Head Start Program Director

Community Partnerships

• Provide leadership to Governing Board and Policy Council by recommending policies, priorities, projects, programs, and budgets that will provide maximum effective approaches to the needs and concerns of the community
• Maintain liaison between Head Start staff, community, and neighborhood institutions, organizations, ethnic groups, and public schools
• Coordinate with other community related services (e.g., Health Departments, Social Service Departments, Children’s Councils, Community Colleges)

Planning

• Coordinate the preparation of applications for Head Start with input and approval from the Governing Board, Policy Council, and MRDC administrative personnel
• Develop program objectives, plans, and strategies in coordination with the MRDC Strategic Plan
• Assist in developing component objectives

Personnel

• Supervise management and program staff
• Provide a structure and staffing plan that clearly defines component functions and the Head Start philosophy and principles
• Provide adequate staff for centers
• Provide evaluation of staff directly supervised
• Implement written personnel policies and practices
• Maintain program confidentiality
• Provide input to the Personnel and Career Development Committees as requested
• Design and implement general program orientation for all new staff
• Ensure specific job training is provided to new staff
• Coordinate with Head Start Regional Training Office, State Training Office, and relevant community resources to provide training services

Financial

• Oversee daily fiscal operations
• Submit MRDC Central Office requisitions and purchase of supplies and equipment orders (e.g. competitive bids, specifications) as needed
• Provide draft budgets for all programmatic applications for funding
• Review monthly budget reports and provide input/feedback to CFO on spending and fiscal matters
• Develop reports as required for administrative, Governing Board, funding agencies, and community partners

Program Operations

• Ensure all Head Start Performance Standards are implemented for all aspects of the MRDC Head Start program
• Develop and facilitate ongoing services that foster the care, growth, and development of children and strong families including:
  • Educational and group activities
  • Health care of children
  • Training for parents
  • Parent involvement
  • Center Parent and Policy Council
• Ensure a physical environment that conforms to government and agency standards of safety and cleanliness that is conducive to optimal growth and development of children and families
• Ensure adequate records regarding children, parent involvement, and volunteers are kept orderly and current per licensing requirements

Requirements

• Graduate level degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of five years experience in Early Education/Head Start Program development, supervision, instruction, and/or administration
• Proven ability in fostering positive parent/volunteer/community relations
• Proven planning, leadership, supervisory, grant/system information skills

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Direct and supervise daily Head Start program operations
• Recruit, hire/fire direct, and evaluate program staff and volunteers as required for program operations
• Make presentations to public and private organizations, as well as to local, state, and federal governments
• Communicate effectively through all media
• Develop, coordinate, and present all program progress and program related reports to funding and support sources as required
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate program staff training needs
• Travel to attend program related functions as required

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development