Assistant Director - Early Head Start

Posting Details

Posting Details

Position Title Assistant Director - Early Head Start Posting Number 2026039EP

Position Information

Working Title Classification Code 1671 RCW Exemption Criteria 14 - Extension/Continuing Education EWU Position Number E99780 FLSA Exempt - Administrative Bargaining Unit None % Full Time 100% Salary / Wage Range 111AE Salary Information Anticipated Start Date August 1, 2026 Term of Appointment 12 months/year Location Spokane County Spokane Project Description

EWU Early Head Start is a $1.8 million federal grant that requires EWU to provide comprehensive services to 116 low income pregnant women, infants and toddlers living in Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry Counties every week all year round. The grant is renewed annually and has a history of over a decade of successful grant renewals. It employs 21 full time permanent staff. The program is required to meet federal regulations at all times in terms of the quantity and quality of services.

Project Duration NA Background Check Yes - Both Responsible HR User Responsible HR User Email address aterrell1@ewu.edu

Position Details

Job Summary

We are currently seeking skilled and team-oriented applicants for the following position: Assistant Director - Early Head Start. This is a full-time position.

The Assistant Director supports the Early Head Start Director in ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality, consistent program services in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and university requirements. The Assistant Director provides leadership and coordination across human resources systems, training and technical assistance (TTA), governance support, and internal program operations, while also contributing to program planning, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.

This position serves as a key member of the program's leadership team and provides delegated authority to support continuity of operations, workforce stability, and shared governance across a geographically dispersed, rural service area.

All work must be completed in compliance with federal, state, local and university statues, regulations, policies and practices to assure consistent, high-quality services for pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

The Assistant Director is expected to complete responsibilities in compliance with state and federal regulations, program policies and procedures, and the vision, mission, goals, objectives and values of the organization.

This job is an excellent opportunity to mission-driven individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families. As a full-time or part-time employee of Eastern Washington University, you will receive salary plus excellent benefits (medical, dental, retirement and more), paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays! Just as important, you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals devoted to providing comprehensive services to our communities and their families.

EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

The salary for this position is $72,641 (minimum) up to $72,641. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on qualifications, education, experience, and skills.

In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page:https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits-briefing/benefits/insurance/

Applications are open and will close on July 13, 2026. Screening of applications will begin on July 13, 2026. All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.

Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region's polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU's 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington's second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences, and at Riverpoint, a campus shared with Washington State University. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor's and master's degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a '24-'25 College of Distinction (CoD).

Money magazine recently named EWU as one of its Best Colleges in America 2024.

Tribal Land Acknowledgement

At Eastern Washington University, we are proud to recognize the land of the Spokane Tribe and other tribes that shared the land for fishing and trading. The Spokane Tribe, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe are integral to the cultural heritage and traditional ethnological knowledge of the land.

Native American heritage is woven into the fabric of our institution, enriching our community through tribal culture, historical teachings, and tribal language, and is embraced daily by students, staff, faculty, and the Eastern Washington community.

At EWU, we are committed to reflecting on and acknowledging the historical injustices of genocide and the forced removal of tribal peoples and all our relatives. EWU recognizes and honors tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships with tribes.

From here forward, EWU will remain committed to supporting, honoring, and recognizing the Native American community and the dynamic contributions that are shared with our university.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.

Conditions of Employment

This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.

Position requires use of a personal vehicle when performing job duties; proof of insurance and a valid driver's license are required for this position; mileage for use of personal vehicle for completion of job duties will be reimbursed at the approved state rates. Position requires travel in the Spokane area and will have occasional travel to Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties in all seasons.

Other Requirements:

• Infant/Toddler CPR and First Aid Certificate (within 30 days after hire)
• TB Test (within one year prior to hire)
• Staff Health Exam (prior to hire)
• Valid Washington State Driver's License and private automotive insurance (prior to hire)
• Food Handler's Permit (within 30 days after hire)
• HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens Training (within 30 days after hire)
• Personal vehicle for local travel
• Provide 3 Personal and 3 Professional References (prior to hire)
• Criminal Background Declarations (prior to hire)
• Pass all Background Checks as required by 45 CFR Part 1302.90, including state criminal history records fingerprint checks (prior to hire), sex offender registry check (prior to hire), FBI criminal history register finger print check ( within 90 days of hire) and child abuse and neglect state registry check (within 90 days of hire). Employee must also pass all 4 criminal background checks at least every five years.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently. Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Employees hired between April 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, are not eligible for cost-of-living increases, if authorized, until July 1, 2027.

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership will assign Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Physical Demands

Contact Alysha Terrell in Human Resource Services at aterrell1@ewu.edu to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.

Pre-Placement Physical Yes Hearing Test No Medical Monitoring Post Hire Yes Protective Equipment

Latex or nitrile gloves; face covering as required. University, local, regional and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.

Blood-borne pathogen kit, face mask, gloves, and inclement footwear traction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, Social Work, or a related service field applicable to Head Start.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing supervision or leadership in an organizational setting.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating training, onboarding, or organizational systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach with staff and families.
• Ability to pass all required checks including: initial health exam, ongoing health screenings and/or exams, and initial and ongoing background checks
• Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that is supportive of the needs including universal access of our students, faculty, staff and the public

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, or Family Services.
• Early Head Start or Head Start experience.
• Experience working in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience supporting governance or shared decision-making bodies.
• Experience working in rural or geographically dispersed service areas.
• Previous or current Head Start or Early Head Start parents are encouraged to apply.

Other Skills and Abilities

Note: The above job description is a general outline of the duties and responsibilities typically associated with this position. Specific tasks and responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the department and institution.

Work Schedule Type Regular Work Schedule

40 hours per week, typically Monday - Friday between 8 AM - 5 PM, depending on program needs. The individual selected for this position will work on-site and actively contribute to a collaborative and collegial office environment.

Posting Date 06/26/2026 Open Until Further Notice No Closing Date 07/13/2026 Screening to Begin 07/13/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants

It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.

Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.

• Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide that information in a bulleted list or within a table within your cover letter.

• Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position. List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).

• Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.

• Mission Statement Response - EWU's mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?

• Please do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself.

Application Types Accepted Profile

Job Duties

% of Time 50 Responsibility / Duty

Administrative Leadership, Human Resources Systems, and Internal Operations.

(Administrative in nature)

• Coordinate and oversee operational human resources systems for the program, including pre-hire processes, onboarding, orientation, training compliance tracking, and personnel documentation.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor the program's annual Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Plan, including timelines, documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate annual required trainings, professional development activities, and compliance-related staff learning opportunities.
• Plan, schedule, and support staff meetings, management team meetings, and internal trainings, including preparation of agendas, materials, and follow-up documentation.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for Governing Board and Policy Council meetings, including orientation, training coordination, scheduling, documentation, and expense tracking.
• Assist in ensuring consistent compliance with university, local, state, and federal human resources policies, including mandatory reporting requirements.
• Serve as an operational point of coordination during staff vacancies, extended leaves, or periods of increased workload.
• Supervise student employees, part-time hourly staff, and/or permanent staff, as assigned, including onboarding, scheduling, performance feedback, and compliance with Eastern Washington University policies and procedures.
• Oversee coordination of program marketing, outreach, and communication activities to support enrollment and community awareness, including advertising, digital communication, and promotional materials.
• Provide administrative oversight for program advertising initiatives such as recruitment materials, print and digital advertisements, and community-facing communications.
• Ensure marketing and communication activities are consistent with Head Start requirements, university standards, and program priorities.
• Assist the Director with internal documentation, timelines, and operational readiness related to audits, monitoring visits, and reviews.

Essential Function Indicator Yes % of Time 50 Responsibility / Duty

Program Planning, Governance Support, and Continuous Quality Improvement

(Programmatic in nature)

• Participate as a member of the program planning and management team, contributing to program design, service planning, and evaluation activities.
• Assist in coordinating and documenting community assessment, self-assessment, annual reporting, and other program planning processes.
• Support preparation of programmatic reports to governing bodies related to program outcomes, progress toward goals, and service delivery.
• Assist in monitoring program data related to workforce development, training effectiveness, and service implementation to inform continuous quality improvement.
• Support governance members in understanding program services, outcomes, and regulatory responsibilities related to shared decision-making.
• Assist in the development, review, and updating of policies and procedures related to program services, staff development, and internal systems.
• Contribute to grant planning and narrative development as assigned, including sections related to training, workforce development, and program operations.
• Plan student and faculty engagement opportunities with families.
• Support or lead coordination across program content areas (education, health, family services, ERSEA, and disabilities) to ensure continuity and quality of services.

Essential Function Indicator Yes

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Mission Statement Response

Optional Documents

• DD214 Form