Operational Culture Lead

Location: CELC Cobourg - Cobourg, Ontario

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Compass Early Learning and Care Career Opportunity

Job Type: Contract

Starting Rate of Pay: $29.93 - $31.93 per hour

Anticipated Start Date: September 21, 2026

Anticipated Contract End Date: September 8, 2027

Please Apply By: September 11, 2026

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Job Posting Declarations:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not used during our Hiring, Recruiting, or Onboarding Processes. We do ask that applicants also refrain from using AI during the application process and apply with correct and authentic information pertaining to their credentials and experience.

Is this position for an existing vacancy within the organization: No/Yes

About Compass Early Learning and Care:

Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit childcare organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centers and over 50 licensed homes serving over 4,000 families

For over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and childcare. We believe in creating nurturing environments that celebrate children's curiosity and whole selves. Our organization fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to supporting children and families in our community.

Please see our attached Vision Framework for more information:

Role and Accountabilities:

Program Operations & Compliance

• Support daily operations of the centre, ensuring alignment with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), Ministry of Education licensing requirements, and all applicable legislation (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Health guidelines, Ministry of Environment).
• Maintain program licensing in good standing through adherence to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with staffing ratios, supervision standards, and operational protocols.
• Support the implementation and ongoing alignment of the organization’s Vision Framework within the program.
• Ensure the learning environment is engaging, inclusive, and enriched with high-quality materials and aesthetics.
• Support educators in planning and implementing play-based learning experiences responsive to children’s interests.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized environment, including equipment and materials. 

Leadership & Culture

• Co-lead program operations in partnership with the Pedagogical Culture Co-Lead, fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environment.
• Model collaborative leadership practices, including compassionate communication, constructive feedback, and shared decision-making protocols.
• Champion a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), promoting cultural awareness and equity-focused perspectives across the program.
• Support staff engagement, connection, and professional growth so employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
  

Financial & Administrative 

• Complete and oversee payroll, billing, subsidy reconciliations, and maintenance of staff records.
• Collaborate with the Finance Team to monitor and maintain a healthy program budget.
• Support staffing coordination, scheduling, and workforce planning in alignment with operational needs.
• Welcome and support onboarding of new children, families, and team members into the program.
  
• Knowledge of school permits and accountabilities. 

Relationships & Colloboration

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children, families, staff, volunteers, students, and community partners.
• Engage actively within a shared community space, fostering collaboration with partner organizations.
• Facilitate and participate in staff meetings, encouraging open dialogue and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and the strategic placement of children and educators in collaboration with the co-lead and team.
• Role model operational excellence across all program areas.

This position will be 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.  You must have availability from 6 am to 6 pm every Monday to Friday. Hours will be determined according to the peak hours and needs of the program to support children and families. 

Skills and Qualifications

• Registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Strong disposition towards operations, organization, research, and inquiry.
• Comfortable with technology and learning new software processes.
• A clear understanding of CCEYA (Child Care Early Years Act), related legislation, and Compass ELC policies and procedures.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Early Learning Sector.
• 1-2 years of Operations experience in a licensed child care centre.
• Possess required training and documents as per Ministry of Education, Compass Early Learning and Care, and Child Care Early Years Act requirements.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our Bamboo Careers Page.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

To address issues of systemic inequity within our communities, we strongly encourage individuals from communities and groups that have historically been disadvantaged and/or marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous Peoples of Canada, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as women and/or gender diverse, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and persons with lived or living experience of homelessness to apply.  

We are committed to reducing barriers to employment, providing accommodations upon request and ensuring an accessible interview process. We encourage you to bring your true or whole self and way of being to the interview process. For assistance, please contact our Human Relations – Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator at 705-749-3488 ext. 217, [email protected] or [email protected].