Head Start Director

Join SWCAP and lead programs that make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. As the Head Start Director, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related early childhood programs. You will lead program planning, compliance, fiscal management, staff development, and continuous quality improvement while building strong partnerships with families, community organizations, Policy Council, and the SWCAP Board of Directors. This position is ideal for an experienced early childhood leader who is passionate about strengthening outcomes for children and families and can effectively balance program quality, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and staff leadership. All work is guided by SWCAPs core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Dignity, Compassion, Belonging, and Equitable Leadership. Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership, direction, and oversight for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related program activities.Develop and monitor strategic plans, program goals, school readiness goals, and continuous improvement activities.Lead program self-assessment, community assessment, program planning, and ongoing monitoring processes.Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Wisconsin Child Care Licensing requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.Oversee grant and contract compliance, including preparing grant applications, reports, and the annual Program Information Report (PIR).Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets in collaboration with the fiscal team and ensure resources are used effectively and within funding requirements.Analyze program data, outcomes, enrollment, attendance, and school readiness information to identify opportunities for program improvement.Provide leadership and supervision to program managers and other department staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and problem resolution.Ensure appropriate staffing, work plans, training, and technical assistance are in place to support high-quality program services.Collaborate with Head Start Policy Council and the SWCAP Board of Directors and ensure required program actions and approvals are brought forward appropriately.Build and maintain partnerships with school districts, community organizations, families, and other stakeholders to strengthen services and outcomes.Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory developments affecting Head Start.Represent SWCAP and Head Start at local, state, and federal meetings and through community and public relations activities.Oversee program policies, procedures, Memorandums of Understanding, and other agreements necessary to support program operations.Promote innovative approaches and collaborative strategies that improve services for children and families.Prepare and present program reports, outcomes, and recommendations to agency leadership, Policy Council, the Board of Directors, and funding sources.