Senior Director of Operations, Stamford Cradle to Career - United Way of Coastal & Western Connecticut, Inc.
Stamford, CT
About the Job
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the President of Stamford Cradle to Career, the Senior Director of Operations for Stamford Cradle to Career (SC2C) will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operations activities in the organization, ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the organization. This includes the management of SC2C’s Community Action Networks (CANs) and community engagement work. The position requires finding, cultivating, and maintaining strong relationships with partners from nonprofits, community organizations, Stamford Public Schools, the City of Stamford, local businesses, youth, and families; convening those partners regularly for alignment and planning; and facilitating the development and implementation of action plans to improve educational access for children and families in Stamford. The Senior Director will work closely with the Director of Data, Evaluation, and Learning to plan and execute data strategies for measuring the impact and continuous feedback processes for all CAN initiatives. The Senior Director will also work closely with and support the President with the management of the SC2C Team, overall strategy development, fundraising, communications, and data.
Position Overview
SC2C (www.stamfordcradletocareer.org) is a collective impact organization with the mission to collectively align community resources to ensure equity and excellence in education, for every child, from cradle to career. SC2C follows the national StriveTogether (www.strivetogether.org) model for collective impact. Our goal is that all students in Stamford, CT, have the access and support they need to graduate high school and be prepared for college and career. SC2C works closely with Stamford Public Schools and community organizations to coordinate efforts. SC2C is dedicated to eliminating racial inequality in education and creating opportunities for children and youth to succeed. All staff must possess the ability to work with multicultural communities.
United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut is an equal employer seeking to hire staff members who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. All positions are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, employment status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
This job description's statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff in the department of supervision. This includes the College and Career Readiness Manager, the Community Engagement Manager, the Parent Ambassadors and Advisors that the Community Engagement Manager supervises, and the Youth Leadership Interns that the College and Career Readiness Manager supervises.
Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
Duties/Responsibilities
Manages SC2C’s Community Action Networks. Currently, there are three CANs: our 0-5 Early Childhood CAN, Early Grade Reading CAN, and Transition to Postsecondary, College and Career CAN.
Assists in convening and organizing partners to develop evidence-based continuous improvement action plans, including working with CAN chairs to set monthly meeting agendas, facilitating meetings, and following up on action items.
Builds capacity of SC2C by recruiting and engaging partners and cultivating CAN membership.
Lead SC2C’s community engagement work in partnership with the Community Engagement Manager and aligned to the work of the CANs.
Supports the implementation of SC2C’s Full-Service Community Schools grant in Dolan and Rippowam Middle Schools.
Represents SC2C in its relationships with partners, stakeholders and the community. This includes some evening and weekend activities.
Establishes, implements, and communicates the operational direction of the organization.
Collaborates with other SC2C staff members to carry out the organization’s goals and objectives.
Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet SC2C’s goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems.
Collaborates with other Cradle to Career initiatives within United Way and across CT for both learning and support.
Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, organization, material efficiency, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the organization’s business plan and vision.
Establishes, communicates, and implements operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent support and execution.
Reviews and approves cost-control reports, cost estimates, and staffing requirements for projects.
Identifies training needs and ensures proper training is developed and provided.
Collaborates with other family-serving organizations to ensure continued partnership.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
- Candidates must understand the challenges and barriers faced by marginalized communities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, class, ability, immigration status, gender, and their intersections, and have experience engaging with and working alongside communities of color.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, Education, or other industry-related fields required; Master's degree preferred.
- 10 years of related experience in education, nonprofit, operations management, and/or systems change work.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Experience with policy change and/or community organizing for issues related to families in Stamford.
- Familiarity with the needs of the newly arrived families in Stamford.
- Ability to engage a diverse set of partners from all sectors of the community and build relationships.
- Familiarity with the Stamford community and its nonprofits, activities/events/programs serving children and families.
- Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Benefits
Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, vacation, sick and personal time
Paid Family Leave
Health Insurance – Medical, Dental, and Vision
Health Reimbursement Account
Life Insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
Matched Retirement Plan
Hybrid working arrangements – 2 days remote and 3 days in office
United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut is an equal employer seeking to hire staff members who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. All positions are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, employment status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
This job description's statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply at unitedwaycwc.org/employment. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.