Startup & Special Projects Manager
Innovative Network of Knowledge (INK)

Job Info

It's a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!

Academic Req: High School diploma or equivalent. Preferred Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or related field.

Certifications: None

Work experience:
• Required 9+ years in Head Start
• 9+years in business administration
• 9+ years in Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) inclusive of budgets, regulations and audits in multiple states.
• 7+ years experience with Childcare Licensing in Texas, Alabama or Louisiana.
• Proficient in communication and liaison with local, state and federal governance representatives, and fluent in grant administration.

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables:
1. Direct responsibility for developing operational procedures, implementing strategic initiatives, and completing projects that impact both the local program.
2. Implement and organize contracts for all utilities, communications, storage, cleaning service, trash removal, building maintenance, and other needs as applicable, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality service delivery, and compliance with federal, state, and company standards.

3. Assist Senior Program Directors and Program Directors with budget management optimizing resource allocation and financial sustainability, in alignment with program goals and regulatory guidelines.
4. Oversee all maintenance for building and grounds of each location, ensuring safety, functionality, and compliance with safety and security standards, including fire and security systems.
5. Ensure compliance with municipal ordinances, state licensing laws, federal standards, and company policies, while also fostering positive relationships and advocating for program needs with federal and state governance representatives.
6. Maintain license compliance files, oversee the issuance of company supplies, and ensure the safe operation of facilities, while proactively addressing regulatory compliance issues.

Other Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership: Support the development of operational procedures and strategic initiatives to elevate the quality and efficacy of our programs.
2. Head Start Expertise: Harness over 7 years of Head Start startup experience, including out-of-state ventures, to steer the implementation and compliance, processes towards excellence.
3. Performance Standards: Exhibit mastery in Head Start performance standards, meticulously ensuring adherence throughout all facets of program operations.
4. Communication: Proactively engage with federal, state governance representatives and affiliate organization, fostering positive relationships and adeptly advocating for our program's needs.
5. Contract Management: Skillfully manage contracts for utilities, communications, storage, cleaning services, and more, prioritizing both cost-effectiveness and service quality.
6. Program Oversight: Direct the Child and Adult Care Food Program across all INK sites, meticulously ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting nutritional excellence.
7. Financial Management: Collaborate with Senior Program Directors and Program Directors to adeptly manage budgets, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring financial sustainability.
8. Compliance Assurance: Guarantee compliance with municipal ordinances, state licensing laws, federal standards, and company policies, effectively mitigating risks and upholding program integrity.
9. Project Collaboration: Contribute expertise to project teams and advisory groups, actively supporting organizational initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
10. Vendor Liaison: Foster productive partnerships with contractors, ensuring work completion aligns with specifications and standards, driving efficient and effective outcomes.
11. Safety and Security: Oversee the operation and compliance of fire and security systems across licensed and startup centers, with a steadfast commitment to prioritizing the safety of children, staff, and visitors.
12. Procurement: Act as the purchasing officer for building, programmatic supplies, and other items, optimizing cost savings and resource allocation strategies.
13. Regulatory Compliance: Maintain meticulous license compliance files, oversee the issuance of company supplies, and ensure facilities operate safely, and within compliance requirements.
14. Property Management: Negotiate competitive terms for property lease agreements, identify expansion opportunities through meticulous building surveys, and oversee facility-related IT infrastructure with precision.

Requirements:

1. Learn, live, and coach the One Team One Mission culture and values. Lead through change by bringing clarity, generating energy, and delivering success.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse families and community partners.
3. Willingness to travel more than 60% or less of the time within and out of state as required for field work.
4. Responsible use of company pool vehicle to include signing in and out the keys for every use.
5. Maintain and abide by program and organizational confidentiality.
6. Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to pass a criminal and driving background check.
7. When not in the field, daily reporting location is the San Antonio HQ office during assigned working hours.
8. Must be able to sit and or stand for extended periods of time.

Qualifications:
1. 9+ years of experience in Head Start startup and out-of-state Head Start operations.
2. Proven expertise in Head Start performance standards and compliance.
3. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage with federal and state governance representatives.
4. Demonstrated leadership ability with a track record of driving operational excellence.
5. Proficiency in contract management, budget oversight, and project management.
6. Knowledge of regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs.
7. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and build effective partnerships.

Here at INK, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. Please feel free to apply for this position even if your work experience and education do not align perfectly with every requirement for this job description. You may very well be the perfect candidate for this role or other ones that we have open. Thank you for your interest in joining our mission!

INK is committed to following immunization recommendations produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As such, our company policy requires that all employees must receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption as a medical or religious accommodation. This is a condition of employment, and all new hires will be responsible for providing proof.

INK, is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of INK), not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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If you like to work with people that believe they can make a difference in the world, this is the company for you!

EEO Statement

It our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of age, race, creed/religion, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, genetic information or genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, partnership status, victim of domestic violence, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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