Self Help Inc. is currently looking for an experienced Head Start Director to join our team.

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Head Start Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the Head Start Program in Brockton and surrounding communities in Massachusetts. This position is responsible for ensuring the high-quality delivery of comprehensive early childhood education, family engagement, health, and social services to eligible children and families in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulations (including Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care - EEC), and the mission and goals of the program. The Director oversees all program operations, fiscal management, personnel, community partnerships, and ensures a strong focus on positive child outcomes and family well-being

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and management for all Head Start program components, including education, early childhood development, health, nutrition, family services, mental health, disabilities services, and parent involvement
• Develop, implement, and monitor the program's strategic plan, annual goals, and objectives in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards and community needs
• Ensure the program operates in compliance with all applicable federal, state (Massachusetts EEC), and local regulations, policies, and procedures
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive program culture that values diversity and promotes teamwork among staff, families, and community partners
• Oversee the development and implementation of program policies and procedures
• Ensure the effective use of data for program planning, continuous quality improvement, and reporting
• Develop and manage the program's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding requirements
• Oversee all financial operations, including grant management, budget development and monitoring, expenditure approval, and financial reporting
• Ensure adherence to sound accounting practices and internal controls
• Explore and secure additional funding opportunities through grant writing and community partnerships
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate qualified program staff, ensuring adherence to personnel policies and procedures
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities to staff to enhance their skills and knowledge
• Foster a positive and supportive work environment that promotes staff retention and well-being
• Ensure compliance with all labor laws and HR regulations
• Establish and maintain a system for ongoing program monitoring and evaluation to ensure high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement
• Utilize data from child assessments, family surveys, and program evaluations to inform program planning and decision-making
• Lead the program's self-assessment process and the development of quality improvement plans
• Ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate and research-based curriculum and practices
• Promote meaningful parent and family engagement in all aspects of the program, including program governance, volunteer activities, and educational opportunities
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with community agencies, organizations, and resources in Brockton to enhance service delivery and leverage community support
• Represent the Head Start program in local community meetings and initiatives
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of all required reports to federal, state (Massachusetts EEC), and local funding agencies
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate and confidential program records
• Prepare for and manage program audits and reviews
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with the program's governing body or board of directors
• Provide regular reports on program activities, progress towards goals, and financial status
• Advocate for the needs of Head Start children and families at the local, state, and federal levels
• Promote public awareness of the importance of early childhood education and the role of Head Start in the Brockton community

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required

Schedule

Monday-Friday, some evening work required

Salary Range: $110,000-$115,000 depending on experience with the potential for incentive-based bonuses.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with staff, families, community partners, and funding agencies
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Commitment to the mission and goals of Head Start and a passion for serving low-income children and families in the Brockton community
• Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and email
• Experience working in a diverse, multicultural environment
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish or another language prevalent in the Brockton community
• Familiarity with local community resources and agencies in Brockton, Massachusetts
• Experience with data management and program evaluation systems
• Ability to travel locally for meetings and program activities

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in early childhood education, human services, or a related field, preferably within a Head Start or similar program
• Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulations (including Massachusetts EEC licensing requirements), and best practices in early childhood education and family engagement
• Strong fiscal management skills, including budget development, monitoring, and grant management experience
• Proven experience in personnel management, supervision, and staff development
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and presentation skills

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.