Director of Head Start and ECEAP

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides leadership and support to Head Start and ECEAP programs at Akin, which includes Early Head Start (EHS), Head Start (HS), and Early Childhood Education andand Child Care Partnership (CCP). Ensures effective and efficient utilization of employee personnel, fiscal resources, facilities, and monitors program(s) performance. Supports quality service delivery and customer satisfaction that is in alignment with Agency mission, vision, and values. Oversees the implementation of statewide, policies, practices, and curricula to ensure continuity and consistency. Supports the work of the Nutrition and Health Contractors. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with clients, employee, volunteers, and community partners
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with funders
• Works with the Home-Based Program Manager and the Operations Manager to provide leadership and oversight to all components of Akin’s EHS, HS, and ECEAP programs
• Supports the Early Learning programs to meet or exceed Akin licensing, grant and accreditation standards, Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP Standards, and CACFP requirements.
• Organizes and ensures efficient and effective operations of program systems, including annual development of program work plans
• Assists in the development of, and monitors, program outcomes
• Ensures all records and statistics are properly maintained and meet grant and licensing requirements
• Develops and implements reporting process to ensure timely, quality information is presented to funders as specified by contracts
• In collaboration with the Policy Council, Parent Committee, E/HS/ECEAP Staff, Akin Directors and Statewide E/HS/ECEAP Leadership Team, participates in an annual program assessment and evaluation of programs
• Represents Akin in early learning advocacy coalitions on behalf of the AVP of Early Learning’s when necessary

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient in MS Office and other software used by the agency and/or program
• Must possess strong human relations skills to communicate and work within a culturally diverse work environment and community
• Requires an ability to work independently, prioritize, organize and attention to detail
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP Standards, family support principles, child development, and personnel policies and procedures
• Demonstrated supervisory experience that reflects progressive responsibilities in hiring, firing, training, performance evaluation, conflict resolution and disciplinary counseling
• Experience working directly with children, youth, and family programs
• Requires experience and training in management, administration, and/or planning
• Understanding and experience in the provision of services to a diverse socioeconomic and cultural population
• Excellent oral and written communication, and project management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to facilitate solution-focused results with groups
• Ability to embrace and support Akin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This job is performed in a professional office environment, childcare or Family Resource Centers. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, printers, phones)
• Typical office lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period

WORKING REMOTELY:

Working remotely is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace, but remote work cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Remote work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Regular, predictable attendance is required
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA degree in Child Development, Family Development, or a related field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, Head Start/Early Head Start, ECEAP, or a similar publicly funded or highly regulated human services program
• 3 years of leadership or management experience, including responsibility for program operations, hiring, firing, training, performance evaluations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary counseling
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring program work plans, goals, outcomes, quality improvement efforts, and/or performance measures.
• Experience working with government agencies, funders, community partners, and/or other external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with licensing, grant, contract, accreditation, or other regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple teams, departments, and levels of an organization.
• Proof of physical exam (updated every three years), including a one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• HIV/AIDS and Blood borne pathogen training within 30 days of hire
• Successful completion of a drivers check if position requires driving on a regular basis (at least three times per week) or drives clients. Must not have more than two driving incidents within the last three years
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting (required for E/HS programs)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Early/Head Start experience preferred

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $94,931.20 - $118,664 per year, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.