Head Start Program Director

CATAWBA INDIAN NATION•Rock Hill, SC

About The Position

The Head Start Program Director provides leadership and oversight for the Catawba Nation Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children ages 0-5 years old and their families. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality, culturally grounded early childhood education and family engagement services in compliance with federal, state, and Tribal regulations. The Director manages all program staff, curriculum implementation, and operational standards while fostering a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children and families. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, as well as expertise in Head Start Program Performance Standards and early childhood best practices.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of Management Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in a field relevant to administering a comprehensive early Childhood program ( i.e Public Administration, Human Services Management, Social Work)
Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
Demonstrated computer literacy skills, using MS Office applications and other basic data systems including internet navigation
Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines
Self-motivated and able to work independently
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public primarily in English; demonstrated skills in written and oral communication.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision of Head Start and Early Head Start staff across program sites.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and Tribal regulations, including Head Start Program Performance Standards, CCDF requirements, and licensing standards.
Oversee implementation of culturally responsive curriculum and family engagement strategies.
Manage program budgets, including planning, forecasting, and timely expenditure of grant funds.
Prepare and submit required reports to the Senior Director, Tribal Administrator, Senior Leadership, Executive Committee, and granting agencies.
Coordinate staff training and professional development in early childhood education, classroom management, and family services.
Maintain accurate records and data reporting for enrollment, attendance, health screenings, and program outcomes.
Collaborate with families, community partners, and cultural leaders to strengthen family engagement and support services.
Ensure facilities meet health and safety standards and are conducive to learning.
Lead quality improvement initiatives, including annual self-assessments and program evaluations.
Participate in Policy Council meetings and support parent involvement in program governance.
Conduct long- and short-range planning, including assessment of community needs and resources
Maintain community partnerships and ensure plans to use all available community resources in Head Start are included in program goals each year.
Create new and support existing community collaborations such as agreements with school districts, and other community partners.
Perform other related duties as assigned.