Senior Director Programs

CHS Central Office - Hershey, PA

Full-Time

The Senior Director of Programs ECE is responsible for providing leadership for and oversight of all aspects of network-wide Early Childhood Education programming at the Catherine Hershey Schools of Early Learning. They serve as a thought leader and operations and administrative leader in the domain of early childhood education by guiding the development of curricular, pedagogical, and administrative practices of CHS’ network of centers. The selected individual will ensure NAEYC’s / OCDEL’s programmatic standards are met, incorporate inclusion and behavioral health considerations into the curriculum, drive CHS’ continuous improvement process, and ensure all centers are aligned in their delivery of the program as it relates to the mission, vision, and program model of CHS. Starting salary is in the range of $104,157 - $139,050 a year, based on expertise.

Responsibilities:

Directly supervises Center Directors, Research and Evaluation Manager, and Training and Curriculum Development Manager by providing guidance, feedback, and annual performance evaluation
Provides continual evaluation of processes and procedures related to curriculum and assessment, program operations, and licensing and accreditation
Participates on leadership teams for high-priority projects, initiatives, and strategies for the organization
Responsible for suggesting methods to improve staff operations, efficiency, and service to both internal and external stakeholders
Co-develops with Executive Director, Center Directors, and Central Office Directors organizational and center strategic plans to meet corporate goals
Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet company goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations
Collaborates with CHS Centers leadership staff to carry out the organization’s goals and objectives
Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, organization, and material efficiency are in line with the organization’s strategic plan and vision
Establishes, communicates, and implements, operations-related policies, practices, and standards to ensure effective and consistent support and execution
Works in collaboration with the Executive Director, Center Directors, and Director of Finance and Administration to establish the CHS Center’s budgets
Reviews and approves curriculum proposals/changes from the CHS Centers
Ensures compliance with OCDEL’s / NAEYC’s programmatic standards as applicable
Ensure an overall alignment between the central office and CHS Centers objectives and priorities
Identifies evidence and reviews trends to support programmatic improvement
Cultivates a welcoming environment for all staff, children, families, and the community
Ensure Centers adopt and implement the program model with full fidelity, quality, and consistency and pilot, as needed, new techniques to enhance CHS impact
Work in collaboration with CHS Human Resources and Center Directors to recruit, retain and develop a diverse and engaged staff
Analyze and review outcome data with Center Directors to determine strategies for enhancing student, family, and community impact
Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, engaged team of Center Directors
Identify and mitigate implementation challenges across CHS Centers. Creates timely action plans to address concerns
Assumes Executive Director's responsibilities when Executive Director is out
Reinforces CHS culture and values and ensures alignment with the organization’s strategy with CHS Center Directors
Oversee CHS Research and Evaluation and the measurement and tracking of performance metrics against CHS operating goals and strategic initiatives
Creates and presents high-quality materials to the Board of Directors within the areas of Research and Evaluation and Program Development
Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Master’s Degree required
At least 8 years of industry-related experience including three years in upper management required
Experience running a multi-site ECE center preferred
Experience measuring educational program-related outcomes and adjusting accordingly
Experience in new venture or similar entrepreneurial, high-growth setting preferred
Experience developing, implementing, and teaching in a high-quality ECE program with a holistic, evidence-based curriculum preferred
Exceptional communication skills – written, verbal and platform
Exceptional organizational and time management skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, educate and collaborate
Proficiency in using technology, including MS Office and Internet
Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all CHS staff are considered to be role models for students
Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
History of achieving strong demonstrated outcomes

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.

Apply Now

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About Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

For more than 110 years, Milton Hershey School (MHS) has helped children realize their full potential by offering a top-notch private, cost-free education to students in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade from income-eligible families. To expand and enhance the impact of Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision, the Boards and management of Milton Hershey School and the Hershey Trust Company are launching the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), a cost-free, non-residential early childhood education program.

CHS plans to open six early childhood education Centers by 2027. The Centers are designed for children from birth to age 5 from economically disadvantaged and at-risk backgrounds with the goal of encouraging the development of a child’s educational, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. The CHS Initiative will provide a focus on core early learning programs through a rigorous and relevant curriculum that is aligned with a mission to nurture and educate enrolled children. Children also will receive supports such as nutritious meals and provisions of supplies, among other early learning enhancements. Finally, CHS will offer integrated support services for families of children enrolled in the Centers. CHS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

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.