Senior Director of Head Start Early Childhood Services in Hermiston, Oregon at UMATILLA-MORROW COUNTY HEAD START INC

Job Goal:

As Eastern Oregon’s largest nonprofit dedicated to Early Childhood Care & Education, the Senior Director ensures our Head Start/Early Head Start & Oregon Prekindergarten efforts align with best practice, understanding that we are pivotal stewards whose early learning resources and assets are meant to be shared. This charismatic and caring leader will build and lead with a collaborative spirit that contributes to high level outcomes and continued investment in early learning.

Key to this position includes responsibilities to support UMHS’ activities and efforts to identify, develop, cultivate, and sustain special program innovation, initiatives and working in close partnership with the CEO around strategic partnerships that further UMHS’ position as a recognized leader in early childhood services and supportive programming in serving families, communities, nonprofit and funding relationships across Eastern Oregon and UMHS service areas.

This position is responsible for all functions of a thriving Head Start‐Early Head Start‐Early Head Start Child Care Partnership/Oregon Pre‐Kindergarten Program serving over 500 children and families in eight counties and in 23 locations. This position is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team committed to best practices around Early Learning, Health, and Family Well‐Being. This position works collaboratively with local School Districts, Early Learning Hubs, and key public & oral health, parent education and mental health partners to ensure sound financial management, compliance with funder requirements, and long‐term planning to ensure school readiness and child well‐being additionally, the Senior Director develops and fosters a workplace that values and supports a culturally diverse work environment and its employees, volunteers, and partners.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Program Administration
• Develop and implement program policies and procedures; soliciting staff and community members’ participation in setting policy and implementing/developing tools for evaluation
• Develop long‐range plans to meet set goals and objectives, including launching new innovative strategies like Dual Language Learner classrooms, mixed mode, age or duration specific models, and therapeutic offerings
• Work in concert with other UMHS staff to coordinate facilities management and operations; budgetary and financial reporting; recruitment/ training/supervision/evaluation of staff, volunteer & partner coordination; and community outreach
• Ensure all services are provided in concert with performance standards, established laws & contract requirements in a fiscally responsible manner with established outputs that lead to stated outcomes
• Ensure complete program related audit preparation and audit performance results are successful
• Ensure alignment with Federal monitoring requirements; accurately interpret, input, navigate & share data into the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES), and current Program Information Reports (PIR).
• Coordinate key activities, from vision to implementation, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer to maintain an inclusive, productive, and positive organizational culture centered around identified Key Responsibility Areas
• Track, review, and report concerns and complaints, identifying models of resolution at varying levels of the organization; tracking formally challenges and strategies for mitigation while informing relevant Directors
• Help develop leadership competencies and opportunities for ECE career development for staff, parents, volunteers and community including universities/colleges and high schools
• Inspire and develop a practice of engaging volunteers in critical support functions in the field; increasing volunteer engagement

• In partnership with the Education component, identify coverage solutions in a tiered fashion for addressing and managing absences of staff such that work product/reports can be efficiently completed
• Monitor classroom dosage, attendance, and other benchmarks to ensure we remain accountable to the plan and study the impacts, changing course as needed through data informed processes
• Assist program’s movement towards automation, migrating to paperless systems that allow for distance monitoring and supports in place including record keeping
• Help facilitate a responsive inter and intra‐agency referral and case staffing process
• Facilitate system level response that helps cultivate lowest level effective decision‐making for timely response to activity in the field, continuing investment in building leadership acumen of staff and parents throughout the organization
• Foster the development of policies and procedures that simplify, and succinctlyfacilitatebest practice in a braided,collaborativeand integrated fashion while thwarting bureaucratic malaise as wegrow
• Special Initiatives
• Support UMHS’ activities and efforts to identify, develop, cultivate and sustain strategic program and organization partnerships with the CEO
• Respond, develop, and create special program opportunities that include innovation and initiatives that further UMHS has a leader in its service area in early childhood and learning care and programming
• Meet with and maintain positive relationships with funding partners and program collaborators to further program and special initiatives and goals
• Collaborate and support CEO in maintaining relationships with identified partners and peers including government officials and as identified
• Partner with the CEO and contribute to plans that further innovate models, positioning and impact in service areas and delivery
• Program Leadership &Communication
• Support an integrated, multi‐program service delivery continuum with braided resources in manner that helps the organization achieve more stellar program, component, agency, and community outcomes
• Demonstrate sound problem solving and risk management skills that prevent, and when necessary, address deficiencies often encountered by Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
• Foster an environment of respect that welcomes every individual and that fosters a supportive staff environment.
• Delegate responsibilities as appropriate and encourage staff initiative.
• Ensure that HS/EHS/EHSCCP is represented in the neighboring community and with social service providers and government agencies
• Develop relationships with key leaders in Early learning at local, regional, state & national level, attending Oregon Head Start Association meetings as required
• Establish and maintain positive relationships and collaborations with public school districts, systems of higher education, and other community agencies and partners

• Attend and facilitate interagency organizational and planning meetings as required, assisting in creating a culture of accountability by component
• Design and deliver formal presentations that effectively engage and uphold agency values and services
• Provide regular formal presentations to parents, staff, Policy Council, Board and community groups to provide information and ensure collaboration
• Share outcome reports on program performance to Board & Policy Council, funding partners including the Early Learning Division, the Office of Head Start, and other community forums such as Early Learning Hubs
• Take lead on horizontal & vertical internal program communications regarding systems functioning and take a lead role in a team context in external communications with the express goal of engaging the community in early learning initiatives and support
• Workforce Development & Professional Development
• Provide guidance, direction and high‐level general oversight of deliverables and results‐oriented outcomes while consistently and appropriately delegating performance of logistics and task‐oriented responsibilities to other staff and departments.
• Provide training and technical assistance to the Head Start & ECE teams enhancing employee professional growth and development by motivating, encouraging, and supporting staff and team members to become self‐sufficient and able to work independently with limited or no direct supervision from Director.
• Working with Community Services & Program Director and Family Services Manager toidentifythe critical relational, technical, andperformance-basedcompetenciesrequiredfor peak performance; helping develop a crosswalk between recruitment, interview/reference questions, & references and potential training contexts thatfacilitaterecruitment & retention of a qualifiedworkforce
• Ensure performance appraisals are aligned with core competencies and that basic training is timely, practical, engaging, impactful, applied, and shared
• With Education team, co‐facilitate onboarding process of employees for maximum effectiveness, cultivating a shadowing procedure with the Component Directors for exposure and critical dialogues to mentor professional development in natural work settings
• Contribute to the development of toolkits and training that effectively prepare new staff and motivates senior ECE Practitioners through engaging and effective strategies using diverse adult learning techniques
• Maintain appropriate separation between direction to perform work and actual performance of tasks assigned to others to eliminate redundancies and inefficiencies in workflow, and to ensure fiscally responsible use of UMHS funds and resources.
• Coach, develop and improve employee performance through effective communication, documentation and feedback, performance assessments, review without rework, and other positive performance management strategies designed to increase individual productivity, accountability,engagementand overall team performance
• Participate in relevant personnel decisions in accord with existing protocols & ensure approval of the Policy Council
• Delegate responsibilities as necessary to theappropriate staff & monitoroutcomes
• Ensure staff awareness of program policies andprocedures
• Lead responsibility for the Parent/Family PolicyCouncil
• Responsible for the annual Policy Council Orientation, preparing for and attending all Policy Council Meetings

• Facilitate PC subcommittees
• Promote family involvement in center level activities resulting in sustained recruitment & retention of PC members and alumni
• Facilitate parent leadership development through the Leadership Pathway process while ensuring agency staff and the system effectively recruits and supports parent leaders
• Be responsible for the development of the monthly Policy Council report ensuring that it meets all federal requirements
• Ensure that a formal Policy Council book includes announcements, agendas, minutes, training, and membership
• Ensure Policy Council representation and involvement on agency committees is aligned with Guiding Principles
• Fiscal & Grant Management
• Ensure that federal HeadStart/EHS and State OPK grant applications are submitted in a timely manner
• Research and investigate potential grant opportunities and author grants as required
• Review and facilitate Contract development and review as required agency protocol
• Participate in the development of the budgets for maximum leverage of resources & effectiveness
• In partnership, oversee fiscal operations for large budgets including monitoring financial statements; approve expenditures; identify revenue streams; monitor match requirements and provide input
• Ensure timely invoicing and reporting to funding sources, following required notifications
• Accurately interpret financial statements and provide explanations for any variances
• Identify the financial implications of proposed policies and activity
• GuideandmonitorOperation’steameffortstosecurefacilitiesthatmeetlicensingandfallwithinbest practice and strategic plan standards
• Help facilitate and monitor receipt of subsidy, USDA and in‐kind/match requirements in partnership with identified team members
• Ensure expenditures align with prioritized needs and roles and outcomes as identified in the strategic plan and budget
• Advocacy and Community Outreach
• Responsible for developing and safe keeping a workplace which values, supports, attracts, and retains a culturally diverse work environment

• Ensure transportation resources are deployed to most in need populations, analyzing and evaluating impacts on attendance and family engagement
• Balance and communicate multiple initiatives in manner that allows easy alignment with agency/community efforts with focus and without overwhelm
• Support the access of Systems Navigation tools and Parent Education opportunities in a collaborative fashion
• Promote Kinder Bridge and School Readiness efforts throughout the year, fostering a P‐20 perspective that sets children and families up to thrive
• Help develop materials that embed our ‘core story/ in materials and marketing
• Ensure compliance with federal performance standards and best practice initiatives underway and fostered within the agency
• Ensure that the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start CCP program content areas meet full compliance
• Play lead role in the guidance of ERSEA responsibilities, assuring the agency is set on a course for full enrollment and appropriate documentation
• Ensure collaborative processes for identification of clients’ special needs (incl. disabilities, health/mental health/behavioral, etc.) are effective and rapid in response and demonstrate best practice follow through
• Assist Component areas in meeting needs of children and families in best practice fashion, identifying and establishing systems for continuous program improvements
• Promote parent involvement/engagement in available activities & supports, fostering a multi‐ generational approach from outreach toexit
• Ensure accountability and enforce deadlines for program reports, projects, and timetables
• Visit all facilities on a twice-yearly basis, with a keen eye for areas of strength that can be celebrated and replicated

General Staff Responsibilities:

• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned 
• Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plan and objectives of Agency 
• Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families and community 
• Keep current andaccuraterecords and file reports on time 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding staff and family information 

• Maintain objectives and professional standards 
• Improve self‐skills and education 
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter asstatedin Child Abuse and Neglect Policy 
• Be present at work to provide consistency of services 
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner 
• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties 
• And or any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor 

Education Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related field

Experience and Skills Requirements:

• At least seven to ten years of professional leadership/management and supervisory experience preferably in an educational nonprofit.
• Recent demonstration of exposure too experience with classroom settings for similar population or service delivery area preferred.
• Significant experience in management or administration, including balancing regulatory requirements with budget constraints while responding to community needs.
• Strong knowledge of theories and practices of Early Childhood Education/Development and Family/Social Services.
• Demonstrated acumen for collaborative leadership.
• Experience in working with rural and urban communities.
• Familiar with data analytics and systems used for measuring performance in early childhood.
• Experience in design and delivery oftraining.

• Experience in ensuring grant/contract performance standards are met.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi‐cultural situations with proven commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and ability to oversee development and operation of fiscal budgets and fundraising programs.
• Ability to work within the mission, goals and service objectives UMHS while honoring the local context of the communities in our broader region.
• Ability to coordinate and/or conduct training sessions
• Adequate means of transportation.
• Ability to establish relationships of trust and respect with staff, families and children.
• Experiencing in submission of successful grants and contracts a plus.
• Desire to work with low‐income children and theirfamilies
• Head Start experience(preferred)
• Experience in Early Childhood Development(preferred)
• Multilingual or Multi-cultural experience(preferred)
• Community service experience (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Sit forlong periodsof time with daily use of computerscreen;
• Do tasks involving repetitive arm and hand movements, such as heavy word processing/keyboarding, using various office tools to collate, punch, cut, or stamp paper and other repetitive or high‐volume tasks such as bulk mailings, filing projects, etc.;
• Occasional filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending as necessary;
• Occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal auto mobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. (A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment/Conditions:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office workenvironment.
• Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people.

Safety:

Apply safe practices in the performance of duties

• Reporting of unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury immediately
• Complying withAgency safetystandards
• Participate in emergencydrills
• Promote a culture of safe environments in theworkplace

Organizational Requirements:

• Current enrollment in the Child Care Division’s Central Background Registry
• Current physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen documentation prior to hire
• Ability to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire.
• Desire to work with low‐income children and their families
• Communicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public using the telephone and in face‐to‐ face, one‐to‐one, and in group settings.
• Fluent in English both verbally and written

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals in all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, career advancement opportunities, working conditions, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination of employment, compensation, and access to benefits and training. We recruit, hire, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.