Early Learning Center Regional Manager (TN & MS)

Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Regional Manager provides leadership and requires regular travel across TN and MS.

The Regional Manager ensures that their locations exceed state and local licensing, health and  safety standards and any quality rating or designated accreditation standard while incorporating YMCA Memphis and The Mid-south mission, culture, goals, values, philosophies, policies, and  development of an inclusive environment. The Regional Manager accepts responsibility for being the company’s representative to all of the families, children, staff and clients affiliated with their locations. The Regional Manager supports  the Center Director’s development of positive relationships with families, children, staff and the  clients. The Regional Manager develops relationships with sponsors, stakeholders, key families and staff. Although the Regional Manager will be accountable for the responsibilities outlined below, their  role will vary depending upon the number of locations and location capacity, geography, and  model. The Regional Manager reviews important decisions with the Senior Vice President Early  Learning and is responsive to their centers, clients and the needs of the YMCA Memphis and The  Mid-South. The Regional Manager participates in broader YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South roles and functions where necessary. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The RM (Regional Manager) will model exemplary behavior in each of the following categories:

Leadership/Supervision 

• Communicate to the region (TN & MS) the company’s goals, priorities, progress and accomplishments. Provide a channel for Center Directors and staff input.
• Establish and communicate a regional strategy, which allows Center Directors to develop and achieve goals in conjunction with annual company goals. 
• Establish a plan for center visits (TN & MS). Develop a consistent schedule to assess goal achievement, program evaluation and to audit operating systems. 
• Hold Center Directors accountable for meeting operational objectives and budgeted financial performance of the location. 
• Oversee implementation of company initiatives. 
• Ensure that Center Directors implement operating policies and procedures within time  requirements. 
• Assist Center Directors in assessing, prioritizing, advocating for, and allocating resources. 
• Collaborate with corporate departments and with the Division Vice President on the development and implementation of programs and systems that represent the field  perspective. 

Human Resources 

• Establish and maintain a culture in keeping with the fundamental association values.  Develop a cohesive team among Center Directors in the region. 
• Make Center Director selection a priority, with thoughtful consideration of location, regional and company demands. 
• In partnership with the SVP Early Learning, take responsibility for Center Director orientation and ongoing training. In partnership with the Field Education & Training Specialist, design orientation based on an individual Center  Director and on center needs according to established association guidelines. 
• Establish and implement professional development goals with Center Directors. Ensure that expectations are clear and that performance standards are met. 
• In partnership with HR, oversee the implementation of a regional recruitment and retention plan that addresses the short and long-range needs of centers in the region. 
• In partnership with HR, develop and implement regional succession plans that identify and develop future leaders within the YMCA of Memphis and The Mid-South diverse workforce. 
• Support Center Directors in the development of skills, which will enable them to manage employee relations, counseling and termination. Will be required to travel to sites (TN & MS) to assist with employee relations issues.
• Conduct annual job performance appraisals based on established goals and job descriptions. 
• Ensure that Center Directors conduct timely job performance appraisals for their employees. 
• Ensure the implementation of awards and recognition programs. 
• Guide and support a regional group of staff to identify and support community and  workplace culture initiatives. Convene this regional committee monthly through a  hybrid of virtual and in-person meetings. 
• Develop a regional training plan/calendar in partnership with the Field Education and  Training Specialist. 

Financial 

• Ensure that financial goals for division are met. 
• Develop location budgets that meet revenue and earnings targets. 
• Forecast trends and analyze variances to determine appropriate operational adjustments (labor, controllables, FTE’s). 
• Demonstrate knowledge of external market rates for tuition and salaries and make recommendations based on analysis. 
• Assure that centers provide accurate and timely financial reporting. 
• Monitor location tuition collection efforts to sustain a zero accounts receivable balance. 
• Ensure financial understanding at the center level that will link the budget and financial reports to operational activities. 
• Understand lease summaries and deal structures for all contracts in the division. Ensure that charges, changes, and reports are accurate and timely. 
• Develop Monthly Operations Reports (MOR) and submit them to SVP Early Learning. Program 
• Meet or exceed accreditation or quality rating expectations according to association  goals and contract requirements at the centers.
• Champion implementation of educational, training and family communication initiatives and consistently strive for program innovation and excellence. 
• Ensure that association quality program standards are implemented, and appropriate resources are utilized. 
• Evaluate the center’s level of quality and work with the Center Directors and staff to develop a plan for continuous improvement. 
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices in the division. 

Professionalism 

• Positively communicate the association ‘s goals, philosophies, and policies to families, staff, clients and community. 
• Attend and actively participate in Regional Manager meetings, divisional and association functions, and trainings. 
• Establish relationships with the local early childhood community and ensure active YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South representation with relevant early childhood community groups, tasking senior center directors to participate as a professional  growth opportunity. 
• Practice confidentiality in all matters regarding staff, family, client and company information. 
• Continue on-going professional development. Share information and expertise. 
• Develop productive and positive relationships with peers, branches, and other YMCA  Memphis and The Mid-South office personnel. 

Marketing and Retention 

• Develop marketing and retention plans and ensure their implementation in collaboration with the marketing department. 
• Ensure that Center Directors and staff understand and demonstrate the link between  the marketing objectives and operational activities (answering the phone, tours, location and community events, drop-in care, and curb appeal). 
• Support the Center Director’s understanding and implementation of marketing initiatives and maximize the usage of collateral materials. 
• Hold Center Directors accountable to meet budgeted enrollment goals.
• Lead effort to create public relations opportunities. Monitor and analyze family departures. Implement retention strategies. 
• Partner with the Enrollment Management to support the family experience from inquiry  to registration to enrollment.  

Family Communication 

• Model customer service excellence and help the Center Directors to proactively create solutions to meet family needs. 
• Oversee the utilization of association tools to measure critical moments in families’ enrollment and ongoing family satisfaction. Facilitate responsive solutions. (e.g. 6- week questionnaire, child transitions, family departures.) 
• Be present at center family functions (e.g. Parent Partnership Groups, potluck dinners, and family meetings.) 
• Oversee annual family survey process in the region and develop and communicate a plan of action with Center Directors for location issues identified. 
• Represent and support the association in the resolution of family complaints. Sponsor Relationships / Company 

Growth Strategy 

• Develop and sustain a strategic partnership with our sponsors and board. Analyze and anticipate sponsor financial needs and monitor sponsor economics. Proactively offer  responses. 
• Support the sponsor’s work/life initiatives. 
• Ensure the Center Director has a positive and productive relationship with center  sponsors. 
• Monitor the communication flow and reporting between center leadership and  sponsors. Manage contact regarding potentially critical situations. 
• Communicate and promote the unique resources and programs YMCA Memphis and  The Mid-South has to offer. 
• Ensure that any required sponsor reports are completed. 
• Provide the growth and strategies team with leads for new opportunities with existing businesses and other potential sponsors. 

Health, Safety and Licensing

• Ensure that all licensing and YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South requirements are consistently met and permits are current. 
• Implement the emergency response plan with center teams. 
• Communicate licensing status to SVP Early Learning regularly and forward licensing  reports to association office designee. 
• Ensure the administration of the annual quality audit as well as responses to monthly  center visit reports. 
• Identify capital improvement needs as well as on-going facility maintenance and expansion issues. 
• Assist with property management decisions that affect program quality and safety. 
• Monitor the center’s compliance with all local, state and federal requirements and training. (OSHA, labor posters, etc.) 

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY: 

• Must have prior approval from SVP Early Learning, HR and CFO to: 
  • Terminate a Director/Principal (CFO authorization not required) 
  • Alter a contract or enter a contract 
  • Implement a salary increase above 
  • Award a bonus unrelated to the existing association Bonus Program 
  • Allow a tuition variance 
  • Alter the number of childcare discounts available in a location 
  • Deviate from YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South policy, Employee Handbook or family enrollment information 
  • Take action regarding an EEOC claim or any legal matter including unemployment claims and ADA accommodations 
  • Respond to the media 
  • Disenroll a child or family outside of the existing withdrawal process 
• May take action, but must inform Senior Vice President Early Learning: - File an abuse or neglect complaint 
  • Receive notification of a licensing visit or citation 
  • Accreditation, quality rating etc. is received or deferred 
  • Staff member or child has a significant injury 
  • Record an unusual incident/accident 
  • Any significant communication from a staff member, sponsor or family 
  • Take time off from scheduled work, schedule a vacation
  • Partner with Center Directors and the HRBP to consult on teacher terminations and  other human resource actions. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed, not an exhaustive list of all essential functions and responsibilities.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. 

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

REQUIREMENTS (Must meet State requirements): 

• Additional center/school requirements may apply 
• BA in Early Childhood Education or a related field required (Master’s degree a plus)
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational and fiscal management skills 
• Eight – Ten years’ experience as a Center Director or comparable management and supervisory experience 
• A combination of infant, toddler or preschool teaching experience and actual administration of a childcare center 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills 
• Well versed in accreditation, quality rating, and licensing standards 
• Responds well to unusual or crisis situations 
• Strong knowledge in developmentally appropriate curriculum 
• Computer literacy required 
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks 
• Demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to needs of families and staff
• Experience working in an inclusive work environment and managing across differences
• Experience with managing multiple locations 
• Experience with corporate sponsors desirable 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed, not an exhaustive list of all essential functions and responsibilities.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Work schedule is generally Monday to Friday. Occasional Saturday may be required for training sessions. 

Frequent travel throughout the Mid-South, MS, West Tennessee regions required. (Must have reliable transportation).

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
2. Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
3. Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
4. Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
5. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
6. Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
7. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
8. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
9. Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.