Director of Operations

Job description

MCC Early Childhood Learning Center is seeking a dedicated, organized, and hands-on Director of Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations of our early childhood learning center. The Director of Operations will work closely with center leadership, teachers, staff, families, and service providers to ensure that the facility operates efficiently, safely, and in accordance with MCC policies and applicable child care requirements.

This is a full-time, salaried leadership position requiring flexibility and a strong commitment to the successful operation of the center. The Director of Operations must be willing to work the hours necessary to meet operational needs, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or other times when the center requires management support.

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus and will be considered an additional asset for this position.

Center Operations:

• Oversee daily operational activities of the child care center.
• Ensure the center is properly staffed and operational each day.
• Assist with opening and closing the facility as needed.
• Monitor daily operations and address issues promptly.
• Coordinate with center leadership regarding operational needs and priorities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by administration.

Staffing & Scheduling:

• Prepare and monitor weekly staff schedules in coordination with center leadership.
• Help ensure appropriate staffing coverage throughout the day.
• Monitor attendance, staffing needs, and operational coverage.
• Assist with addressing staffing changes, call-offs, and unexpected operational needs.

Enrollment & Subsidy Administration:

• Manage CCRS enrollment-related responsibilities.
• Work directly with families regarding enrollment and redetermination requirements.
• Maintain accurate enrollment information and required documentation.
• Communicate with parents regarding program requirements and deadlines.

Kitchen & Food Service:

• Supervise daily kitchen operations.
• Coordinate food and supply orders.
• Monitor inventory and ensure necessary food and kitchen supplies are available.
• Help ensure kitchen operations follow applicable health, safety, and center requirements.

Facility & Maintenance:

• Supervise maintenance needs and coordinate repairs or service requests.
• Monitor the condition and cleanliness of the facility.
• Follow up on maintenance issues to ensure they are resolved in a timely manner.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.

Leadership & Communication:

• Provide hands-on leadership and support to staff.
• Communicate effectively with employees, parents, vendors, and administration.
• Identify operational concerns and work proactively toward solutions.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, accountability, and a positive workplace environment.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in operations management, administration, child care, education, hospitality, healthcare, or a related field preferred.
• Previous supervisory or management experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a leadership team.
• Dependable, flexible, and willing to take a hands-on approach to daily operations.
• Proficiency with computers, email, Microsoft Office, and/or other administrative software.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required background checks and meet applicable Illinois child care employment requirements.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, particularly for communicating effectively with children’s families, staff members, and community partners.
• Experience working with diverse families, employees, and community members is preferred.
• Strong cultural awareness and the ability to communicate respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds.

The ideal candidate is someone who can mantain the high quality of the program, lead staff, solve problems, communicate with families, manage administrative responsibilities, and step in wherever needed to keep the center running smoothly.

At the Multicultural Community Center (MCC), founded in 2008 by Martha Gonzalez, we are more than just a childcare provider—we are a trusted partner in your child’s development. Our educators are a longtime advocate for early childhood education in the local community, has dedicated her career to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality learning opportunities. Her passion for education and her commitment to the families of Rantoul have been the driving force behind MCC’s success and growth.

MCC offers year-round, high-quality early childhood education that meets the standards of the Department of Children and Family Services and Illinois Public Health. With flexible operating hours we’re here to support busy, working parents by providing a safe, nurturing environment where all children can thrive.