Area Manager - Head Start

DeKalb Health; Tawas City (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) contributions

Life and Disability Insurance

Flexible work schedule

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

NEMCSA is seeking a Head Start Area Manager to provide leadership and support for Head Start and other early childhood programs across a designated service area. You will oversee daily operations, guide and develop staff, build strong partnerships with families and community organizations, and help ensure children receive high-quality early learning experiences that prepare them for future success.

In this role, you will lead program operations, recruit and coach staff, ensure compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree as specified in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
• Three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience supporting staff development, working with families, and coordinating individualized services.
• Graduate coursework and experience in observation, evaluation, or personnel management.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Family Service Worker credential and CLASS reliability certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the operation of Head Start and early childhood programs.
• Recruit, supervise, coach, and develop teachers, home visitors, family service staff, and other program team members.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state and federal requirements.
• Monitor program quality, child outcomes, and progress toward school readiness goals.
• Partner with families to encourage engagement and support positive outcomes for children.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and local service providers.
• Oversee program resources, budgets, data systems, and reporting requirements.
• Support inclusive services for children of all abilities and coordinate disability services as needed.
• Promote continuous improvement through staff training, coaching, and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Family engagement

Program coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Education/Family Studies/Social Work

Job description

• Location Tawas City, MI, 48763,United States
• Base Pay $64,135.94 / Year
• Job Category Head Start
• Employee Type Full Time_D68161985

About NEMCSA

At NEMCSA, we help children, families, and communities thrive. As a nonprofit Community Action Agency serving Northeast Michigan, we're committed to creating opportunities, supporting self-sufficiency, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing economic hardship. We're also proud to be recognized as aDetroit Free Press Top Workplace, reflecting our commitment to a positive culture, supportive teams, and meaningful work.

What You’ll Love About Us:

• T o keep you healthy: Medical/Rx, Vision, and Dental insurance with employee coverage at no cost.
• To help prepare you for the future: Generous employer 401(k) contributions, plus Life and Disability Insurance.
• Flexibility: We value work-life balance and offer flexibility whenever possible.
• Time for what matters: 10+ paid holidays each year, generous vacation time, and sick leave benefits.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Opportunities: Employment with NEMCSA may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

What You'll Do

As a Head Start Area Manager, you'll provide leadership and support for Head Start and other early childhood programs across a designated service area. You'll oversee daily operations, guide and develop staff, build strong partnerships with families and community organizations, and help ensure children receive high-quality early learning experiences that prepare them for future success.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and support the successful operation of Head Start and early childhood programs.
• Recruit, supervise, coach, and develop teachers, home visitors, family service staff, and other program team members.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state and federal requirements.
• Monitor program quality, child outcomes, and progress toward school readiness goals.
• Partner with families to encourage engagement and support positive outcomes for children.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and local service providers.
• Oversee program resources, budgets, data systems, and reporting requirements.
• Support inclusive services for children of all abilities and coordinate disability services as needed.
• Promote continuous improvement through staff training, coaching, and professional development.

Most importantly, you'll help ensure children, families, and communities have access to high-quality services that make a lasting impact.

Requirements

What We Will Love About You:

• Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Education, Family Studies, Social Work, or a related field with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
• Three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience supporting staff development, working with families, and coordinating individualized services preferred.
• Graduate-level coursework and experience in observation, evaluation, or personal management preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Family Service Worker credential and CLASS reliability certification preferred (or willingness to obtain after hire).

Most importantly, you're passionate about supporting children, families, and staff while creating high-quality early childhood programs that make a lasting difference in the community.

Summary

A Few Words From Legal:

The chosen applicant will be required to submit fingerprints for a State of Michigan Background Check to determine eligibility for employment. You must possess an acceptable form of identification prior to attending your fingerprinting appointment. Preferred ID types include: Unexpired State issued driver's license; identification card with photo issued by a Federal or Michigan Government Agency. Failure to submit fingerprints will result in an ineligibility for hire within this program.
Upon request auxiliary aids and services will be made available to individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center "Voice and TTY/TDD" 1-800-649-3777. An EOE.
Notice: NEMCSA participates in E-Verify. For more information, please view our eVerify disclaimer at www.nemcsa.org/careers.

Mission of the agency:

Enhancing quality of life by empowering individuals and strengthening communities.