Director, Early Childhood and Family Support

Harris County; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County seeks a Director of Early Childhood and Family Support to lead the vision, strategy, and cross‑sector collaboration for programs serving children aged 0–5 and their families. You will shape policy direction, build strategic partnerships, and align county departments with external partners to advance a shared early childhood agenda across health, safety, education, and social services.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of program leadership, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in program management, policy development, or organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects and solving difficult problems within an organization.

Responsibilities

• Leads development and implementation of a Countywide early childhood strategy.
• Develops policy and program recommendations to improve well‑being of young children and families.
• Coordinates initiatives across departments affecting health, education, economic opportunity, housing, transportation, and social services.
• Engages parents, childcare providers, employers, local jurisdictions, philanthropy, nonprofits, and healthcare partners.
• Promotes integration of early childhood systems and alignment of programs and services.
• Uses data and research to identify gaps and propose practical solutions.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field

Job description

Position Overview

The Director, Early Childhood and Family Support leads and coordinates the vision, strategy, and cross-sector collaboration related to Harris County's early childhood initiatives that support the healthy development of children — spanning health, safety, family stability, and developmental supports, in addition to early childhood education and childcare. This role will implement the Commissioner's Court vision and priorities for children aged 0 to 5 through cross-department collaborations and external partnerships.

The position will be charged with shaping policy direction, building strategic partnerships, and driving alignment across County departments and external stakeholders. Additionally, the Director will lead the coordination of efforts supporting young children and families across Harris County departments, as well as external stakeholder engagement with other local jurisdictions, nonprofits, childcare providers, healthcare and social service partners, and other early childhood organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads development and implementation of a Countywide early childhood strategy that improves access to affordable, quality childcare and other resources for young children and their families.
• Develops policy and program recommendations to improve the well-being of young children and their families in Harris County, leveraging existing programs/services and resources as much as possible.
• Coordinates initiatives and communications across departments that affect young children and families, including health, education, economic opportunity, housing, transportation, and social services.
• Leads engagement with parents, childcare providers, employers, local jurisdictions, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, health care partners, and other community stakeholders.
• Promotes efforts to integrate early childhood systems and improve the alignment of early childhood programs and services in Harris County focusing on existing services.
• Uses available data, community input, and research to identify service gaps, assess barriers, and recommend practical solutions.
• Develops recommendations on how to increase participation in existing early childhood programs and supports, including outreach to underrepresented and special populations.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local jurisdictions, philanthropic partners, nonprofits, and community organizations to advance a shared early childhood agenda.
• Responds to emerging needs affecting young children and families, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, or disruptions to childcare availability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

• This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. At its discretion, management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in program management, policy development, or organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects and solving difficult problems involving various levels and teams within an organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of early childhood systems, including health, developmental, and family-support ecosystems
• Familiarity with early childhood development best practices and the broader determinants of child well-being
• Experience driving systems change across large organizations and/or ecosystems
• Ability to engage effectively external stakeholders, facilitate strategy development, and support the building of a shared vision
• Ability to manage multiple projects and follow through on tasks
• Proficiency in preparing accurate reports, analyzing data, and interpreting information
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary environment and with diverse community-based agencies
• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing
• Ability to establish positive relationships, maintain the highest standard of professional and personal ethics and behavior, and handle sensitive or confidential information discreetly
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions
• Willingness and ability to be flexible with hours to carry out the responsibilities of the position

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Master's or professional degree.

Position Type and Hours of Work

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
  • Hybrid, work from home is currently offered one day per week but is subject to change.

Salary

• $138,964.80 - $149,760.00 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine.

• This is largely a sedentary role. However, requirements include the ability to lift up to 10 pounds, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

• Some local travel may be required.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports To Position: Deputy County Administrator, Community Services
• Supervises Positions: 1 FTE to support Early Childcare Initiatives

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.