School Operations Manager

Chs Kids; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee CHS Center operations, including facilities, safety, transportation, and program support services. The role demands strong leadership, policy development, and coordination with Central Office to align risk and operational strategy.

The starting salary ranges from $61,200 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with expertise.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations in education or child-care settings.
• Knowledge of OCDEL/NAEYC standards preferred.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and contract management experience.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administrative functions and team accountability.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Develop and implement CHS policies and procedures.
• Manage facilities, transportation, food services, and campus safety.
• Coordinate with Central Office on IT, policy, and risk management.

Skills

Operations leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Policy development

Vendor/contract management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

EPro

Job description

The CHS School Operations Manager is responsible for managing operations and interactions at CHS Centers. The individual will oversee administrative functions, lead and maintain team accountability, ensure compliance and quality, and develop and ensure policies and procedures for CHS Centers. The School Operations Manager will be an effective leader and administrator with strong experience leading operational activities relating to program support services, including but not limited to transportation, campus safety and security, facility maintenance, and food services. The individual will have strong skills in planning and organization, effective verbal and written communication, conflict management, and experience ensuring operational facility compliance with OCDEL, NAEYC, and other high-quality standards. The School Operations Manager will report to the CHS Center Director, with whom the individual will work closely to strategize on risks and issues. The starting salary for this position will be $61,200 to $80,000 annual, based on expertise.

Responsibilities:

• Managing CHS Center data, outcomes, and trends on operational and administrative areas including staff retention, financial forecasts, and logistics
• Overseeing inventory and the requisition process, including EPro; maintaining inventory data related to outside suppliers
• Administering the contract for custodial/building services and coordination of internal staffing and external schedules for the Center
• In collaboration with Central Office, developing and maintaining CHS policies and procedures, identifying potential risks and addressing them accordingly
• Managing and maintaining center technology systems, in collaboration with Central Office IT department
• Collaborating with the Center Director to set and implement operational strategies
• Updating and training center staff on emergency response plans
• Acting as main point of contact/Primary Incident Commander for the Emergency Response Plan; overseeing required monthly and yearly emergency drills
• Making regular visits to classrooms to ensure alignment and maintenance of expectations, accountability, and best practices within administration, facilities, and operations
• Implementing health precautions and safety processes and standards for the center (including cleaning and food preparation) to protect children and staff, and ensuring compliance with external reviews for food and physical safety (i.e. PA Department of Agriculture, etc.)
• Overseeing production and proper handling of allergen friendly meals
• Coordinating with external organizations to maintain operational, risk, and safety trainings
• Coordinating with parents concerning transportation needs, services, times, and policies, and answering any related questions
• Co-preparing the annual CHS budget in collaboration with the Center Director
• Ensuring compliance of requirements and standards of OCDEL, Keystone STARS, NAEYC, OSHA and ServSafe in collaboration with other CHS Center staff
• Supporting policies and procedures of CHS and acting as role model for those policies Training and implementing policies and procedures for CHS visitors
• Primary on-site contact for facilities and responsible for submitting work orders
• Coordinating fleet maintenance, compliance and inspections
• Participating in the Manager on Duty rotation for the Center
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required- Education, Business Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting, or Hospitality Management, or Nutrition related field.Master's Degree MS, MBA, MEd preferred
• 5 or more years of experience leading in related field (Operations/HR/Finance/Administrative, preferred)
• 2+ years of experience working in the early childhood space, and closely with OCDEL, Keystone STARS, and NAEYC quality standards (preferred)
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred
• Ability to forge strong business relationships with external vendors at the community at large
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate large teams
• Comfortability with technology including MS Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and/or willingness to learn
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for children
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Who we are and what we’re looking for

At CHS, we are leaders passionate about early childhood education and community betterment. Our work is driven by the desire to endow children with the resources for educational and physical well-being, while supporting and empowering their families. We listen to the needs of our diverse community and adapt to give everyone a voice. We hold each-other accountable for bringing our best and most authentic selves to school every day, creating an environment of mutual respect.

We strive to build a team of individuals that is passionate about our mission, brings in new creative ideas, and loves their work. If this sounds like you, we look forward to seeing your application.

About Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

At Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, we nurture children, support them in discovering their world, and help them grow to reach their fullest potential. We are passionate educators, caregivers, and role models dedicated to successful early childhood development. We believe that a rich and solid foundation, along with a nurturing and supportive environment, is critical to helping children grow. We focus on the whole child, helping them flourish in mind and body. And we set them on a path to become their strongest, brightest, and best selves in school and beyond.

Catherine Hershey’s dream was to provide children with a well-rounded education. That dream lives on in her name and is our mission at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

View more exciting job opportunities at Milton Hershey School.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning does not discriminate against applicants or employees, in hiring, promotion or any terms or conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability or use of a guide or support animal because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School and will be staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled children, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities at our Centers.