Area Manager

Position Overview:

The Area Manager is a center-based, field-focused leadership role responsible for ensuring program excellence, compliance, financial integrity, and community engagement across multiple centers within a defined region. This position provides direct oversight and coaching to Center Managers and/or Site Supervisors to maintain high-quality, fiscally sound, and compliant programs in alignment with Catalyst's mission and values. The Area Manager partners closely with the Senior Regional Director to execute regional goals, support financial performance, and implement quality and compliance initiatives at the center level. The role requires frequent movement between assigned centers throughout the week to ensure consistent support and hands-on leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct frequent and consistent center visits across assigned locations to observe environments, review documentation, and ensure compliance with licensing, funding, and quality standards. Coach center leaders to maintain adherence to Title 22, Title 5, QRIS, and agency quality benchmarks. Implement and monitor corrective action plans to address quality or compliance findings. Ensure health, safety, nutrition, and licensing requirements are met across all assigned centers. Use program assessment tools (e.g., Program of Excellence, CLASS, DRDP, ERS) to evaluate and strengthen program quality. Support the Senior Regional Director/Deputy Director in achieving regional financial and operational goals. Review enrollment trends, staffing ratios, and expenditures to ensure fiscal stability and identify opportunities for improvement. Partner with Center Managers to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with fiscal policies and timelines. Assist with budget development, monitoring, and implementation of financial best practices. Supervise and mentor Center Managers, Site Supervisors, and Program Lead/Master Teachers; provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development. Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-performing center leadership teams. Partner with HR and the Regional Director on performance management and succession planning. Foster a positive and collaborative work culture consistent with Catalyst's mission and values. Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with district partners, licensors, and community organizations. Represent Catalyst at local meetings, planning councils, community events, and district partnership gatherings in collaboration with the Senior Regional Director. Serve as a liaison between centers, districts, and community partners to ensure clear communication and alignment with shared goals. Support family engagement initiatives and promote Catalyst's commitment to equitable access and community service. Collaborate with the Regional Director to address community feedback and implement local improvement strategies. Contribute to regional strategy implementation, including quality improvement and expansion planning. Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Senior Regional Director, Deputy Director, Operations, and cross-departmental teams. Participate in regional and statewide initiatives, pilots, or projects as assigned. All other duties as assigned by Deputy Director, Center Operations and Executive Team.

Required Qualifications:

BA degree Business, ECE/Child Development, or related field. Program Director Permit (or willingness to obtain within 12 months of hire date). 5+ Years of experience managing early child education/child development setting. Strong understanding of Title 5, Title 22, QRIS, and state-funded program compliance.

Key Competencies:

Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills. Financial acumen and operational problem-solving. Deep understanding of quality and compliance in early education. Ability to manage multiple priorities across sites with minimal oversight. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and Catalyst's mission. Experience with various external and internal program assessment tools. Strong working knowledge of licensing and compliance. Proven ability to think critically and to translate strategic directives into tactical initiatives.

Working Conditions:

100% center-based role with daily movement across assigned centers. Requires being physically present in multiple centers each week and moving frequently between sites based on program needs. Generally pleasant working conditions. Less than 50% of daily assignments involve prolonged physical effort.

Travel:

Up to 80% to assigned centers and community meetings.

Shift Type:

Full Time, Exempt Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8 hours per day

What We Offer:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Personal Health Advocate Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Education Reimbursement Program Commuter pre-tax benefit Discounted childcare Access to the Calm app Tickets and Work employee discounts Be constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.