Benodjenh Manager

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY

The Benodjenh Center Manager serves as the senior operational leader of the Benodjenh Center and is responsible for the overall management, administration, and performance of early childhood education programs, including Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care services. This position provides strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of program operations, staff supervision, curriculum implementation, family engagement, fiscal management, regulatory compliance, and addressing complaints.

The Benodjenh Center Manager ensures that all programs operate in accordance with applicable federal, state, Tribal, and funding-agency requirements while delivering high-quality, culturally responsive early childhood education and child care services. This role functions as both a program leader and administrator, overseeing staff development, parent engagement, community partnerships, and continuous program improvement. The position requires strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage complex regulatory environments and serve as a liaison to Tribal leadership, Policy Council, funding agencies, and community stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required, with emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, human services, or program administration
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or management role
• Demonstrated experience overseeing Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care, or similar federally or state-funded programs preferred
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, Tribal, and funding-agency regulations governing early childhood programs
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
• Valid, unrestricted Michigan Driver's License and ability to be insured under the GTB insurance carrier

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide overall leadership, planning, and management of the Benodjenh Center, including Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care programs.
• Direct and oversee daily program operations to ensure delivery of safe, high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood services.
• Apply professional knowledge of child development principles to guide curriculum implementation and age-appropriate activities supporting social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, Tribal, and funding-agency regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care licensing requirements.
• Interpret statutes, regulations, and grant requirements and translate them into effective policies, procedures, and operational practices.
• Review, develop, and recommend policies, procedures, and operational changes to maintain compliance and program effectiveness.
• Develop and implement program goals, objectives, and action plans consistent with Tribal priorities, Policy Council, and community needs with continuous quality improvement of services.
• Conduct and coordinate community needs assessments to inform program planning and service delivery.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend modifications, expansion, or termination of services based on outcomes and resource availability with continuous quality improvement of services and management
• Learn and appreciate Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians culture and values and ensure that program aligns with the culture and values.
• Update the Benodjenh Center program plan annually in collaboration with supervisor, staff, parents, and the Policy Council.
• Responsible to update and recommend GTB Benodjenh Cener Program Policy manual with policy council and management staff.
• Direct the development and administration of program budgets, including operating costs and special expenditures.
• Prepare and review budget justifications, grant status reports, and financial documentation for submission to leadership and oversight entities.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with grant and funding requirements.
• Assist with annual budget preparation and coordination with OMB or other fiscal authorities as required.
• Exercise full managerial authority over Benodjenh Center staff, including hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, and discipline.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability for staff.
• Support staff professional development and ensure appropriate training and credentialing requirements are met.
• Develop and implement the administrative organizational structure of the Benodjenh Center and delegate responsibilities accordingly.
• Establish and promote strong parent engagement and community involvement within all programs.
• Provide guidance and support to families, including identifying and facilitating referrals for children with special needs.
• Ensure parent goals and feedback are integrated into program planning and service delivery.
• Serve as an advocate for the Benodjenh Center and represent the program at community meetings, boards, and committees.
• Foster shared decision-making with the Policy Council and ensure its effective operation through training, coordination, and collaboration.
• Prepare and submit required reports to Supervisor, Tribal Management, Tribal Council, Policy Council, ACYF Regional Office, and other oversight agencies. Reports include PIR, monthly reports and other documents required by Office of Headstart.
• Preside over staff meetings, case management meetings, and special committees to coordinate program activities and address operational issues.
• Maintain open communication with Supervisor, Tribal leadership, service agencies, and internal departments impacting early childhood services.
• Address and resolve staff, parent and community complaints regarding program operation. Report complaints to supervisor.
• Report significant incidents that affect the health or safety of the Office of Headstart in accordance to regulations.
• Monitors classroom facilities/centers to ensure safe operation and that all standards are maintained.
• Mandated reporters to report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership, management, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and program requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant database or reporting systems.
• Must work collaboratively with families, staff, governing bodies, and community partners.
• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strategic thinker.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required, with emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, human services, or program administration
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or management role

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Michigan Driver's License and be insurable under GTB policy
• May be required to operate Tribal vehicles in connection with school and GTB site locations.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to pass a criminal history background investigation and drug and alcohol screening.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and GTB fiscal and personnel policies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exercises full managerial authority over all Benodjenh Center program and support staff.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

• General office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, telephones, surveillance systems, and related technology.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work involves both office and classroom environments and includes lifting children up to age five, bending, kneeling, and working with child-sized furnishings and equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Requires judgment, analytical thinking, and decision-making in managing staff, programs, budgets, and compliance requirements. Ability to manage deadlines and respond to time-sensitive issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in early childhood education settings with frequent interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners. While primarily daytime hours, occasional evenings or weekends may be required.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.

This position is subject to IC3 Background Investigation, Drug Screen and Driving Record/Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).