Executive Director
About The Position
The Executive Director of the Head Start and Early Head Start program provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure high-quality early childhood education, family support, and health services for low-income children and their families. The role oversees daily operations, supervises management staff, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and works with the Board of Directors, community partners, and funding agencies to secure resources and sustain the program. The Executive Director oversees program services and performance, leads and develops staff, manages finances and funding, represents the program in the community, and ensures quality and regulatory compliance. The position also works closely with the Board on governance, reporting, and strategic planning. Work is primarily in an office, with occasional travel to centers and community locations. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, may be needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- At least seven years of experience in nonprofit administration, including supervision, fiscal management, and program oversight.
- Thorough knowledge of early childhood education and child development.
- Comprehensive understanding of Head Start federal and state regulations.
- Strong fiscal, administrative, and grant management skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical abilities.
- Strong understanding of federal and state regulations, program evaluation, financial management, and staff development.
- Valid Texas driver’s license and ability to travel between agency sites.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain it.
- Valid Texas ID or driver’s license.
- Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- At least five years of experience in Head Start program leadership, including management, fiscal oversight, and grant writing.
Responsibilities
- Oversee Head Start and Early Head Start operations and ensure education, health, family engagement, and nutrition services meet Head Start Performance Standards.
- Develop, implement, and monitor program goals, objectives, and activities with management staff.
- Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program Standards, and applicable licensing requirements.
- Supervise program staff and provide leadership, training, support, and professional development.
- Evaluate program effectiveness using data, outcome measures, feedback, and continuous improvement processes.
- Lead, mentor, and motivate program employees, including educators, family service workers, and support staff.
- Ensure staff recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation processes comply with requirements; conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development planning.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture and develop succession plans.
- Oversee the program budget, financial reporting, and appropriate use of financial resources in compliance with regulations.
- Develop and submit grant proposals and funding applications, and maintain relationships with funding agencies, government, and philanthropic organizations.
- Monitor contracts and service agreements with external partners and subcontractors.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the programs and represent them at community meetings, advocacy events, and public forums.
- Advocate for policies and practices supporting early childhood education and family services.
- Collaborate with community partners, school districts, and other organizations to coordinate services for children and families.
- Lead audits, reviews, inspections, and program evaluations; develop corrective action plans and maintain compliance and quality improvement.
- Work with the Board of Directors on strategic alignment and governance; prepare and present reports on program performance, finances, and initiatives.
- Advise and support the Board in decision-making and strategic planning, keeping members informed and engaged.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
