Assistant Director of Head Start

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Assistant Director of Head Start.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

Job Summary

The Assistant Head Start Director provides executive-level operational leadership and administrative oversight for the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Head Start/Early Head Start program serving a funded enrollment of 402 children and families. This position supports the Head Start Director in ensuring full compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), 45 CFR Part 75 (Uniform Guidance), applicable federal and state regulations, and university policies.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in the overall administration and leadership of the Head Start/Early Head Start program serving 402 funded enrollment slots.
• Ensure compliance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR 1301-1305), 45 CFR Part 75, Georgia licensing regulations, and university policies.
• Support strategic planning, implementation of school readiness goals, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor internal controls and support preparation for federal reviews, audits, and monitoring visits.
• Collaborate with the Fiscal Officer and Director to monitor budget expenditure and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Supervise and support service area managers and directors as assigned.
• Prepare reports for Governing Body, Policy Council, and university leadership.
• Utilize program data to identify trends and improve child outcomes and service delivery.
• Serve as Acting Head Start Director when designated.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Head Start Director or University leadership.
  
  

Safeguarding Children & Mandated Reporter Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to child safeguarding and active supervision policies across all program sites.
• Ensure all staff complete mandated reporter training annually.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse and Neglect in accordance with Georgia law.
• Immediately report suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities as required by law.
• Support implementation of incident reporting systems, child safety monitoring, and documentation review processes.
• Promote a culture of child protection, transparency, and zero tolerance for maltreatment.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Public Administration, Social Work, Education, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in Head Start or comparable federally funded programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal grant management and Head Start regulations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  
  

Physical Requirements45

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively (talk and hear).
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to occasionally lift to 20 lbs. overhead and up to 40 lbs. from waist to shoulder.
  
  

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.