Director of Program Operations

Director of Program Operations

Department: Program Operations

Reports to: Chief Program Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) exists because students across Houston face a myriad of barriers to success, whether it's because they face mental health issues or are at-risk of dropping out of school. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Job Summary:

The Director of Program Operations oversees the Department of Program Operations and is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of the Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) program on all CIS campuses. Responsible for the development and implementation of programs and service delivery as well as the leadership of Program Operations and all campus-based staff. Advances the agency through thought leadership, clear vision and high impact communication. Collaborates with internal staff and external organizations while managing priorities in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment to support the mission of CIS.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides supervision, guidance, and coaching to direct reports. Plans, assigns and directs work projects as appropriate.

• Provides constructive and timely performance feedback and evaluations of direct reports.

• Approves direct reports' timecards according to company policy.

• Supervises Program Directors and Coverage Specialists.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Oversight and Maintenance of CIS Campus Site Locations

• Develop and implement communication strategies for critical information flow to department and campus-based staff including campus-based needs and feedback to necessary staff and departments.

• Evaluate programs on campuses to support campus-based needs and elicit best practices and determine the growth of programs.

• Provide direction and oversight to Program Directors and campus-based staff regarding resources and deliverables.

2. Leadership and Supervision of the Department of Program Operations

• Provide continuous coaching, ongoing supervision, support, professional development and performance management for Program Operations staff and campus-based staff to ensure high quality of program and service delivery.

• Set forth best practices for supervisors to provide campus-based staff with the necessary guidance & tools for effective problem solving and decision making.

• Supervise and delegate job duties to staff in the department.

• Advance the planning for efficient program operations, development of corrective action plans, performance expectations and goal setting as needed.

• Develop and clearly communicate effective practices and processes to all programmatic staff to support best practices and effectiveness of service delivery and management.

• Provide support and oversight to staff in the management of challenges and crises at the campus level.

3. Creation and Implementation of Initiatives

• Create, implement and effectively communicate Program Operation initiatives that further the agency's strategic goals and objectives.

• Coordinate with departments and staff for clarity of processes, implementation and follow through of new initiatives and adherence to contract/grant requirements including any changes to district and department policies and procedures.

4. Data and Documentation Oversight

• Coordinate oversight on the reporting and collection of the data elements to the CIS local database to meet the needs of contractual requirements.

5. Staff Training

• Plan in cooperation with Director of Professional Development the development and participation in on-going training and staff development programs for department and campus-based staff.

6. External Partners

• Provide representation and establish connections with external partners on behalf of CIS.

• Represent CIS at internal and external meetings and events which may include networking and collaborating with other agencies and funding partners.

• Strategically maintain, develop and expand CIS partnerships in coordination with key agency leaders.

• Interface with campus and district administrators in order to maintain, enhance and problem solve CIS programs to ensure clear collaboration and integrated services.

7. Communication

• Maintain effective intra/inter departmental communication and professional rapport.

8. Administrative Maintenance

• Oversee and maintain all files and documents pertaining to Program Operations.

• Maintain and update as necessary all policies, procedures and handbooks of the department.

9. Hiring

• Supports the recruitment, interviewing, selection and placement of well-qualified campus-based staff and department staff.

10. Maintenance and Management of the Program Operations Budget

11. Other Duties as Assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Understands the nature and challenges of a non-profit organization.
• Proficient in technology and ability to adapt and learn new software/technology.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail and creativity.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional written and public speaking skills.
• Ability to meet short-term and long-term deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate objectivity and impartiality.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to build and foster relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel to campuses and meetings as needed.
• Ability to supervise staff to achieve program goals.
• Ability to interact with a diverse staff and external community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to policies and procedures, as well as an ability to advocate for change to appropriate personnel when there is need for change in policies and procedures within the organization.
• Open-minded, friendly, and supportive demeanor.
• Open and supportive of staff with varied learning styles as they learn nuances of the CIS Program Model and implementation in various school settings

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in education, organizational development, nonprofit management & leadership, business, social work, mental or behavioral health or a jurisprudence degree; master's degree preferred.

• At least six years' of leadership experience with related tasks in a social service agency or experience in the field of social work, education and/or non-profit with related tasks in a social service agency.

• Extensive supervisory and people management experience, including direct oversight of 15+ staff members concurrently, with accountability for performance management, employee development and operational outcomes.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid setting with required days at the central office.

• Requires travel throughout the Greater Houston area and out-of-state as requested.

This job description is not comprehensive and is subject to change at any time.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds at times.

• High workflow management, high project coordination and high people engagement.

• Frequent multi-tasking and changing of task priorities.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Compensation and Benefits:

Base Pay: Starting at $95,459.79

Other Pay: Business Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits: See Employee Benefits at www.cishouston.org/careers