SCHS - Head Start Director (CLOSES 07-20-12)

Job Title: Head Start Director
Project: Head Start
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: January 31, 2012
Staff Supervised: Child Services Coordinator, Family Services Coordinator, Health Services Coordinator, Transportation Specialist, EHS Director, and Area Managers
Salary Range: Professional
Hours: Salaried

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Primary Purpose: Under the direction of the CEO, the Head Start Director is responsible for administration of the South Coast Head Start program for ORCCA and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Descriptions of Duties and Tasks: Responsibilities include program planning and implementation; budget development and monitoring; hiring and supervising personnel; developing community partnerships to ensure that services are coordinated, non-duplicative, and responsive to priority needs; maintaining compliance with ORCCA policies, Head Start Performance Standards, other funder requirements and regulations; preparation and submitting of program grants and reports; developing policies and procedures to improve program effectiveness; and managing in a manner that reflects the organization's values and philosophy.

PROGRAM PLANNING is recognized as the core responsibility of the Head Start Director and Management Team. Thus all job responsibilities fall under program planning as follows:

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Articulate the Head Start mission, values, and policies to staff, clients, and the community.
Initiate and coordinate planning, development and implementation of Head Start before and after school and other childcare services in a holistic manner that responds to emerging needs and involves staff in a collaborative manner. Develop accurate and timely planning opportunities for staff, parents and community members.
Hire and supervise top management staff; establish staffing patterns for all childcare programs and delegate operational management duties. Promote the professional growth and development of staff by providing vision, goals and objectives. Conduct or oversee performance evaluations, and initiate and implement disciplinary actions as warranted.
Ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards, and other applicable laws and regulations, and agency policies.
Respond to the most sensitive or complex inquiries or service complaints; direct the resolution of problems or emergencies affecting the availability or quality of services.
Research, recommend, and coordinate program or service changes; monitor new programs or services to ensure compliance with regulations and objectives. Develop projects and services that meet the needs of low income families.
Assist to implement work rules, safety regulations, and performance standards.
Ensure that the Head Start Policy Council is active and engaged in program governance and community advocacy; prepare clear and concise reports for the Policy Council and ORCCA Board. Work closely with Policy Council on the implementation and administration of Program Governance Performance Standard.
Develop and manage program budgets to ensure cost control and attainment of revenue goals.
Ensure the completion of required annual planning, program reports, grant proposals, work plans, and contracts.
Represent Head Start and ORCCA through presentations at public hearings and other community forums, including appropriate boards or committees.
Model leadership and participate in agency activities and functions.
Work closely with other providers and community groups and individuals in order to establish and promote effective partnerships; track relevant state and national initiatives and develop responses that meet the needs of clients and programs; collaborate with other community agencies and organizations in the design and implementation of program services.
Serve as an active member of the ORCCA management team.
Perform other duties as requested; work with the Executive Director on appropriate projects as assigned.
Develop and maintain good relationships and regular communication with program funding sources. Assure the integrity and accuracy of all funding source requirements in the development of comprehensive social and educational services for Head Start.
Participate in state and regional organization meetings and conferences, including the Oregon and National Head Start Association, as an active member, in order to stay current with best practices and to provide ORCCA representation and visibility in the state and region.
Visit classrooms on a consistent basis, including bus rides; ensure all facilities are clean, secure, safe, and well maintained.
Monitor and report child abuse/neglect as a mandated reporter.

Individual/Team Expectations

Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
Maintain a positive attitude regarding ORCCA and all its programs along with the Head Start program and philosophy.
Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance, and welcoming of diversity.
Maintain respect and positive communication regarding all children, families, and staff.
Maintain confidentiality of client and staff information.
Maintain open, two-way communication with staff.
Accept suggestions and guidance from supervisor and/or other management staff.
Seek feedback on job performance and evaluate suggestions and guidance to incorporate in performance.
Commit to further training. Develop an individual training plan using program tools, as appropriate.
Communicate with supervisor regarding any needed changes or concerns with work schedule.
Adhere to agency procedures as a mandated child abuse reporter.
Physical ability to perform the job with reasonable accommodations.
Attend staff meetings, center meetings, and/or other workshops/meetings as notified.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Proven program planning, implementation and management experience including the ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously; experience in the oversight, planning and evaluation of comprehensive human services
Supervisory and material skills in program administration and operations; specifically, supervision of a program having a minimum of 40 staff members
Proven successful experience in comprehensive supervision of a staff performing diverse and complex job duties, using a collaborative team approach.
Experience and skills effectively developing, managing, and monitoring a large and complex budget that incorporates a variety of funding sources. Fiscal responsibilities for the administration of a program budget in excess of one million dollars
Knowledge of Head Start, childcare, state childcare subsidy, Community Action, and other anti-poverty programs.
Proven ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and persuasively in verbal and written format.
Proven ability to provide leadership, problem solve, and facilitate diverse groups.
Experience in grant writing and report development and the ability to do basic research and analysis.
Able to work independently as well as be an effective team member.
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of early childhood education theory.
Extensive knowledge of modern principles and practices of management and supervision.
Ability to develop and implement short and long range plans to meet program needs.
Ability to analyze and evaluate operations and develop and implement corrective action to resolve problems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, subordinates, staff, outside organizations, and the general public.
Keyboarding skills, computer literacy, and familiarity and/or ability to learn/use various applications such as database, word processing, email, and internet.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion when appropriate.
Record keeping and organizational skills.
Must be able to perform intermediate math (analysis, statistics, & number manipulation)
Interact with a people from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds with a priority on low-income individuals and households.
Work with public and private organizations in a cooperative manner, to maximize resource acquisition and efficient use.
Familiarity with multiple human services delivery systems
Excellent communication skills written and verbal
Strong public speaking skills
Work with community groups as instructed
Strong word processing, spreadsheet, database and research skills
Ability to analyze policy proposals, administrative rules and program requirements
Knowledge of community development concepts

Required Experience:

Masters degree preferred, Bachelor's in administration or related field; minimum 6 years in the administration of a Head Start preferred, or Social Service Program.

Work Environment:

Geographic Area: Coos, Curry, Western Douglas County
Primary job site: Coos Bay
May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
Primarily indoor, in a climate-controlled environment. May not have access to sunlight. Occasional activities outside in a non-climate controlled environment.
May have periodic evening and/or weekend activities
Occasional travel may be required.

Other:

A current Drivers License is required.
A good driving record is necessary.
Proof of automobile liability insurance @ 100,000/300,000 liability limits and maintain such limits
Reliable transportation
Must be free from illegal drugs; may be subject to suspicion testing
Must be able to pass the Criminal Background Check
Must be enrolled in the Oregon Employment Department-Child Care Division Criminal Background Registry
Health appraisal
Current first Aid/CPR certification
Able to drive/travel long distances
Ability to sit at meetings for as long as four hours at a time
Ability to work in excess of eight hours per day and during evenings or weekends as required

ASPIRATIONS: the following is a list of aspirations that apply to all ORCCA positions

Teamwork - We join our individual strengths together creating teams and circles of cooperation to promote innovative thinking and bring opportunity to our community.
Partnerships - We create collaborative community partnerships to best leverage all resources available for the benefit of the community.
Diversity - We welcome and accept differences, and honor our co-workers and clients by treating each person with equality, dignity, and respect.
Confidentiality & Ethics - We maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity to respect the confidentiality of clients and staff.
Physical Safety - We respond promptly to address health and safety needs or concerns for clients and staff.
Communications - We encourage timely, open-minded, respectful, and direct communication to alleviate controversies and foster a safe, productive workplace.
Health & Sustainability - Recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, and environmental health, we seek to inspire and model healthy, sustainable living.
Public Relations - We recognize that each of us represents the entire agency in our public interactions and strive to act in a consistently professional and unbiased manner.
Professional Growth - We provide an environment supportive to personal and professional growth, cross training, and advancement

SIGNATURES & DATES - The following signatures are required to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the Job Description; that essential functions are aligned with organization goals and objectives; to validate that it is clear, concise and supports compliance with legal considerations; and employee understanding of the job requirements. NOTE: Because jobs change, management reserves the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

NOTE: The specific statements reflected in each section of this position description are not intended to be all-conclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered being necessary in order to satisfactorily perform the duties associated with the position.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (items to return with application)

-- Incomplete applications will not be accepted. --
You MUST have the below items included in order for your application to be processed.