Head Start Director

Responsible for providing overall vision, leadership and direction of all component aspects of Head Start.

Department:

Head Start

Pay Grade:

TBD

FLSA:

Exempt

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Tribal Administrator and general direction of the Tribal Council and Head Start Policy Council, the Head Start Director is responsible for providing overall vision, leadership and direction in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all component aspects of Head Start.  The Director is responsible in meeting all federal requirements as outlined in the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act and the Head Start Performance Standards. In addition, the Director is responsible for the overall programmatic operations and evaluation of the program including accountability of operations and quality service delivery.  The Director has direct responsibility in the areas of Program Design and Management and Shared Governance, as well as general responsibility for Fiscal Management and other areas of Head Start. 

Duites:

Essential Duties:

  • Mandatory reporter of all suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect.
  • In the event of a disaster, Head Start employees are required to provide assistance in accordance with the tribe’s Emergency Operations Plan or their level of training (CPR and/or First Aid).
  • All San Felipe Pueblo Head Start applicants must submit mandatory criminal background check information to the Human Resources Director before employment with the program or following any conviction occurring after commencement of employment.
  • Must follow a Drug-Free Work Place Policy and follow the intent of the Drug-Free Work Place Act.
  • Must have an annual physical and TB screening

Head Start Director responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the written preparation, approval and submission of the Head Start grant inclusive of collection and analysis of data for program assessment, evaluation and improvement.
  • Through the goals established in the Head Start grant, and based on the Head Start Act and Performance Standards, formulate, coordinate, and implement the Head Start program inclusive of long-range goals and short-term objectives, action plans, monitoring reports, and policies and procedures.
  • Use program data, and results of the annual program self-assessment, wage comparability study, and community needs assessment to determine program direction.
  • Provides guidance and leadership to staff to emphasize the importance of the program achieving high standards of quality, internally and through public and private sector partnerships. 
  • Establish program monitoring procedures to ensure compliance and efficient program operations.
  • Interpret all government regulations, transmittal notices, and memoranda pertaining to the Head Start program, and initiate as appropriate.
  • Identify new program development areas and develop proposals to secure funding.
  • Prepare and submit reports necessary for the continued funding of the program as required by Office of Head Start.
  • Serve as an advocate for the Head Start program, establish partnerships with tribal programs to address child, family and community concerns and develop plans for utilization of community resources.
  • Reads management and leadership materials and program-related materials to keep abreast of developments in comprehensive early childhood programs.
  • Foster shared decision making with Policy Council and work closely with that group to ensure organization, training and effective operations.
  • Attend monthly Policy Council meetings, Tribal Council meetings when requested and other meetings as required.
  • Develop personnel policies specific to Head Start requirements in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and Policy Council.
  • Monitors the implementation of the responsibilities of employees through observation, monthly supervisory meetings, team meetings, and review of files and documentation.
  • Guide and assist in the hiring process for all Head Start staff, and in their assignment and orientation to the program and their duties.
  • Oversee the monitoring of services provided and insure compliance of services with Office of Head Start requirements.
  • Assures remediation of any non-compliances found in delegate or grantee assessment, and incorporates recommendations into planning for the improvement of the program.
  • Maintains a close working relationship with the Fiscal Coordinator, which provides the Director with information for budget writing and the status of the budget to facilitate effective oversight of expenditures.
  • Administer and provide professional assistance to program staff in planning, reviewing, and implementing the goals outlined in the Head Start grant.
  • Represent the Pueblo of San Felipe in meetings with governmental agencies and professional organizations, on national and state councils, and on regional consortiums and national boards.
  • Prepare monthly monitoring reports, Annual Report, and annual Tribal Transition Summary Overviews that establish fiscal and programmatic direction and continuity.
  • Promote, establish and implement positive working relationships with children, families and co-workers.
  • Oversee Head Start’s School Readiness Plan.

Additional Responsibilities:

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by this employee.  He or she will be required to follow any other instructions or to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Qualifications:

Education: Master’s Degree preferred.  Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field from an accredited institution of higher learning including 12 credit hours of coursework related to early childhood education and child development.  Head Start experience preferable.

Experience/Basic Knowledge: Must have strong written good communication skills with staff and parents.  Good knowledge in computer skills, business, budgeting and knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferable.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Prefer a valid driver’s license. Must have a food handlers certificate.  Must have and maintain current CPR/First Aid.

Physical Requirements: Must have manual dexterity to enter and retrieve data from a computer. Ability to sit and stand for long periods. Bends and stoops regularly.  Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Preferences: San Felipe Preference and Veteran’s Preference.

Working Conditions:

Works in office. Sits for long periods of time and types.  Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

Additional Info:

Supervision and Guidelines: Guidelines include the personnel policy and department policies and procedures.

Reports to the Tribal Administrator.

Directly supervises Management Team members, and oversees supervision of all Head Start employees.

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