Director of Children's Developmental Services

HopeSparks Family Services•Tacoma, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Children's Developmental Services is an executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continued growth of HopeSparks' largest program, serving infants, young children, and families throughout Pierce County through Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) services. This position leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 professionals dedicated to providing high-quality, family-centered developmental and behavioral health services for infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and their caregivers. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, operations, compliance, financial performance, and continuous quality improvement of the Children's Developmental Services Program. Working closely with agency leadership, the Director ensures the delivery of coordinated, evidence-based services while maintaining compliance with federal, state, county, and contractual requirements. This position also cultivates strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, educational partners, and funding agencies to strengthen the early childhood system of care throughout Pierce County. HopeSparks believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhance our ability to fulfill our mission. We strive for equity and justice in the way people are treated and the opportunities they have to succeed by working to address racism, inequitable treatment, and other barriers to inclusion. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds (including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities) to apply and join us in our work. Please see our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our website.

Requirements

Higher education degree or extensive experience in Child Development, ESIT, Early Childhood Mental Health, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in program operations, leadership, and supervision.
Knowledge of ESIT funding, billing requirements, and IDEA Part C regulations.
Knowledge of insurance billing best practices.
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strategic thinking and creativity.
Intermediate computer skills in Word, Excel, and Google Workspace.
First Aid and CPR certification.
Valid Washington State driver's license, automobile insurance.
Must pass state and national background checks.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for HopeSparks' Children's Developmental Services Program, including ESIT and IECMH services.
Provide leadership and support to a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 professionals by developing leaders, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Oversee program operations, quality improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, and service excellence across all Children's Developmental Services disciplines.
Collaborate with agency leadership to develop and manage program budgets, monitor financial performance, and support long-term sustainability.
Ensure compliance with IDEA Part C requirements, ESIT standards, county contracts, billing requirements, and agency policies.
Utilize program data and performance metrics to guide strategic planning, operational improvements, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Partner with internal departments to strengthen operational systems, billing processes, onboarding, training, and electronic health record utilization.
Represent HopeSparks with county, regional, and statewide early childhood organizations and initiatives, serving as the agency's primary representative for Children's Developmental Services.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, school districts, early learning partners, community organizations, and funding agencies.
Promote integrated, family-centered, evidence-based services that improve outcomes for children and families throughout Pierce County.