Center Manager in Hurley, WI

Summary

Family Forum, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and organized Center Manager to oversee daily operations and lead a culture of safety and excellence within our Head Start program. This leadership role is vital in ensuring our center provides high-quality services to children and families while adhering to all federal, state, and local standards.

Position Overview

• Status: Exempt / Salaried
• Annual Term: This is a seasonal, recurring position that runs from August to May/June each year.
• Anticipated Start Date: August 12th,2026
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday; specific hours are determined by the Program Director
• Compensation:$30.15 per hour (Salary based on a 30-hour work week).
• Location: Center 8 (Hurley)

Our Mission & Values

Our organization is dedicated to the following principles, which every staff member is expected to uphold:

• Commitment to Mission: All staff must be dedicated to Family Forum, Inc. goals and philosophy.
• Culture of Safety: We work together to realize a culture of safety, understanding our individual roles in preventing injuries and promoting well-being.
• Inclusion & Respect: We respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and do not stereotype on any basis.
• Positive Guidance: We use approved positive strategies to encourage the development of self-control, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills.
• Integrity & Confidentiality: We maintain the highest standards of honesty and strictly comply with program confidentiality policies regarding all family and staff information.

Duties

60% — Center Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Strategic Oversight: Implement and monitor all federal, state, and local standards to ensure the center operates at peak performance.
• Facility Management: Take pride in your environment by overseeing daily management, reporting facility issues, and coordinating with contractors for essential upkeep like snow removal or repairs.
• Enrollment Support: Assist in maintaining full enrollment to ensure our services reach as many families as possible.

30% — Staff Mentorship & Team Development

• Inspiring Leadership: Act as a role model and mentor, providing supportive, non-judgmental feedback to education staff through regular classroom observations.
• Professional Growth: Coordinate monthly in-service training for staff and parents, and assist in the onboarding and development of new team members.
• Performance Coaching: Work directly with staff to strengthen knowledge areas and implement individualized improvement plans when necessary.

10% — Fiscal Management & Community Connection

• Budgeting: Manage center budgets with precision, approving expenditures and verifying that all purchases meet program needs.
• Community Advocacy: Represent the center at community events, fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders to bridge the gap between our center and the community.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field; or 1–2 years of relevant training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of related experience in a supervisory or educational leadership capacity.
• Compliance Knowledge: Must be knowledgeable of WI Department of Children and Families licensing, Child and Adult Care Food Programs, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance are required for occasional travel.
• Certification: Current CPR certificate and membership in the Wisconsin Registry. Must complete 25 hours of continuing education annually.

Physical Requirements & Environment

• Physical Agility: This is an active role requiring constant standing, walking, and the ability to manually manipulate objects.
• Lifting: Ability to lift/carry up to 20 lbs constantly and 51–100 lbs frequently.
• Dynamic Environment: Must be comfortable working in an environment that is often loud and fast-paced.

Family Forum, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and current CPR certification. Must be a member of the Wisconsin Registry and complete 25 hours of annual continuing education.

Benefits

HEALTH INSURANCE

DENTAL INSURANCE

VISION

403B RETIREMENT

HSA

FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PROGRAM

ADDITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE

SHORT-TERM DISABILITY

PAID TIME OFF PACKAGE

About Us

Family Forum, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that provides programs for families in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, and Price Counties of Wisconsin.  The corporation is made up of a Governing Board who manage the affairs of the corporation through the Executive Director.  The programs provided by Family Forum, Inc. are Head Start / Early Head Start.

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to preparing children and their families for success; through high quality programming, family support and wellness education, while fostering meaningful relationships.

Our Vision

Partnering with families and communities to build school readiness for all children through passionately committed relationships that connect families to goal oriented outcomes.