Associate Vice President, Head Start

Position Summary:

The Associate Vice President assists the Vice President of Head Start with the management of all Head Start operations and coordination of the comprehensive services we provide children and families.

Responsibilities: 

• Learn and adhere to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Assist the Head Start Leadership with planning and designing programs and systems to accommodate current needs and future expansion.
• Facilitate, with the Vice President of Head Start, the annual Self-Assessment. 
• Oversee the investigation of any incident that includes a report of suspected or witnessed maltreatment or endangerment of enrolled children. This includes ensuring all associated paperwork is submitted to the Office of Head Start and is filed per GBCA procedures.  
• Provide guidance to and supervision of all HS Directors serving as a liaison to the VP/Executive Director.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of annual pre-service training. 
• Conduct individual supervision and complete performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Ensure all components comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
• Serve as a checkpoint for each component’s monthly goals, objectives, and functions.
• Maintain ongoing direct contact with the Vice President of Head Start to stay informed of all relevant component activities.
• De-escalate conflicts and mediate resolutions between staff, parents, and other stakeholders as they arise.
• Coordinate with the Vice President to evaluate and analyze monthly program data.
• Assist in the preparation of all Funding Applications and RFP’s.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, clients, representatives of community organizations, local districts, and other staff members. 
• Is responsible for ensuring the safety of each child in the GBCA HS/EHS program.
• Conduct regular onsite visits to program areas.
• Assist with the completion of all program area refunding applications. 
• Review and approve program expenses under the purview of responsibilities; seek additional approval as required.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

1. Principles and practices involving the implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
2. Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to preschools and childcare.
3. Cultural and socio-economic issues relevant to providing appropriate services to special population groups.
4. How student learning is influenced by individual experiences, talents, prior knowledge, language, culture, family, and community values.
5. Characteristics, uses, advantages, and limitations of different types of assessments. 
6. Head Start Program Performance Standards

Ability to:

• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of assigned responsibility.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and reach sound decisions in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy, and judgment in dealing with volunteers, parents, and staff.

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in early childhood education, social work, or a related field, will consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree in the same field, with considerable experience in the field of early childhood.
• Head Start program experience preferred.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience. 
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written
• Must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and maintain professional, positive relationships with diverse staff and parent populations."
• Must have the ability to multitask and work well under changing priorities with tight timelines.
• The ability to develop strategies to enhance program operations and the creativity to assist in the creation of new program initiatives. 
• Demonstrates strong computer skills and a working knowledge of database systems. 
• Valid NJ driver’s license preferred and use of own vehicle for self-transportation; local travel is required.

Mandated Reporting: 

As per New Jersey mandated reporting guidelines, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 and 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).”

EEO Statement

Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.