Operations Manager, Godine Early Learning Center

Immediate Opening! This is an exciting opportunity for a driven, enthusiastic operations professional ready to roll up their sleeves and lead a meaningful rebuild of systems, workflows, and processes at the heart of a dynamic, complex, and community-centered large early learning center. Operating within a dynamic and supportive community center, Godine is our largest year-round early learning center in need of an organized and compassionate full time manager to work with and support the center’s leadership team. If you thrive on solving problems, creating order from complexity, and leaving things better than you found them, this role was made for you.

Who You Are

You are a natural systems-thinker with a genuine curiosity about how things work — and how they could work better. You ask compelling questions, dig into problems, and bring people along with you. You lead with warmth and professionalism, and you understand that great operations are ultimately about people. Specifically, you bring:

• Enthusiasm and energy — You are energized by challenge and motivated by progress. You see an operations rebuild as an exciting opportunity, not a daunting one.
• A solution-driven mindset — You don't just identify problems; you investigate root causes, collaborate to develop thoughtful solutions, and follow through.
• A hunger for inquiry — You ask why, listen carefully, and use what you learn to build smarter, more effective systems and processes.
• A collaborative spirit — You work well across teams and departments, build trust easily, and know that the best outcomes come from working together.
• Generosity and kindness — You lead with warmth, treat every person — colleague, family, or child — with care and respect, and take genuine pride in delivering exceptional customer service.
• A commitment to continuous improvement — You are never satisfied with "good enough" and are always looking for ways to refine, streamline, and elevate the work.

What You'll Do

As Operations Manager, you will serve as a key member of the ELC leadership team, owning the day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the center. You'll build and maintain the systems, SOPs, and workflows that keep a large, complex nonprofit early learning center running smoothly — while serving as a welcoming, responsive, and professional presence for our families, staff, and community. This is a highly visible, high-impact role with real opportunity to shape how the center operates for years to come.

Why Join Us

At the Godine Early Learning Center at JCC Greater Boston, we are deeply committed to building a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. You'll join a mission-driven team dedicated to nurturing children and families, and you'll have the autonomy and support to do your best work. This is a rare opportunity to put your stamp on something, build something lasting, and make a real difference in a place that matters.

If you are ready to bring your expertise, your energy, and your heart to this role — we'd love to hear from you.

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.

Job Details

This full-time, salaried, on-site position offers a comprehensive benefits package, a supportive and vibrant in-person work environment, and a competitive starting salary range of $58,000 - $68,000 annually.

The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

The Operations Manager drives the development of, and maintains, center-wide operational systems, operationalizes center policies, and ensures compliance with all relevant requirements. This position collaborates closely with the Center Director and departments across the JCC, maintaining a thorough understanding of the center's services and operational needs. The Operations Manager fosters positive relationships with staff, families, and colleagues, and contributes to a safe, organized, and nurturing environment for children and staff alike.

Primary responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

1.  Program Operations & Office Administration

Oversee day-to-day program operations and office administration ensuring , ensuring efficient, connected workflows that support the Director, staff, and the overall effective functioning of the center.

• Develop, document, and maintain administrative standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all operational areas; continuously evaluate and improve systems to support business operations, program needs, and organizational policies.
• Supervise and work alongside the Administrative Assistant to manage front office activity, workflows, and communications, ensuring timely and professional responsiveness.
• Collaborate across JCCGB departments to support internal deadlines, daily functions, and organizational priorities.
• Coordinate staff onboarding workflows, including Paylocity setup, I-9 verification, EEC background checks, HR change forms, and coordination with HR, Payroll, Membership, and IT; notify the Director of any issues.
• Support accurate time and attendance reporting for payroll; coordinate with Payroll to ensure compliance with deadlines and requirements.

• Manage center supply inventory; order office and program materials as assigned.
• Process invoices and support budget tracking using Fidesic; generate monthly budget reports.
• Manage logistics for meetings and events, including vendor coordination, catering, room setup, and preparation support for Directors.
• Manage and ensure adherence to JCCGB security protocols and emergency and safety procedures; coordinate with colleagues overseeing security systems to deliver trainings and disseminate policy and practice materials.
• Maintain relationships with designated off-site evacuation locations.
• Coordinate all logistical aspects of required compliance and safety trainings, including annual CPR/First Aid and CJP security training.
• Distribute and manage marketing collateral and related communications, as needed.
• Provide additional transactional support as assigned.

2.  Customer Service & Community Relations

Foster a warm, welcoming, and professionally managed office environment for children, families, staff, and visitors, serving as a central point of contact for the ELC community.

• Deliver high-quality customer service; respond to families, staff, leadership, and guests in a professional, supportive, and timely manner.
• Greet families during drop-off and pick-up, contributing to a positive school culture and an inviting, community-centered environment.
• Facilitate clear and effective communication between families and educators regarding children's needs as appropriate.
• Respond to family inquiries with professionalism and sensitivity, recognizing and accommodating individual circumstances and needs.
• Surface relevant feedback and questions to the Director and appropriate colleagues to support continuous operational improvement.

3. Records Management & Regulatory Compliance

Develop and maintain the systems, workflows, and documentation required to ensure full compliance with EEC licensing regulations and organizational standards across all staff and children's records.

• Devise, implement, and manage comprehensive recordkeeping workflows and procedures to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee and effectively maintain up-to-date staff records, training documentation, certifications, employment and compliance records in accordance with EEC licensing standards and applicable regulations.
• Oversee and effectively maintain children's files, including current immunization records, health documentation, and allergy information; ensure timely and effective dissemination to educators.
• Monitor EEC licensing compliance activities; provide regular updates to the Director and Enrollment Coordinator to keep the team consistently informed.

Standard Staff Expectations: 

Standard staff expectations include and are not limited to:

• Participate in creating and supporting a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes staff engagement and morale.
• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued, seen, and respected
• Actively participate as an essential member of the Godine ELC team, and support the goals and initiatives of JCC and the department 
• Actively support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values including through personal role modeling
• Attend JCC meetings, All Staff meetings, and trainings as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  This position will supervise position(s) as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

• Train and directly supervise the Administrative Assistant.
• Effectively delegate and oversee the work of the Admin Assistant , ensuring successful execution of office administrative tasks contributing to and ensuring the overall success of the office function
• Assign tasks and provide guidance to ensure timely and accurate completion in compliance with deadlines and regulations.
• Set annual individual goals aligned with JCCGB’s Performance Management (PM) program; review and update goals periodically.
• Hold regular supervisory meetings to provide direction, including oversight related to the school’s allergy list.
• Conduct quarterly check-ins and performance reviews per the PM program.
• Foster a positive working relationship that supports professional growth; deliver clear, constructive feedback and corrective guidance as needed.
• Manage time and attendance reporting to ensure accurate payroll, following all protocols and deadlines.
• Ensure the Administrative Assistant is certified and trained in JCCGB’s safety and customer service protocols.

This is a great chance to join JCC Greater Boston's respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers, which is rapidly growing! 

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented group..

Requirements

Education and Experience: 

Requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years' experience in administration of program operations or front office functions — coordinating and successfully supporting operations, recruitment, admissions, or workflow management. Must have a strong record of customer service and at least 1 year of staff supervision or functional management. Non-profit experience is a plus. Annual infant/child CPR/First Aid training (per EEC requirements) is also required.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet this minimum hiring criteria.

Skills and Abilities: 

• Requires proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiar with social media platforms.
• Must excel at devising procedures and systems for effective execution of operations and office functions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong multitasking, problem-solving, and diplomacy skills in a fast-paced environment; adaptable and flexible.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, building effective working relationships.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Committed to developing strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Interest in learning about school environments is essential.
• Knowledge of Jewish customs and rituals is a plus.

Physical Requirements: This in-person position is based at the Godine ELC in Newton, MA, with occasional local travel to other JCC sites and some evening or weekend work. While core hours are scheduled, flexibility is required to meet office coverage needs. Some tasks may be completed remotely when assigned.

The role requires independence, adaptability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, child-centered environment. Physical activity such as bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying may be needed.

Availability during Training Week (typically the last week of August) is required. Vacation is not permitted during blackout periods: the end of the School Year Program, the start of the Summer Program, and the first two weeks of the new school year. Additional vacation restrictions may apply during peak times.

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities. 

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment,JCC Greater Boston proudly offers full-time employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits packagethat includes:

• Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
• Generous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balance
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
• AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Norton Cyber Security Program
• LegalEase Insurance program

JCCGB Perks! This position is eligible for a free membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more! Complimentary membership includes: 

• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:

• Supportive colleagues
• Team camaraderie
• How their managers treat them
• Individual autonomy
• Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others
• Pride in working for the JCC
• Program and service quality
• Holding ourselves accountable    

Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.