Director of Operations

Location: Vail, Colorado
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Salaried, 4 days/week onsite, 8:00-5:00 pm; hours may fluctuate to meet operational needs.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is the operational and administrative leader of Children’s Garden of Learning (CGL), responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, educational vision, and long‑term sustainability. This Director oversees all aspects of school operations, including staff leadership, enrollment, fundraising, finance, facilities, compliance, and community engagement. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors and Director of Education ensures the delivery of a high‑quality, Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood program that meets the needs of children, families, and the community.

The role is a visible, collaborative, and relationship‑centered leader who fosters a positive workplace culture, maintains strong family communication, and builds community partnerships. This role includes occasional classroom support to ensure continuity of care and licensing ratios when staffing gaps arise.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Implement and advance CGL’s strategic priorities in partnership with the Board and leadership team.
• Provide mission‑aligned leadership that supports a strong organizational culture and clear direction.
• Support Board governance through regular reporting, planning, and committee collaboration.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen long‑term sustainability, enrollment stability, and program growth.

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and retain high‑quality faculty and staff in partnership with the Director of Education.
• Conduct employee supervision and evaluation processes for direct reports and partner with Director of Education in the supervision and evaluation process for teaching staff.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful workplace culture grounded in professionalism and well-being.
• Oversee employee benefits administration (health insurance, retirement, leave, and related programs).
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment and industry regulations.
• Support staff development and retention initiatives in partnership with the Director of Education.

Program Quality & Family Engagement

• Partner with the Director of Education to uphold instructional quality and fidelity to CGL’s educational philosophy.
• Participate in communicating program philosophy and curriculum to families and the community.
• Oversee enrollment systems, including tours, admissions, waitlist management, and student scheduling.
• Maintain strong relationships with current and prospective families through responsive communication.
• Support classrooms as needed to maintain ratios, coverage, and continuity of care.

Finance & Administration

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board and accountant.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the Board.
• Maintain financial controls, policies, and nonprofit accountability standards.
• Support long‑term financial planning and sustainability goals.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead and coordinate CGL’s annual fundraising efforts, including Colorado Gives Day, the Art Show, Spring fundraiser, grants, and individual donors.
• Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and community supporters.
• Identify grant opportunities and maintain a grant calendar and reporting requirements.

Community Engagement & Marketing

• Serve as a primary ambassador for CGL in the Eagle County communities.
• Build partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community stakeholders.
• Support marketing and communications that strengthen brand awareness and enrollment.
• Ensure consistent messaging about program quality, values, and impact.

Facilities & Operations

• Oversee building operations, maintenance, and safety.
• Oversee vendors, repairs, and operational needs.

Compliance & Licensing

• Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing, nonprofit, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee participation in public funding programs, including CCAP and Universal Preschool.
• Develop, implement, and uphold organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain required documentation and reporting standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and support staff.
• Experience in organizational operations, administration, budgeting, or program leadership.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced, community‑based environment.
• Commitment to early childhood education, the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, and mission‑driven nonprofit work.

Preferred

• Early childhood or education background (preferred, not required).
• Colorado Early Childhood Director Certificate, knowledge of licensing requirements, must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit leadership experience.
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.

Core Competencies

• Mission‑driven leadership and integrity
• Collaboration and team development
• Financial stewardship and accountability
• Strategic thinking and execution
• Community engagement and partnership building
• Clear, compassionate communication
• Operational organization and follow‑through
• Adaptability and problem solving

Work Environment & Expectations

• 4‑days onsite, year‑round salaried leadership role.
• Occasional commitments beyond normal scheduled hours (Board meetings, CGL events, fundraisers, director coverage)
• Willingness to step into classrooms when staffing needs arise.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $75,000–$85,000, plus bonuses. Salary Range: $75,000-$100,000 annually.
• Competitive benefits package including employee health insurance, wellness incentive, retirement contribution, holiday and year-end bonuses, sick and personal time accrual, and six weeks of paid time off.
• Professional development support.
• Child Care Discount

Equal Opportunity Statement

Children’s Garden of Learning is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace for all employees and families.