Head Start/Early Head Start Director

Definition: As a part of the ATCAA team, the Director of ATCAA’s Early Childhood Programs (ECS Director) plays an essential role in ATCAA as a whole. Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, the ECS Director develops, implements, and coordinates the delivery of high-quality Head Start, Early Head Start and California State Preschool programs meeting the requirements of funding documents and standards. In addition, the ECS Director may also oversee related programs and grants that enhance and support the Early Childhood Education and Family Services Programs.

Supervisor: Executive Director

Supervises: ECS Managers

Job Duties and Responsibilities Related to This Position:
Grant Management

• Prepare funding applications as required
• Oversee the program's implementation, evaluation, and development and serve as the Head Start/Early Head Start director as defined by federal grant expectations
• Develop and implement systems of evaluation and organizational self-assessment, including preparing and disseminating an annual evaluation report with a focus on continuous quality improvement
• Maintain and create new and existing community collaborations such as agreements with school districts, and other community partners;
• Work with staff, parents, and board members to develop long-term program goals and short-term objectives;
• Ensure that data is collected, analyzed, and used to guide instruction and program improvement;
• Oversee program expansion opportunities through grant writing, collaborating with local agencies and utilizing local resources;
• Provide, as necessary, written documents and reports to governing board, parent groups, funding sources and other agencies;
• Negotiate, develop, monitor and oversee approved contracts with consultants and needed outside services for the provision of services;
• Serve as the management liaison with the Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council, organizing and supporting the Council, attending all Council meetings, and training Council members;
• Conduct long- and short-range planning, including assessment of community needs and resources;
• Oversee the planning and implementation of successful federal Head Start reviews

Staff Development and Supervision

• Assess staffing needs and recommend staffing patterns consistent with funding agency and regulatory requirements
• Make recommendations on personnel actions such as evaluation, employment, retention, promotion, and termination
• Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings to provide leadership and guidance, coordinate activities, and disseminate information
• Direct the professional development process; that includes providing annual staff or management training events
• Develop Professional Development training plan and budget and oversee its implementation

Budget Management

• Responsible for budget development, tracking, forecasting, and reporting
• With input and assistance from appropriate staff, and the ATCAA Head Start Policy Council, monitor expenditures to assure that they stay within available resources
• Oversee the production of monthly budget management reports and explain information to parent policy groups, staff, and ATCAA Board of Directors
• Work with agency fiscal staff to ensure fiscal policies and procedures are being implemented

General Duties and Responsibilities:

As a part of the ATCAA team, all employees play an essential role in ATCAA as a whole, and are expected to:

• Demonstrate and encourage a professional and positive attitude in all job-related activities;
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with standards as outlined in the “Statement of Confidentiality and Ethics”;
• Accomplish all work activities in a safe and timely manner within assigned guidelines and consistent with ATCAA’s Personnel Policies and Operating Procedures;
• Report and/or correct deficiencies that constitute immediate threats to health and safety;
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the supervisor which are consistent with the definition and intent of the job description;
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with ATCAA’s Personnel Policies. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and reviewing work; problem solving; appraising performance, both formally and informally.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Meet the following program requirements necessary for this position: possess a valid California driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and fingerprint clearance;
• Possess at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree or higher with a major or emphasis in human service management, communications, social services, Early Childhood Education, or other related field;
• At least three years management experience in Early Childhood programs, general education or social services including the following;
  • At least three years supervising multiple staff
  • Program planning and development;
  • Budget preparation and management;
  • Public relations and community networking;
• Training in and/or experience working with Trauma informed Practices
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient use of computer programs including spreadsheets, word processing, internet, and email

Desired Qualifications:

• Past experience working in a Head Start, Early Head Start or State Preschool Program
• Experience/Training in Dual Language Learning
• Federal or State grants management experience
• Previous grant writing experience

Must possess, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree or higher with a major or emphasis in human service management, communications, social services, Early Childhood Education, or other related field.