VP of Family and Children Services

Making Opportunity Count Inc•Fitchburg, MA

7d•$107,994 - $161,990•Hybrid

About The Position

Making Opportunity Count (MOC) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Vice President of Family & Children Services. This executive leadership role oversees Head Start, Early Head Start, and broader family services programming across Central Massachusetts. The position offers the opportunity to lead large-scale community impact work within one of the region’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. The role reports directly to the Executive Director/CEO and is a key member of the executive leadership team. MOC is committed to empowering families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. As a Community Action Agency, MOC delivers a wide range of services including early education and childcare, Head Start and Early Head Start, workforce development, housing and community support, nutrition and health services, and family stabilization programs, directly supporting thousands of children and families across Central Massachusetts each year. The Vice President of Family and Children Services provides strategic oversight and operational leadership for MOC’s Early Education and Head Start programming. This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team of directors and managers while ensuring high quality services, strong regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and positive outcomes for children and families. This role requires an experienced executive who can balance big picture strategy with operational leadership in a complex, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education, family services, or related nonprofit sectors.
Demonstrated expertise in managing large, multifaceted programs with complex regulatory and funding structures (e.g., Head Start, EEC, federal grants).
Proven ability to lead high performing teams, support professional development, and promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
Experience working with unionized workforces and participating in labor negotiations.
Strong fiscal management skills, including budget development, grant oversight, and strategic resource allocation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and represent MOC with professionalism and integrity.
Deep commitment to serving low-income families and advancing educational equity across communities.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build trust-based relationships both internally and externally.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight and day to day management of all early education and family services programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Head Start Program Performance Standards and OHS Monitoring Protocols.
Lead the planning and implementation of short and long term goals aligned with agency priorities, community needs assessments, and data informed decision making.
Supervise and mentor program directors and senior managers, building leadership capacity and promoting a culture of accountability, equity, and excellence.
Collaborate with the CFO and CHRO on budgeting, resource allocation, staffing plans, and collective bargaining efforts, including direct involvement in SEIU and Teamster negotiations.
Oversee the development and submission of grant proposals, program budgets, and required reports to internal and external stakeholders.
Champion MOC’s School Readiness and Family Engagement frameworks, ensuring integration across sites and alignment with national best practices.
Establish systems for ongoing program evaluation, internal monitoring, and risk management, ensuring fidelity to mission, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Maintain strong relationships with federal and state funding partners, regional collaboratives, educational institutions, and community-based organizations.
Prepare regular reports and updates for the Board of Directors and Policy Council, highlighting progress toward strategic goals, compliance updates, and community impact.
Lead the implementation of personnel policies and performance expectations across programs, ensuring consistent application of MOC values, code of conduct, and child safety protocols.
Serve as a visible and credible advocate for early childhood education at the community, state, and national levels.
Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support MOC’s mission and ensure continuity of services.