HS 0-5 Program Director

Child Start is looking for an innovative leader who is ready to steer the Head Start program towards a progressive future and make a significant impact in the realm of early childhood education. This role involves overseeing all program activities while ensuring adherence to Federal Performance Standards, as well as developing and managing an operating budget that exceeds $12 million. The leader will be responsible for contracting services and facilities essential to the program, and will foster collaboration with other Child Start initiatives and community organizations to fulfill Child Start's objectives.

Responsible for the overall supervision and support of Head Start and Early Head Start program staff.  This includes managers, site supervisors, direct and indirect services, with five direct reports. 

• Dynamically lead all Head Start personnel in serving Head Start families and children, and the needs of the communities we serve.    
• Serve as a member of the five-person Executive Team with responsibility for promoting collaborative leadership of the organization and support for its goals, priorities and Code of Conduct.
• Lead in the design, development, execution, evaluation, promotion and reporting aspects of the program’s services to families, children, the community and other partners.
• Guide, direct and authorize the implementation of major plans, standards and procedures consistent with Child Start’s strategic plan and with established policies approved by the Board of Directors and Policy Council.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range goals and objectives.
• Work with Finance & Accountability Director to establish the program’s budgets, deploying resources to address needs and resolve issues.
• Maintain a clear understanding of program budget through monthly review; anticipate and adapt budget to meet developing needs; oversee approval of program expenses.
• Consistently reinforce staff and stakeholder commitment to achieving the full federal share required by Head Start.
• Regularly convey budget and program information and outcomes to the Head Start Staff, Board of Directors, Policy Council and Regional Office.
• Responsible for identification, writing, reporting, and managing grants.
• Accountable for compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws pertaining to the Head Start program.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field.  Master’s degree preferred.
• Thorough understanding of the Head Start/Early Head Start program model; regulations and standards in early child development; teaching strategies; and the critical contributing components of a high quality-learning environment for infants and toddlers, as well as preschoolers. Experience in managing organizational change, program development and design, and budget management.
• Previous experience managing $10 million budget preferred.
• Requires a high level of personal integrity and ethics.
• Requires a high level of problem solving, organization skills, and must be a self-starter.
• Requires good interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Requires a high level of confidentiality and flexibility.
• Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly computer literate with proficiency in MS Office and related business and communication tools.
• Makes timely and appropriate management decisions
• Develops and implement procedures and controls to promote communication and effective information flow within the organization, enabling program goals to be achieved efficiently.
• Ensures all program activities are carried out in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws pertaining to programmatic operations.

Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and much more!

Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.

This is not a remote position, must be able to commute daily to Wichita, KS.