Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start

Would you like to become a member of a nationally recognized early childhood education program? Join our team!

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inc. is currently seeking a Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start to lead our Head Start/Early Head Start program.

The Vice President of Head Start (VP) plays a crucial role in leading the daily operations of Head Start's early education and development services, including support for children with disabilities. This position is instrumental in fostering children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth and setting the foundation for their future success in school.

The Vice President's responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of the Early Childhood program according to agency policies, federal regulations, applicable laws, and guidelines from funding sources. Utilizing expertise in managing Head Start program operations, the VP will coordinate various activities related to the program, including grant management, staff professional development, database administration, data analysis, fiscal operations management, and community partnerships. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises the day-to-day Agency Head Start Department.
• Conduct staff Professional Development
• Responsible for financial oversight
• Manage program local, state, and national reporting

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the program complies with local, state, and national Head Start Performance Standards
• Manage reporting and billing for all Head Start contracts.
• Collaborate with the Finance department to manage the annual program budget.
• Oversee Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility, and Attendance (ERSEA).
• Facilitate local, state, and national conference calls.
• Ensure program services comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Conduct and coordinate necessary program audits, including Federal Grant Reviews.
• Represent the agency at all local, state, and national meetings/conferences.
• Facilitate grantee self-assessments.
• Manage ChildPlus with the Assistant Director of Head Start.
• Ensure that Program Information Report (PIR) data is tracked, meets benchmarks, and is reported annually as required.
• Provide a training system for the new Head Start staff.
• Ensures that the program serves the number of eligible children for which it is funded.
• Stay informed about new developments in comprehensive early childhood programs.
• Monitors the implementation of employee responsibilities through observation, monthly supervisory meetings, team meetings, and reviews of files and documentation.
• Collaborate with Head Start staff to ensure they fulfill Head Start mandates and performance standards.
• Conducts training sessions for Head Start staff to consistently implement practices that comply with Head Start performance standards and requirements.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Head Start to set annual goals and objectives for the Head Start program.
• Participate in Urban League Executive Team Meetings and contribute to creating, modifying, and implementing the organization's strategic plan.
• Ensure the required reports and grant applications are completed and submitted by the deadline.
• Attend and present Head Start data at Urban League board committee meetings.
• Represent and advocate for the Head Start program at the Executive Team level.
• Act as a Liaison for the Head Start Policy Council and Board.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Significant understanding of program planning, as well as supervisory principles and practices for early childhood education programs.
• Demonstrates leadership, accepts responsibility, works independently, and sets personal goals in a professional manner.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to all staff, clients, and contacts of the agency.
• Significant knowledge of specific educational requirements for staff roles.
• Capacity to effectively communicate with the public and positively represent the agency.
• The ability to prioritize, consider alternatives, and respond quickly and effectively to unexpected and rapidly changing conditions.
• Maintain productive collaborative working relationships with the Policy Council and the governing body/Tribal Council.
• Maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents, and other agencies, exercising professional judgment in evaluating decisions.
• Ability to solve complex technical, administrative, and regulatory or policy issues involved in implementing robust systems and services by making timely decisions.
• Capacity to handle suspected or known cases of child abuse and neglect that comply with applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws.
• Ability to advocate for all children, families, and agency staff.
• Ability to write reports and conduct business correspondence.
• Ability to provide direct supervision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Education Administration or related Human Service field.
• Three years of experience working with disadvantaged and low-income clients.
• Valid driver's license.
• Experience with Child Plus database system. Preferred.
• Public Administration courses include budgeting, personnel, and supervision. Preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout classrooms.
• Ability to lift and carry (40) pounds.
• Ability to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.

*Per program policies a health exam, clear tuberculosis screen, Hepatitis A vaccination and background check are required for hire.

We offer a positive work environment, competitive salary and an excellent benefit package. Preference will be extended to applicants with the appropriate degree. Current and former Head Start parents will receive preference for employment.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law.

Current Openings for Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start Jobs at Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis