Head Start Director

Omaha Tribe of Nebraska•Macy, NE

7d•$44 - $45

About The Position

The Head Start Director provides executive leadership, planning, administration, and oversight of the Omaha Tribe Head Start & Early Head Start Program. The Director oversees program operations, personnel, budgets, federal grant compliance, and continuous quality improvement to ensure comprehensive, culturally responsive services for children, pregnant women, and families. The role works collaboratively with tribal leadership, the governing body, Policy Council, Omaha Nation Public School, families, and community partners to meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards and approved program goals. The Director manages program planning and daily operations, grant and budget administration, reporting, staff supervision and development, management systems, monitoring, and self-assessment. The role oversees education, disability inclusion, health, nutrition, safety, family engagement, transitions, facilities, and community partnerships. It also supports tribal language and culture, ensures compliance with tribal and federal requirements, and provides operational assistance when necessary. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required, along with experience in staff supervision, fiscal management, and program administration. Experience in early childhood education, federally funded programs, tribal administration, or Head Start/Early Head Start is preferred. The role also requires a valid Nebraska driver's license and insurability, current CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it within the program's required timeframe, and successful completion of required background checks and pre-employment screening. Indian Preference and TERO will be practiced, while all qualified applicants will be considered.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience in staff supervision, fiscal management, and program administration.
Demonstrated ability to oversee complex programs, manage budgets, supervise staff, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Meet qualifications and competencies applicable to program management under §1302.91 and the Head Start Act.
Valid Nebraska driver's license and insurability.
Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within the program's required timeframe for assigned duties.
Successful completion of required background checks and applicable pre-employment screening.
Knowledge of the Head Start Act, Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal grant requirements, and tribal policies and procedures.
Strong skills in budget preparation, fiscal monitoring, grants management, reporting, and internal controls.
Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and develop multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to interpret regulations, policies, program data, financial reports, and monitoring findings and translate them into corrective action.
Ability to develop strategic plans, set measurable goals, and manage continuous quality improvement.
Knowledge of early childhood development, inclusive education, family engagement, child health and safety, and culturally responsive services.
Ability to build positive working relationships with families, the Policy Council, governing body, tribal leadership, schools, and community partners.
Strong written and oral communication, public presentation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with office technology, data systems, spreadsheets, and electronic reporting.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, integrity, and professional ethics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in early childhood education, federally funded programs, tribal administration, or Head Start/Early Head Start.

Responsibilities

Direct and coordinate Head Start and Early Head Start program planning, design, implementation, and daily operations consistent with approved grants and community needs.
Prepare, administer, monitor, and revise program budgets; oversee allowable expenditures, fiscal controls, procurement, and financial reporting.
Prepare and submit grant applications, continuation and refunding requests, program reports, and other required submissions.
Provide the governing body and Policy Council with program, financial, enrollment, and monitoring information for oversight and decision-making.
Supervise, coach, evaluate, and support coordinators, supervisors, and assigned staff; establish performance expectations and corrective action plans as needed.
Participate in recruitment, interviews, hiring recommendations, orientation, and personnel decisions in accordance with tribal policies and Policy Council responsibilities.
Ensure staff qualifications, background checks, professional development, and training meet applicable requirements; promote staff wellness and retention.
Establish and maintain management systems, internal communication, recordkeeping, data quality, ongoing monitoring, and annual self-assessment processes.
Develop and monitor program and school readiness goals; use data to identify concerns, implement improvements, and report progress.
Oversee eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance systems, including reaching families with the greatest need and maintaining funded enrollment.
Ensure developmentally appropriate curriculum, teaching practices, screenings, assessments, and individualized learning supports are implemented and monitored.
Ensure inclusion and participation of children with disabilities and collaborate with local education agencies and early intervention partners regarding IEPs and IFSPs.
Oversee child health, oral health, nutrition, mental health, and safety services, including emergency procedures and family communication.
Monitor nutritious meals, menu planning, food purchasing, and nutrition program operations for quality, safety, and budget accountability.
Promote family engagement, family partnership services, parent committees, and community partnerships.
Coordinate transitions between Early Head Start, Head Start Preschool, and kindergarten, and provide appropriate services to enrolled pregnant women where applicable.
Maintain collaborative relationships with Omaha Nation Public School and other providers to coordinate educational resources, personnel, transitions, and related services.
Ensure facilities, equipment, classrooms, playgrounds, transportation arrangements, and learning materials are safe, appropriate, and maintained.
Authorize purchases and expenditures within delegated authority and approved budgets, following tribal and federal procurement requirements.
Support preservation and revitalization of tribal language and culture through culturally responsive program planning and community collaboration.
Coordinate staff training, in-service activities, special projects, and summer activities as approved and consistent with program requirements.
Provide classroom or operational assistance when necessary while maintaining required supervision, staff-child ratios, and safety practices.
Communicate with tribal officials, families, employees, federal representatives, and community organizations; respond to concerns and compliance findings.
Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position and program requirements.