Job Summary

The Executive Director of the Head Start and Early Head Start program provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the program delivers high-quality early childhood education, family support, and health services support to low-income children and their families. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, supervising management staff, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and working closely with the Board of Directors, community partners, and funding agencies to secure resources and maintain the sustainability of the program.

Competency Area

Competencies/Responsibilities

Key Behaviors

Program Management & Oversight

• Oversee the overall management of Head Start and Early Head Start operations, ensuring that all services—education, health, family engagement, and nutrition—are delivered effectively and meet Head Start Performance Standards.
• In conjunction with Management Staff, develop, implement, and monitor program goals, objectives, and activities to ensure alignment with the mission and federal and state regulations.
• Coordinate and ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program Standards and applicable licensing requirements.
• Supervise the program’s staff, providing leadership, training, and support to ensure optimal performance and professional development.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program through data collection, outcome measurements, and continuous improvement processes.

• Demonstrates a commitment to Head Start’s mission by ensuring high-quality services and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provides clear, consistent leadership to staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.
• Uses data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure service quality.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of educators, family service workers, and support staff, ensuring that staff are well-trained, supported, and retained.
• Ensure recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation processes for all program staff are in compliance.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that promotes professional development and supports staff well-being.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set professional development goals, and provide coaching to ensure staff meet performance expectations.
• Develop succession planning to ensure that the program has a robust pipeline of future leaders.

• Actively listens and communicates with staff, providing clear direction and support.
• Empowers staff through mentorship and coaching, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Leads by example, promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability.
• Encourages staff development and career growth by identifying and addressing learning opportunities.

Fiscal Management & Fund Development

• Oversee the program’s budget, ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively and in compliance with Head Start regulations.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, including the preparation of regular reports for the Board of Directors, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals and funding applications to secure program funding.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funding agencies, local government, and philanthropic organizations.
• Monitor and manage contracts and service agreements with external partners and subcontractors.

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Actively seeks new funding opportunities and resources to sustain and expand the program.
• Exhibits transparency in financial management and ensures funds are allocated appropriately.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, building and maintaining strong relationships with the local community, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Represent the program at community meetings, advocacy events, and public forums.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support early childhood education and family services at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Collaborate with community partners, school districts, and other organizations to ensure comprehensive services for children and families

• Establishes and maintains positive, productive relationships with key community stakeholders and external partners.
• Advocates passionately for the needs of children and families, using data and research to support policy positions.
• Engages in public speaking and networking to promote the program and its mission.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure that the program meets or exceeds all Head Start Performance Standards, as well as state and local licensing requirements.
• Lead the program through regular audits, reviews, and inspections, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular program evaluations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when necessary, ensuring continuous compliance and quality improvement.

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of compliance requirements and fosters a culture of accountability.
• Actively participates in audits and reviews to ensure compliance and program excellence.
• Effectively addresses challenges related to compliance and ensures the program maintains high standards of service delivery.

Board Relations & Reporting

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strategic alignment and effective governance of the program.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Board on program performance, financial status, and key initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to the Board in decision-making processes, including long-term strategic planning and program development.
• Ensure that Board members are engaged and informed on matters relating to the program’s goals, challenges, and opportunities

• Builds trust and maintains open communication with the Board of Directors.
• Provides clear, actionable information to the Board, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Actively engages with the Board in strategic discussions and organizational planning

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in nonprofit administration, including supervision, fiscal management, and program oversight

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Head Start program leadership, including management, fiscal oversight, and grant writing

Knowledge & Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of early childhood education and child development
• Comprehensive understanding of Head Start federal and state regulations
• Strong fiscal, administrative, and grant management skills
• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical abilities
• Skills: Strong understanding of federal and state regulations, program evaluation, financial management, and staff development.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and ability to travel between agency sites.

Licenses/Certifications

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Valid Texas ID/Driver License
• Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Work performed primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to centers and community locations
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned