Head Start Assistant Director

Join SWCAP and help shape programs that strengthen children, families, and communities. As the Head Start Assistant Director, you'll provide leadership for Head Start and family development programs by supporting high-quality services, ensuring regulatory compliance, supervising staff, and driving continuous program improvement. This position collaborates with agency leaders, community partners, and funding agencies to promote positive child and family outcomes while advancing SWCAP's Whole Family Approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in program planning, strategic initiatives, and continuous quality improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, grant requirements, Wisconsin Child Care Licensing regulations, and other applicable regulations.
• Analyze program, child outcome, school readiness, and family engagement data to improve services.
• Develop and implement program policies, procedures, and service plans.
• Supervise supervisors and program staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality staff.
• Oversee child care licensing activities for all center-based programs.
• Assist with program budgets, grants, contracts, resource allocation, and compliance monitoring.
• Build strong partnerships with community organizations, funding agencies, and stakeholders.
• Support advocacy efforts and initiatives that strengthen services for children and families.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, Education, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use results to improve program quality.
• Reliable transportation with a valid driver's license and insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.

Preferred

• Experience with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Wisconsin Child Care Licensing regulations.
• Experience with program planning, continuous quality improvement, school readiness, child outcomes, and family engagement.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, budgets, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading teams, facilitating training, and collaborating with community partners.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with regular travel throughout the service area.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.

SWCAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to characteristics protected under state or federal law.