0210/7330 - Murray Head Start Director

Job Title: Director

Department: Administration

Reports to: Superintendent of Murray Independent

FLSA: Exempt 

Overview: Murray Independent serves as the fiscal agent and home for Murray Head Start, a federally funded Head Start program that partners with ten school districts and institutions of higher education in western Kentucky to provide comprehensive services, primarily to low-income children birth to five and their families.  

Summary:  This professional administrative position directs the day-to-day administration and management of the Murray Head Start program, plans and coordinates operations, supervises staff to achieve program objectives, and ensures the program adheres to Head Start Performance Standards, Cost Principles, state licensing requirements, and applicable directives.

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

Program Management & Quality Improvement:

• Effectively leads by exemplifying the vision and mission of the program.

• Positions program for continued success by researching and exploring opportunities.
• Understand and promote the goals and philosophy of Head Start.
• Ensures the program operates in a legal, ethical manner, and in accordance with the Head Start performance standards and the mission statement.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Head Start program.
• Carry out day-to day administration, management, and supervision of the Head Start program.
• Oversee the development and implementation of an annual planning system, establishing overall program goals and objectives while generating a work plan and reporting system for delivery and documentation of all Head Start services.

• Inform Superintendent on a regular basis of program activities being planned and implemented.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develops and maintains positive relationships with staff, parents, students, and community partners across all districts.
• Builds relationships grounded in mutual trust and rapport.
• Prioritizes leadership visibility across all partner districts and communities.

• Lead and ensure effective collaboration with partner districts, community agencies, and other relevant community partners to ensure effective delivery of program services and activities. 

• Work with community, state, regional and national agencies and organizations which impact Head Start.

• Develop plans for utilization of and partnering with community resources

• Maintain contact with professionals in areas which impact Head Start by attending professional meetings.

• Support state, regional and national Head Start Associations.

Program Governance:

• Serve as an advocate for the Head Start program.  Promote good public relations by serving on boards, committees, and participating in community activities.

• Ensure required Head Start policy groups are established, trained and function effectively.

• Foster shared decision making in accordance with 45 CFR Part 1305.50.

• Coordinate activities of the Head Start Policy Council; Prepare and submit financial, administrative, and programmatic reports for the Policy Council; and provide information as needed and requested.

• Submit monthly request to Superintendent in order to place Head Start items requiring Board approval on the Board agenda and submit an oral or written monthly Board report relating to services, activities and program operations.

• Attend monthly board meetings of the Murray Independent School District.

• Ensure continued and effective communication between the Head Start Policy Council and the Board of Education.

Human Resources Management:

• Creates and implements an organizational system to ensure effective and efficient results.
• Directly supervise and evaluate assigned personnel including conducting annual performance evaluations for assigned staff.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations’ policies and applicable laws.
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, training, and evaluation of Head Start staff.
• Direct staff planning and improvement; participate in program and individual staff improvement activities.
• Participate in annual performance evaluation with supervisor.
• Ensure on-going training and staff development opportunities are provided for all Head Start personnel.
• Guides the resolution of personnel concerns through fair, consistent, and policy-aligned processes.

Financial and Administrative Requirements:

• Compile information, complete and submit to Regional Office: grant application, supplements and modifications, programmatic reports, and requested information and documents.
• Develop, implement and monitor the program operating budget.
• Proactive in financial development and growth ensuring it meets the vision of the program.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are available and meet all local, state and federal requirements.
• Develop, execute and monitor contracts.
• Determine and carry out administrative and programmatic decisions to implement the Head Start program.
• Maintain contact and communication with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Regional Office and Office of Head Start (OHS).
• Interpret Head Start regulations, policies, and directives and ensure adherence to the same through the development and updating of policies and procedures.
• Coordinate efforts to ensure that non-federal obligations are met.
• Work with federally funded Technical Assistance specialists to enhance program operations.

Education and/or Experience:

Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Social Work, or Human Services Administration, preferred. Minimum five (5) years’ experience in supervisory/administrative position in human services programs. Experience in managing programs for young children and program planning preferred. Excellent oral, written, and computer communication skills. Continuous and ongoing pursuit of improved education and credentials are requirements of this position.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Physical examination including a TB test/assessment must be completed within 30 days of employment
• Driver’s License; a copy of driver’s license and current insurance is kept on file

Communication Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats with diverse stakeholders, including staff, families, and community partners. 
• Analyzes and interprets professional literature, regulations, and program standards, including Head Start Performance Standards.
• Presents information clearly and responds thoughtfully to questions from staff, leadership, families, and the public.
• Produces clear, concise reports, correspondence, and procedural documents.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team in a professional environment.

Mathematical Skills: 

• Ability to perform and apply mathematical calculations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals in daily operations.
• Ability to calculate and interpret rates, ratios, and percentages for budgeting, enrollment tracking, and program performance monitoring.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and program data, including budgets, expenditures, and performance reports, to support decision-making and compliance with federal requirements.
• Ability to interpret and present data using charts, graphs, and other reporting tools.
• Working knowledge of measurement and quantitative concepts as they relate to program operations and resource allocation.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex problems by gathering and evaluating relevant information and applying sound judgment.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and program regulations, policies, and technical guidance to a variety of situations.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources (data, reports, stakeholder input) to make informed decisions.
• Ability to interpret and follow written, oral, and procedural instructions, including detailed program requirements and timelines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and ensure accuracy in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, as well as frequent walking and use of hands and arms for reaching and handling materials.
• Occasional physical activity may include standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• The role may require sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture and bending or squatting to engage with children in classroom settings.
• The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment described is representative of the environment and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

• Noise level is normally moderate

The statements outlined above in the description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that may be assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provision of the Board’s policy and Murray Head Start policy on Evaluation of Certified Personnel.

Offers of employment are conditional pending satisfactory receipt of a recent physical examination, TB skin test/assessment and criminal background check, and Policy Council approval.

*Job Description Pending Board/Policy Council Approval

Salary : $77,956 - $105,650