Head Start Director

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assures compliance with all funding source mandates, all applicable laws and regulations, and ensures that standards that exceed the minimum are being met.
• 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.
• Reviews and analyzes monthly financial and statistical reports to assess the budget status and to initiate preventative measures if any problems appear to be predicted.
• Oversees and monitors agreements for the purchasing of goods and services, ensuring that bids are solicited in accordance with Tribal, state, and federal regulations.
• In conjunction with the Family Services Specialist, assures that the program serves the number of eligible children for which it is funded.
• Reads management and leadership materials and program-related materials to keep abreast of developments in comprehensive early childhood programs.
• Works with other organizations in the community to foster collaboration as defined by federal Head Start.
• In conjunction with the Tribal Council, staff, and Policy Committee, leads planning meetings in which long-term and short-term goals for improvement are established.
• Conducts a complete Community Assessment every three years and an update during the intervening years.
• With input from program participants and the staff, develops a funding application every year.
• In conjunction with the Tribal Council, seeks additional outside funding for the program; meets the non-federal share requirement.
• Facilitates the continuing professional development of all staff as part of the commitment to excellence.
• Maintains effective, appropriate communication with the Tribal Council & Administrator, including attending all regular and special meetings and committee meetings. Providing a written report to the Council on the fiscal and programmatic status of the program and of the administrative activities since the last meeting, monitoring results, and strategies to resolve problems. Communication of relevant information from the funding sources.
• Provision of training for new Policy Council members and Periodic refresher for veteran members on their roles and responsibilities.
• Monitors the implementation of the responsibilities of employees through observation, (minimally) monthly supervisory meetings, team meetings, and review of files and documentation.
• Assumes an active role in the annual program self-assessment.
• Assures remediation of any non-compliances found in delegate or grantee assessment and incorporates recommendations into planning for the improvement of the program.
• Provides and/or secures training and technical assistance for all staff.
• 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.
• Hears and resolves community complaints about the program, seeking input from staff, parents, or the Board, as needed.
• Carries out the function delineated in procedures for staff grievances.
• Hires and, if necessary, terminates staff, complying with applicable laws, regulations, Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures, and assures parent council input into the hiring and/or termination of staff.
• Completes and submits regular reports to the funding sources, the Tribal Council, the Administrator, and the Policy Committee.
• Oversees and maintains the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program); annual grant writing, budget maintenance, and monthly reports.
• Monitors the program's administrative costs, assuring it does not exceed the allowed amount.
• Monitors the program's non-federal share to ensure that the amount required is met. Meets with staff, parents, and the Policy Council to develop strategies for increasing the amount of the program's accumulated non-federal share, if necessary.
• Maintains open lines of communication with the grantee personnel.
• In consultation with the Education Staff, ensures that classrooms and playgrounds are well-equipped.
• Required by the State of Arizona, the Office of Head Start, and the Cocopah Tribal Social Services to be a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. Including records of food service and attendance.
• Is required by the State of Arizona, the Office of Head Start, and the Cocopah Tribal Social Services to be a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect.
• Including records of food service and attendance
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to understand the Head Start philosophy.
• Ability to implement its principles of shared authority and decision-making.
• Leadership ability.
• Knowledge of human services program management, including program planning, operations, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of management information systems; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and/or weekends.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal daily guidance.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of working in a team setting.
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and other office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, copier, and smartphone.
• Proficient ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including software related to ChildPlus, Teaching Strategies Gold, ReadyRosie, and Class Dojo.
• Must be able to travel, enter, and exit a vehicle without assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Tasks that involve possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissues (generally, only observing in the classroom).
• Risk involved with travel on main highway, side streets, and rural roads during business travel, including evening meetings.
• Tasks that involve handling implements or utensils.
• Use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases.

QUALIFICATION

• Must be able to undergo and pass a DPS/FBI fingerprint background investigation and cannot have two (2) or more misdemeanors or felony convictions.
• Valid Arizona Driver's License and proof of vehicle liability insurance.
• Minimum of 21 years or older.
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred, or certification must be obtained after employment.
• Must be able to pass T.B. skin testing, X-ray, and yearly physical examination.
• Personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults. Flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that do not interfere with the job responsibilities.
• Other testing may be required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field.
• 3 years of preschool management experience, 2 years' experience working with young children, and 2 years' experience supervising adults.

The Head Start Director is responsible for ensuring that the Head Start program standards are met. This position develops the structure, systems, and procedures of the program. In addition to operational responsibility for fiscal, legal, and programmatic aspects of the program, it bears the responsibility of ensuring that the program is strategically positioned