Start Early is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Assistant Director, Operations works closely with the Executive Director, Program Director, Policy Director, and Operations Teams to help optimize overall business processes, provide leadership to operations initiatives, and resolve administrative issues. Directs the operations for the Start Early Washington team, including operations, administrative systems, and financial management to identify and support opportunities that improve the operations of the Washington State team. Leads the creation, execution, and management of complex public sector contracts. Creates and oversees the operational systems, processes, and infrastructure needed to support the successful execution of Start Early Washington’s work. Manages budget including monthly forecasts, integration of new grants, collaboration with program and finance staff to ensure budget is balanced. Leads the short and long-term operations functions of the division and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of infrastructure systems required for effective program, training, fundraising, governance and financial operations. This position requires the Assistant Director, Operations to reside in the state of Washington with the flexibility to work remote.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Start Early Washington, you will:

BUDGETING: Proactively manage a multi-year project budget to ensure effective stewardship of grant and contracted funds, including:

• Build yearly project budgets that are aligned with grant requirements and annual operating plans;
• responsible for budget reporting and forecasting
• Communicate with program staff and budget owners regularly around non-personnel expenses;
• Keep up to date on SE financial processes, systems and software;

CONTRACT PROCESS, MANAGEMENT, AND EXECUTION: oversee contract management for all contracts of the Washington state office including complex public sector contracts, including:

• Ensure compliance with all contract requirements;
• Collaborate with program staff to input, process, and monitor contracts from initial SOW draft through to execution;
• Serve as internal expert and train other staff on contracting practices and procedures;
• Collaborate closely with the Compliance team to ensure contract policies are met;
• Ensure invoices comport with outlined SOW and contract.

DIVISION MANAGEMENT: Ensure and improve efficiency, quality, and communication of all operational procedures, processes, and supports including:

• Partner with Finance, Corporate Operations, Compliance, Technology, and Facilities to provide input on policies, training systems, and platforms used across the organization and support effective implementation for Start Early Washington team;
• Manage division communication channels, calendars and events in support of the Washington team;
• Facilitate the development of a team culture that strives for excellence and responds effectively to customer needs;
• Support the team to be innovative, adopt new technologies, and optimize opportunities to drive operational improvements;
• Partner with division leadership to build and manage the division’s operating model.
• Supervise the Operations Coordinator, providing reflective supervision, support for growth and development and oversight;
• Provide coaching and mentorship to direct reports and other Operations staff; oversee, participate and support the work of the cross divisional teams;
• Lead the division’s resource management efforts through integration with annual planning and budgeting processes and systems;
• Support division staff and leadership on resource management concepts, practices, and tools.

PROCESS MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE: Define, recommend, and implement divisional processes to break down silos, standardize work, and improve operations, including;

• Establish systems for monitoring and supporting continuous improvement of divisional processes;
• Work directly with partners, contractors, and vendors to negotiate budgets, contracts, SOWs, etc.
• Participate in the efforts that drive implementation of operational priorities in an effective, efficient, and equitable manner

ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN & AGILITY: Implement organizational design processes for Start Early Washington, work with Start Early Washington and organization leaders to develop strategies, processes, and structures that align with the organization's strategic goals and divisional business model

• Identify and guide the implementation of opportunities to increase divisional agility;
• Lead, advise, and manage assigned operations initiatives;
• Deliver functional expertise to ensure that projects have the necessary resources to deliver on project objectives with a high degree of quality;
• Participate in management and cross-divisional meetings to recommend effective operations strategy;
• Manage divisional continuous improvement in partnership with senior leaders.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Non-Profit Management, or other related field or Bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience.
• At least 8-10 years of relevant work experience in related field with increasing job responsibilities, as well as experience with project and budget management.
• Experience managing public sector contracts and complex budgets scenarios.
• 3 or more years of team supervisory experience required.
• Skilled in working in and managing team projects, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of project management, strategic planning and management, and fiscal management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, including the ability to write clearly, speak to diverse audiences, listen and communicate effectively with stakeholders, staff and colleagues at multiple levels.
• High degree of comfort with iterating and learning in context; willing to embrace risk, adjust thinking and plans to capitalize on new opportunities.
• Ability to lead diverse, cross-functional work teams of staff at different levels toward a common objective, and flexibly navigate and resolve conflicts that may arise.
• Knowledge of Smartsheet and Adaptive preferred.
• Deep commitment to and experience in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice is required.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $103,575K- $115K

As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.