Job Details
Level
Senior
Job Location
Pilsen (Administrative Offices) – Chicago, IL
Position Type
Full Time
Salary Range
$85,000.00 – $95,000.00 Salary/year
Job Category
Nonprofit – Social Services
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Early Childhood will bring extensive experience leading and managing large-scale comprehensive child and family support programs and a passion to open opportunities to low-income children to achieve their full potential through the foundation of quality early education. This position is responsible for the development of systems and procedures to ensure that programs meet all requirements per Federal Head Start Performance Standards, local and state contract requirements (PI/PFA/HS/EHS/EHS-CCP), and agency policies and procedures. The Director remains informed of national, state, and local policies related to the field. These responsibilities include hiring/onboarding program staff, ensuring proper supervision, and professional development. the execution of trauma-informed and culturally appropriate service delivery. The Director is responsible for developing and monitoring program budgets and coordinating with the Finance Department to produce financial reports and ensure a strong program’s financial position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strategic leadership and management of all areas of the Head Start and family support programs including Pre School for All, Prevention Initiative, and Child Care; ensure fiscal and programmatic quality, efficiency, and compliance with all funding source mandates.
- Develop program budgets and work in coordination with the Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Program Officer; monitor program spending and administrative costs, review budgets quarterly, produce financial reports, and maintain appropriate financial records as required by state and federal guidelines.
- Complete required applications and oversee grants that support early childhood education.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programmatic plans and procedures; adhere to EHS/HS federal requirements; ensure completion of NAEYC accreditation and DCFS license renewals, manage and coordinate all visits, audits, and trainings with DFSS and the Office of Head Start.
- In coordination with the Associate Director of Compliance and the Associate Director of Center-Based Quality and Program Operations, complete reporting to the Office of Head Start, address any non-compliance issues, and incorporate recommendations into planning program improvement measures.
- Conduct Community Needs Assessments and annual program self-assessment in collaboration with the Associate Director of Compliance and the Associate Director of Center-Based Quality and Program Operations.
- Oversee parent engagement goals; attend Parent Policy Committee meetings, provide leadership development opportunities, and integrate parent feedback into programmatic goals in coordination with the Associate Directors.
- Direct and ensure development of an annual professional training plan, incorporate topics specific to each program service area for both staff and monthly parent meetings.
- Monitor recruitment and enrollment goals to ensure programs are fully enrolled.
- Analyze and interpret Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards; and understand the developmentally appropriate practice B-5 and Head Start Early Learning Framework.
- Provide a written report to Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors regarding the fiscal and programmatic status of programs.
- Serve as the public face of the organization at city, state, and national levels in early childhood program and policy matters.
- Ensure the highest quality programming by reviewing program evaluation quarterly reports and developing goals to continue program improvement and innovation.
In addition, all Gads Hill Center employees are responsible for the following:
- Participating in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends.
- Participating in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Gads Hill Center.
- Performing other duties, as assigned.
- Master’s degree in early childhood education, Public Administration or related field required. Illinois Gateways: Early Childhood Education Level 5, Infant Toddler Credential 3, and Director Credential 2 required.
- Minimum 8 years of result-driven leadership and operational/management, experience in the early childhood education field, and knowledge and experience with Head Start regulations and standards required.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is required.
- Ability to work at any child development by passing a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.
- Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license, car, and auto insurance.