Head Start Program Director

THE POSITION

The Head Start Program Director reports to the Director of Human Services, or their designee, leads a team of professionals, and is responsible for the direction, management, and implementation of the Head Start/Early Head Start Birth-to-Five program. The Head Start Program Director continuously monitors the progress on meeting child outcomes and school readiness goals with the deliberate intent of meeting or exceeding the national average for child outcomes.

The position oversees 6 direct reports, a department budget of $25 million, and staff of 100

.
KEY RESPONSIBILITI

ES
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the division; establish priorities, goals, policies, and performance standards; and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requiremen

• ts.
  Build and sustain collaborative relationships with the Head Start Policy Council, Advisory Board, Mayor’s Office, City leadership, County, State, and Federal partners, regulatory agencies, delegate partners, and community stakehold
• ers.Ensure high-quality, culturally responsive child development services aligned with Head Start Performance Standards and California early childhood education standards and Community Care licens
• ing.Oversee fiscal management, including budget development, financial oversight, contract administration, invoice processing, payments and pursuit of grants and alternative funding sour
• ces.Review budgets, checking that expenditures align with allowable uses, and watching for early signs of risk – whether in financial reports, staffing patterns or enrollment d
• ata.Direct and coordinate division operations, ensuring consistency in policy implementation and effective collaboration with external agencies, consultants, and vend
• ors.Recruit, supervise, and develop staff; address public inquiries and eligibility determinations; and provide technical assistance to community partn
• ers.Establish community engagement, education and training programs for clients, partners and members of the public. This could be townhalls or listening sessions. ideal candidate is a leader who can successfully develop and manage a diverse team. You will solve client problems while providing exceptional service and help develop new business opportunit

ies.
KEY ATTRI

• BUTES
  Mission-driven, community-centered leader with a strong commitment to equity and positive outcomes for children and fam
• ilies.Deep expertise in Head Start and early childhood programs, including strong knowledge of federal performance standards, compliance, monitoring, and multiple funding st
• reams.Politically astute and publicly accountable, with the ability to operate effectively in a transparent environment involving public meetings, community advocates, and multiple oversight b
• odies.Relationship builder with strong executive presence, capable of partnering effectively with the Policy Council, Advisory Board, City leadership, labor representatives, service providers, and cross-department stakeho
• lders.Operationally strong with a systems mindset, able to stabilize and improve staffing structures, systems, and service delivery across multiple sites and program m
• odels.Talent and culture leader with a track record of hiring, retaining, developing, and coaching staff while fostering strong team dynamics and a healthy organizational cu
• lture.Experienced in fiscal oversight and contract management, including managing budgets, audits, procurement processes, contracts, and payment work
• flows.Effective change leader who can navigate complex organizational structures, set priorities, and execute phased improvement plans while maintaining compliance and service qu
• ality.Excellent communicator and presenter, able to engage effectively with individuals and communities from diverse backgr
• ounds.Creative and visionary systems thinker with the ability to elevate programs and advance coordinated implementation across the

City.
QUALIFI

• CATIONS
  Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, human services, education, health services, sociology, psychology, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is highly de
• sirable.Leadership Experience: At least five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience in human services program adminis
• tration.Program Experience: Experience managing or working with federally funded programs (e.g., Head Start or similar grant-funded initiatives) is highly de

sirable.
COMPENSATION AND

BENEFITS
This comprehensive package reflects the City’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in public service. The salary range for this position is $164,730.84 - $202,265.88 annually. Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications. Benefits include generous medical insurance, life insurance, automobile allowance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, management leave, public sector retirement (CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 classic member; 2% @ 62 new PEPRA member), and voluntary deferred compensation. Click on the link for the city’s Benefits Matrix 2026 Benefi

ts Matrix.
H

OW TO APPLY
To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining the background and experience that make you the ideal candidate, electronically, to hsdir.cityofoakland@thehawkins