Demo

ERSEA Assistant

Drake University and Careers
Des Moines, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/22/2026

Position Number: 998800

Unit/Department: Head Start

FTE: 100%

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate

Department Summary:

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: "Better preparing young children and their families for now and in the future." Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, and child care partner locations.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting and supporting the Early Head Start and Head Start Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) implementation. The position helps to ensure the greatest number of income-eligible children are recruited and have an opportunity to be considered for selection and enrollment into the Drake University Head Start program, adhering to Selection Criteria Policies and Head Start Program Performance Standards. This position will represent the program within the community and assist families through the application process across the program's six-county service area.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • One year of experience in working with families, recruitment, or marketing

  • Computer skills and data entry

  • Driver’s License and ability to be ensured by Drake University’s carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Head Start Experience

  • Experience with admissions or public relations

Job Duties:

  • 50% - Establish and maintain schedule that results in the required number of applications being submitted. This includes completing and submitting initial contact documentation and applications, tracking application and enrollment process and follow up with families. Receiving and/or returning incoming telephone calls and answering caller questions regarding Early Head Start and Head Start within required timeframe. Provide appropriate social service and medical referrals to families and children. Assign and schedule application appointments for other staff and monitor the completion of those appointments.
  • 25% - Develop and monitor agency wide recruitment plan for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children and their families in Polk, Boone, Story (Ames only), Jasper, Marion and Warren counties for the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Identify community agencies and/or events appropriate for recruitment. Assist with the development and dissemination of marketing materials related to Drake University Head Start recruitment to include but not limited to brochures, displays, presentations and events. Represent and market Drake University Head Start in a professional manner while attending or working these events. Travel for business purposes within recruitment area.
  • 15% - Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Monitor incoming applications for accuracy as requested. Contact names in the application pool, return phone calls, continuously update information in order to assist with maintaining an application pool. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff and visitors.
  • 5% - Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials, and contributing resources to the program.
  • 5% - Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules and requirements compliance. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner. Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at all times. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter. If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email jackie.pafford@drake.edu .



Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.


For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.

ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.

Salary.com Estimation for ERSEA Assistant in Des Moines, IA
$56,316 to $83,729
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a ERSEA Assistant?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the ERSEA Assistant career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$61,013 - $81,239
Income Estimation: 
$33,598 - $61,119
Income Estimation: 
$65,352 - $83,351
Income Estimation: 
$73,522 - $95,253
Income Estimation: 
$70,882 - $94,516
Income Estimation: 
$47,763 - $80,762
Income Estimation: 
$63,454 - $101,244
Income Estimation: 
$53,080 - $99,161
Income Estimation: 
$87,640 - $113,243
Income Estimation: 
$77,897 - $116,523
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Drake University and Careers

  • Drake University and Careers Des Moines, IA
  • Position Number: 999174 Unit/Department: Public Safety FTE: 100% Salary: Hourly starting wage is between $16.45 and $16.75 per hour. Department Summary: Th... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Drake University and Careers Des Moines, IA
  • Position Number: 100028 Unit/Department: University Communications and Marketing FTE: 100% Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the s... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Drake University and Careers Des Moines, IA
  • Position Number: 998309 Unit/Department: Drake Head Start Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate Department Summ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Drake University and Careers Des Moines, IA
  • Position Number: 100023 & 100024 Unit/Department: Drake Head Start Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience Department Summary: The Mission ... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other ERSEA Assistant jobs in the Des Moines, IA area that may be a better fit.

  • Des Moines University and Careers West Des Moines, IA
  • Job no: 492973 Work type: FT Location: West Des Moines Categories: Faculty At DMU, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Kwik Trip Norwalk, IA
  • Already a Kwik Trip Coworker? Follow this link to apply: myapps.kwiktrip.com Location: Kwik Star 1701 Shift: Variable Leadership Experience: 1-3 years Pay ... more
  • 15 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!