Head Start/Early Head Start Assistant Director

Position Purpose

Work with Head Start/Early Head Start Director (HS/EHS) and Executive Team in providing leadership in planning, designing, implementing and evaluating Agency systems and in representing the Agency in local, regional, state and national communities. The Assistant Director demonstrates leadership abilities by creating and maintaining a positive learning environment for all staff and families enrolled. The Assistant Director assists the HS/EHS Director in operating the Agency in accordance with NHSA policies, procedures and state licensing standards to provide an educational, nurturing, and safe environment for children, staff and parents. This individual assumes all HS/EHS Director responsibilities and duties in the absence of the Director.

Essential Job Responsibilities – Performance Indicators

Supervision

Assist in the hiring, coaching and evaluating the performance of Program Consultants, Regional Managers, Data Monitoring & Professional Development Manager, Enrollment (ERSEA) Manager, Special Projects Manager and Executive Assistant.

Manage issues and concerns from parents/guardians, conduct parent/guardian conferences when needed.

Promote a consistent exchange of information across the Agency.

Encourage and support professional development opportunities.

Keep the HS/EHS Director informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children

Assist and accept responsibility in daily regional duties that might be temporary in the event other personnel are not available

Systems Evaluation and Development

Assist in the planning and facilitation of regular leadership meetings.

Participate in the design of internal structures, systems and policies.

Ensure adequate systems are in place to maintain the highest quality of services to children and families in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Ensure consistency in service delivery across the Agency with attention to inclusive practices and integration of component areas; encourage continuous improvement of systems.

Ensure coordination among components, across levels throughout the Agency.

Participate in development of Agency interagency agreements and contracts.

Public Relations

Attend interagency organizational and planning meetings as appropriate.

Participate in professional development activities and organized community events.

Design and deliver formal presentations.

Represent Head Start on local planning bodies.

Attend and participate in staff meetings, Agency events, and parent/community meetings as requested.

Budgets and Grants

Assist in overseeing the efforts of managers and consultants in the monitoring and control of component budgets; identification and interpretation of Head Start and community needs; conformance to Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements.

Participate in the development of collaborations and facility development for future expansion of families and/or services.

Participate in weekly HS executive meetings for the development of program budgets and reviews as requested.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start’s policy on confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field plus a minimum of 3 years of management level experience at the senior management level in planning, budgeting, coordinating, supervising and evaluating in a non-profit setting, Head Start, or similar program
• Ability to develop beneficial relationships with community and business organizations.
• Self-starter with the ability to make good judgments for the sake of the agency and is reliable and trustworthy.
• Must possess customer service skills such as handling difficult telephone conversations.
• Experienced in managing crisis situations.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.\
• Significant experience in administration, including knowledge of State licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards. Strong knowledge of best practices and systems in the field of early childhood.
• Experience in design and delivery of training.
• Strong computer skills, including internet and e-mail, excel and the ability to learn new systems as needed.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License/proof of auto insurance/annual DMV check required.
• Current enrollment in Child Care Division – Central Background Registry.
• Head Start experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven experience as a Regional Manager or other similar supervisory position
• Experience in performance and operations management
• Knowledge of relevant Head Start regulations and quality standards
• Outstanding communication and public speaking skills
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Sustained concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.
• Significant diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to assist in the directing and assessing the performance of program supervisors and consultants.
• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
• Frequent sitting for long periods using computer keyboard, telephone and other office machines.
• Strong organization and time management skills, ability to meet tight deadlines.

Position information

12 months

Position – Exempt/Non-Bargaining Unit
Supervised by the Head Start Director.
52 weeks per year

Job description created February 20, 2020

Updated: August 2021

This job description was last updated on 08/11/2021. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Because this position requires in-person work and is student and/or visitor facing, complete vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (also known as COVID-19) is required.

Head Start of Lane County is an EEO Employer.
Head Start of Lane County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46.40 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person