Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.
DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:
The Director of Head Start has full responsibility for planning, directing and administering the Head Start program. The Director plans, organizes and monitors program operations, functions, activities, services, and staff. The Director is responsible for program planning, program development, program management, self-evaluation and ongoing community relations
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:
Supervised by: President and CEO
Supervises: Head Start Service Area Supervisors
Administrative Office Manager
Financial Manager
Research and Grants Developer
All Service Area Supervisors
Coordinates with: Service Area Supervisors, Officials of Other Community Service Agencies and Institutions, and the public
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning and Setting Objectives
Plans, formulates, coordinates and implements the Head Start program. Provides the direction and leadership for all service areas
Interprets all governmental statues, regulations, transmittal notices and memorandums pertaining to the Head Start program. Develops policies and operating procedures based on this guidance.
Coordinates efforts to ensure that the program meets its’ in-kind and volunteer requirements
Coordinates with the Supervisor of Community & Family Partnerships the updated Community Assessment and develops goals and options based on the resulting information
Prepares grant application and explains it to staff, policy groups, parents and community
Develops and recommends plans consistent with the overall mission of the grantee/delegate agency’s Head Start program
Directs program operations in a manner consistent with the requirements of contractual agreements, laws, regulations and funding documents
Directs the development of program financial plans and budgets including operating costs, capital and extraordinary expenditures, and submits consolidated annual budgets to Policy Council/committees and funding sources for approval
Organizing
Responsible for the development and implementation of a fiscal accounting management system that will include monitoring budget expenditures and budget revisions, property procurement and inventory control; participates in the audit entrance and exit interviews; works to resolve audit exceptions and implement management recommendations
Develops the necessary systems and procedures to assure implementation of program coordination. Assists in preparing and updating the service area plans
Establishes operating and administrative policies and procedures to assure efficient program operation and compliance with all contractual terms, conditions and obligations
Controls and coordinates operations and activities and approved action plans
Presides at various meetings of staff personnel and special committees to obtain guidance, provide leadership and coordinate the activities of these groups to the best interest of the agency and program
Develops and coordinates an administrative organization plan and delegates tasks to staff to carry out the plan
Develops and maintains clear-cut lines of authority and channels of communications
Motivating and Communicating
Serves as an advocate for the Head Start program. Promotes good relations by serving on boards, committees, and participates in community activities
Periodically convenes Head Start agency managerial and supervisory staff for planning, management and review purposes
Serves as liaison between program agency, board, grantee, policy groups, councils, and community agencies
Fosters shared decision making with the policy council /committee. Works closely with that group to ensure organization, training and effective operation in accordance with the appendix of the Head Start Performance Standards
Provides periodic written documents and program reports to the grantee administration, policy council, ACYF Regional Office and other agencies
Assists in the formulation of policy in an advisory capacity and prepares information to be considered in the determination of policy
Develops plans for utilization of community resources. Initiates and maintains needed liaison and works closely with public and private agencies that can provide supporting services to Head Start families
Measuring and Evaluating
Implements internal and external reporting systems and procedures for monitoring and controlling fiscal and programmatic activities
Implements and maintains an ongoing evaluation system to ensure quality control of the total Head Start program including fiscal accountability and cost-effectiveness
Utilizes evaluation data to maintain, correct and/or improve delivery of program services
Studies policies, methods and procedures and modifies or makes recommendations for modifications as is necessary for the proper functioning of the program
Works closely with the Federal Regional staff to ensure effective delivery of services
Developing Staff
Works closely with Personnel Director in developing personnel policies for submission to and approval by the board, parents’ committee and grantee
Assigns, develops, trains, supervises, and evaluates program staff and their work. Reviews and makes recommendations on personnel actions such as employment, retention, promotion and termination
Assists in the implementation of in-service training and technical assistant plan
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of principles of management and administration.
Knowledge of the principles of human development and the learning process.
Knowledge of the functions of social service grantee agencies.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and objectives of Head Start programs or
Comparable pre-school child development programs.
Knowledge of budget preparation, control method of and administrative analysis.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, city and other necessary laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Ability to write grants, letters and plans.
Ability to relate well to and coordinate with the people being served.
Ability to solve problems.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations.
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree is preferred in Early Childhood Education or related field such as sociology or elementary education, etc.
Substantial experience in a supervisory capacity may waive the education experience.
Experienced administrator with and understanding of Child Development theories and practices.
Expertise in fiscal and program management with at least three (3) years of actual experience.
At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach. Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals. As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a valid Virginia Operator’s license with a good driving record and reliable transportation.
TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program. Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
This position is eligible for remote work upon supervisor’s approval.
Must be able to travel out of town and overnight for occasional training and conferences
Must pass drug screening. Some positions require positive complete background screening including: criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
Must have CPR and First Aid certification or be able to complete such certification within 6 months of employment.
This position requires the individual to be in the field and must have contact with the office staff and supervisor therefore an agency issued cell phone is necessary.
Physical activity of this position – climbing; ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, use of fingers for – picking, pinching and typing; grasping, feeling, hearing, talking, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Physical requirements of this position – medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity requirements – close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
Conditions subject to in this position – worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.
We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace
Bilingual ability is a plus
Submit cover letter and resume, along with references (2 professional and 1 personal) to: