Agency:  Community Action Program Committee Inc.

Working Title: Director of Head Start / Early Head Start

Department:  Head Start                             FLSA Classification: Exempt/Benefits Eligible

Opening Date: June 28, 2023                    Closing Date:  When position is filled

Organization Mission and Vision:

Our Mission Statement:  The mission of the Community Action Program Committee, Inc. is to help low-income families achieve stability and self-sustainability by collaborating with community stakeholders to create solutions to poverty.

Our Vision: To empower all citizens of Northwest Florida to become stable, achieve self-sustainability, eradicate poverty and make the community a better place to live.

Your Contribution to our success:

Summary:  Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Head Start – Early Head Start oversees the agency’s program for early childhood learning to achieve educational quality, positive child outcomes, and kindergarten readiness.

Functioning as the subject matter expert for the Agency’s early childhood learning, the Director ensures the Policy Council, Board of Directors, management, and program employees are in compliance with Office of Head Start (OHS) / Department of Children and Families (DCF) and other regulatory agencies’ performance standards, to include program governance and professional development.

The Director ensures that the Program is fully enrolled per grant requirements and provides a strategic vision for the Early Learning Program to enhance kindergarten readiness and family engagement.

Additionally, the Director will oversee the Program’s budget and fiscal processes, including non-federal match requirements, and coordinates and liaisons with Region IV’s Grantee Specialist and its Training and Technical Assistance network regarding compliance and development issues.

Using and analyzing data from the Community Needs Assessment, the Director ensures the Program meets the needs of Head Start / Early Head Start parents in providing a quality early learning experience and meeting parent goals.  Contributes to a positive parent engagement.

Charged with providing the program with vision and leadership, the Director will take a thoughtful, proactive, and collaborative approach to ensure management functions are properly carried out.

Also, the Director serves as the agency’s liaison in administrative matters relating to the OHS, DCF, and Licensing.

Ensures that Program Governance is trained and engaged to carry out its responsibilities.

The Director will also serve as the contact and committee representative for national, regional, and community early learning partners.  Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Education and Required Qualifications:  Bachelor degree and experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management, and administration is required.  An Advanced Degree in Early Childhood Education and Management is preferred.

  • Five or more years of recent experience in a management role involving program oversight, fiscal management, facilities management, and administration, preferably within a multi-site operation.
  • Demonstrated experience in a change management environment requiring leadership in defining process and establishing relationships, both internal and external.
  • Demonstrated experience in program planning, operations, and evaluation, and the use of management / data information systems.
  • Head Start / Early Head Start experience in a field related to early childcare, education, and families.
  • Head Start experience, or the ability to quickly understand the Head Start philosophy and model.
  • Significant personnel management experience. This position may manage teams of at least 10 direct reports.
  • Creative problem-solver and strategic planner, with the ability to use data and sound judgement, to drive decision-making.
  • Ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence and comfort, providing and receiving open, honest feedback, and dealing with substantive issues.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently, and able to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a collaborative team within the Agency and build positive rapport with key community groups.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversees the day-to-day management, operations, child and employee safety, and compliance for our Head Start / Early Head Start Program that serves over 700 children at 10 sites.
  • Responsible and accountable for the monitoring and compliance of Head Start’s Performance Standards.
  • Responsible and accountable for the monitoring and compliance of the Department of Children and Families regulations to include licensing.
  • Ensures that classrooms are fully staffed and trained per OHS Performance Standards.
  • Manages, mentors, trains, and develops staff, directly supervising a leadership team and indirectly supervise a team of 130 staff.
  • Models behaviors that inspire strong performance and instill a sense of excellence in all staff.
  • Oversees the administration and maintenance of facilities, materials, and equipment.
  • Works with the Fiscal Department in preparing and implementing the Head Start and Early Head Start budget, striving to find efficiencies and room for revenue growth.
  • In close collaboration with senior leaders, participates in effective and efficient program planning and implementation.
  • Owns the assessment of staff and program operations, exercising sound judgment and leveraging data to swiftly make decisions related to individual and site performance.
  • Serves as the external face of Head Start / Early Head Start in the local community, reflecting positively on the Agency and advocating for its Early Learning program.
  • Maintains a positive relationship with the Board of Directors, Policy Council and Parent Committees.
  • Serves as the Agency’s liaison to Region IV’s Office of Head Start.

Physical Demands (not all inclusive, see job description for complete list)

  • Ability to sit most of the time with some bending and reaching
  • Ability to receive and respond to oral communication
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull up to 20 pounds
  • Ability to work frequently at close visual range (i.e., preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, and extensive reading

Other Requirements: Applicants must have a current Florida Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and must meet all Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Office of Head Start (OHS) requirements for employment.

Additionally, applicants must be knowledgeable and proficient in using MS Office applications.

Conducting meeting and training presentations (in-person or virtual) are required.

Interested applicants, please complete and submit an employment application (resumes may be attached) at www.capc-pensacola.org.

For more information, contact Deborah Nagle, HR Director, 850-438-4021 or email d.nagle@capc-pensacola.org.

The Community Action Program Committee, Inc. is an EOE; participates in E-Verify; and Advocates for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion