedures.
• Maintain program confidentiality at all times.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field

Job description

Overview

Apply now Job no: 509753
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Professional, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Sep 13 2025

Position Function:

This position serves as a Center Operation Coordinator for the Head Start program. The Center Operation Coordinator serves as the operational lead for the center, ensuring compliance with all program policies/procedures and Head Start, licensing or other regulations.

Area of Specialization:

MSU-Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• This position serves as a Center Operations Coordinator for the Head Start program. The Center Operations Coordinator serves as the operational lead for the center, ensuring compliance with all program policies/procedures and Head Start, licensing or other regulations. The Center Operations Coordinator is expected to maintain program confidentiality at all times. In addition, the Center Operations Coordinator is expected to be a positive ambassador for the MSU-Extension Head Start Program.
• Education: Assist the Educational Leader to ensure full implementation of all aspects of the Head Start program’s early learning system, policies/procedures, and tools with the goal of supporting all children to achieve School Readiness Goals.
• Ensure the completion of all required child screenings and assessments, including 45 and 90-day requirements for new children and quarterly progress assessments for all children.
• Ensure classrooms, gym, and outdoor areas are equipped with developmentally appropriate materials, safe and in working order.
• Participate in team meetings, home visits, and community events as needed.

• Family Partnerships: Coordinate with Family Service team to ensure full implementation of family services and parent involvement (in consultation with Family Service Coordinators and Lead Advocates).
• Model strong, positive relationships with families.
• Support Family Advocates to implement all aspects of family services, including monthly Family Engagement meetings, parent/teacher conferences, and policy council.
• Coordinate training for parents and community members wanting to volunteer in centers.

• Communication & Service Coordination: Participate in regular team meetings to ensure effective communication and service coordination.
• Attend local, state and regional initiatives to represent the center and develop professionally.
• Ensure children’s health, nutrition, disabilities or mental health needs are met through referrals and collaboration with coordinators/specialists, including case conferences as necessary.
• Develop working knowledge of local community resources related to education and transition.
• Participate in Head Start community activities, staff meetings, mandated training, committee meetings, and other program-wide functions as needed, including some evening activities.
• Ensure complete and accurate implementation of all required recordkeeping and reporting systems (e.g., Individual child/family files, Master binders, Education portfolios, In-kind contributions, purchasing, timekeeping, Shine Insight).

• Record Keeping & Reporting: In collaboration with the Center Operations Coordinator, ensure complete and accurate implementation of MSU-Extension recordkeeping and reporting systems.
• Review quarterly MBO reports and address concerns timely.
• Monitor daily attendance to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Maintain and organize required documentation (files, binders, portfolios, in-kind, purchases, timekeeping, Shine Insight, observations, assessments, planning).

• Ongoing Monitoring & Self-Assessment: Participate in annual program self-assessment and implement monitoring systems required by MSU-Extension, licensing, CACFP, or other agencies.
• Include daily safety checks and periodic health & safety monitoring.

• Program Governance and Leadership: Contribute to planning to set and monitor program goals; align education area goals with center needs and regulations; promote organizational change and information sharing; attend parent committees and leadership meetings as needed; ensure regulatory compliance and safe work practices.

• Human Resources & Supervision: Assist with staff supervision and HR activities; hold monthly staff meetings; submit annual evaluations; support professional development; ensure adherence to policies; train staff from diverse backgrounds; improve work practices.

• Operations and Facilities: Serve as operational lead to ensure compliance with program policies, Head Start, licensing, and other regulations; maintain safe, developmentally appropriate facilities and materials; ensure accessibility and monthly safety checks.

• Non-Essential Duties: Performs any and all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field

Experience: Experience in managing operational functions of a preschool program.

Licensures: Current driver’s license & reliable transportation; CPR and First Aid certification; physical exam and background checks required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s preferred in related field; previous experience in the education industry (pre-K or Head Start); bilingual Spanish-English preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of health and safety licensing requirements; ability to interact with diverse groups; strong written and verbal communication; computer literacy (MS Office, data systems, internet); honesty, dependability, and ability to meet deadlines; self-motivation and ability to work independently.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Physical Requirements: Sit with occasional bending/reaching; stand/walk/bend; ability to lift a child weighing 40 pounds up to 20 times a day if needed.

Work Environment: Local travel up to 10%; office environment; moderate to loud noise; standard office equipment usage.

Application Instructions

All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.

• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references
• Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission)
• An official transcript will be required if selected for employment.

Screening Date

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

Accommodation

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Accommodation information is available in large print upon request.

Advertised

Advertised: Sep 13 2025 Central Daylight Time

Location: Mississippi - Not located on main campus