Director, Early Childhood and Family Support

Harris County•Houston, TX

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Early Childhood and Family Support leads and coordinates the vision, strategy, and cross-sector collaboration related to Harris County’s early childhood initiatives that support the healthy development of children — spanning health, safety, family stability, and developmental supports, in addition to early childhood education and childcare. This role will implement the Commissioner’s Court vision and priorities for children aged 0 to 5 through cross-department collaborations and external partnerships. The position will be charged with shaping policy direction, building strategic partnerships, and driving alignment across County departments and external stakeholders. Additionally, the Director will lead the coordination of efforts supporting young children and families across Harris County departments, as well as external stakeholder engagement with other local jurisdictions, nonprofits, childcare providers, healthcare and social service partners, and other early childhood organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.
Five (5) years of experience in program management, policy development, or organizational leadership.
Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects and solving difficult problems involving various levels and teams within an organization.
Understanding of early childhood systems, including health, developmental, and family-support ecosystems
Familiarity with early childhood development best practices and the broader determinants of child well-being
Experience driving systems change across large organizations and/or ecosystems
Ability to engage effectively external stakeholders, facilitate strategy development, and support the building of a shared vision
Ability to manage multiple projects and follow through on tasks
Proficiency in preparing accurate reports, analyzing data, and interpreting information
Ability to work in a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary environment and with diverse community-based agencies
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing
Ability to establish positive relationships, maintain the highest standard of professional and personal ethics and behavior, and handle sensitive or confidential information discreetly
Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions
Willingness and ability to be flexible with hours to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or professional degree.

Responsibilities

Leads development and implementation of a Countywide early childhood strategy that improves access to affordable, quality childcare and other resources for young children and their families.
Develops policy and program recommendations to improve the well-being of young children and their families in Harris County, leveraging existing programs/services and resources as much as possible.
Coordinates initiatives and communications across departments that affect young children and families, including health, education, economic opportunity, housing, transportation, and social services.
Leads engagement with parents, childcare providers, employers, local jurisdictions, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, health care partners, and other community stakeholders.
Promotes efforts to integrate early childhood systems and improve the alignment of early childhood programs and services in Harris County focusing on existing services.
Uses available data, community input, and research to identify service gaps, assess barriers, and recommend practical solutions.
Develops recommendations on how to increase participation in existing early childhood programs and supports, including outreach to underrepresented and special populations.
Builds and maintains relationships with local jurisdictions, philanthropic partners, nonprofits, and community organizations to advance a shared early childhood agenda.
Responds to emerging needs affecting young children and families, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, or disruptions to childcare availability.
Performs other duties as assigned.