Executive Director

Cen-Tex Family Services Inc; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Cen-Tex Family Services Inc. in Texas seeks an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, guiding strategy, compliance, and service quality.

You will oversee operations, lead a diverse team, manage budgets, secure funding, and collaborate with the Board and community partners to sustain high-impact early childhood education and family services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Master’s degree preferred for senior leadership.
• Experience leading Head Start or early childhood programs is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
• Lead program operations, compliance, and quality assurance across services.
• Oversee budgeting, fundraising, and grant management to sustain the program.
• Report to the Board and engage with community partners.

Skills

Leadership

Nonprofit management

Grant writing

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Grant management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Job SummaryThe Executive Director of the Head Start and Early Head Start program provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the program delivers high-quality early childhood education, family support, and health services support to low-income children and their families. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, supervising management staff, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and working closely with the Board of Directors, community partners, and funding agencies to secure resources and maintain the sustainability of the program.Competency AreaCompetencies/ResponsibilitiesKey BehaviorsProgram Management & OversightOversee the overall management of Head Start and Early Head Start operations, ensuring that all services—education, health, family engagement, and nutrition—are delivered effectively and meet Head Start Performance Standards.In conjunction with Management Staff, develop, implement, and monitor program goals, objectives, and activities to ensure alignment with the mission and federal and state regulations.Coordinate and ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program Standards and applicable licensing requirements.Supervise the program’s staff, providing leadership, training, and support to ensure optimal performance and professional development.Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program through data collection, outcome measurements, and continuous improvement processes.Demonstrates a commitment to Head Start’s mission by ensuring high-quality services and compliance with regulatory requirements.Provides clear, consistent leadership to staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.Uses data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure service quality.Leadership & Staff ManagementLead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of educators, family service workers, and support staff, ensuring that staff are well-trained, supported, and retained.Ensure recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation processes for all program staff are in compliance.Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that promotes professional development and supports staff well-being.Conduct performance evaluations, set professional development goals, and provide coaching to ensure staff meet performance expectations.Develop succession planning to ensure that the program has a robust pipeline of future leaders.Actively listens and communicates with staff, providing clear direction and support.Empowers staff through mentorship and coaching, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.Leads by example, promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability.Encourages staff development and career growth by identifying and addressing learning opportunities.Fiscal Management & Fund DevelopmentOversee the program’s budget, ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively and in compliance with Head Start regulations.Ensure accurate financial reporting, including the preparation of regular reports for the Board of Directors, funders, and other stakeholders.Lead the development and submission of grant proposals and funding applications to secure program funding.Develop and maintain strong relationships with funding agencies, local government, and philanthropic organizations.Monitor and manage contracts and service agreements with external partners and subcontractors.Demonstrates a strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, and compliance with funding requirements.Actively seeks new funding opportunities and resources to sustain and expand the program.Exhibits transparency in financial management and ensures funds are allocated appropriately.Community Relations & AdvocacyServe as the primary spokesperson for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, building and maintaining strong relationships with the local community, stakeholders, and partner organizations.Represent the program at community meetings, advocacy events, and public forums.Advocate for policies and practices that support early childhood education and family services at the local, state, and federal levels.Collaborate with community partners, school districts, and other organizations to ensure comprehensive services for children and familiesEstablishes and maintains positive, productive relationships with key community stakeholders and external partners.Advocates passionately for the needs of children and families, using data and research to support policy positions.Engages in public speaking and networking to promote the program and its mission.Compliance & Quality AssuranceEnsure that the program meets or exceeds all Head Start Performance Standards, as well as state and local licensing requirements.Lead the program through regular audits, reviews, and inspections, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.Conduct regular program evaluations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.Develop and implement corrective action plans when necessary, ensuring continuous compliance and quality improvement.Demonstrates a strong understanding of compliance requirements and fosters a culture of accountability.Actively participates in audits and reviews to ensure compliance and program excellence.Effectively addresses challenges related to compliance and ensures the program maintains high standards of service delivery.Board Relations & ReportingWork closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strategic alignment and effective governance of the program.Prepare and present regular reports to the Board on program performance, financial status, and key initiatives.Provide guidance and support to the Board in decision-making processes, including long-term strategic planning and program development.Ensure that Board members are engaged and informed on matters relating to the program’s goals, challenges, and opportunitiesBuilds trust and maintains open communication with the Board of Directors.Provides clear, actionable information to the Board, empowering them to make informed decisions.Actively engages with the Board in strategic discussions and organizational planningMinimum QualificationsEducation & ExperienceMinimum Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in a relevant fieldMinimum of seven (7) years of experience in nonprofit administration, including supervision, fiscal management, and program oversightPreferred:Master’s degree in a relevant fieldMinimum of five (5) years of experience in Head Start program leadership, including management, fiscal oversight, and grant writingKnowledge & Skills:Thorough knowledge of early childhood education and child developmentComprehensive understanding of Head Start federal and state regulationsStrong fiscal, administrative, and grant management skillsExcellent communication, leadership, and analytical abilitiesSkills: Strong understanding of federal and state regulations, program evaluation, financial management, and staff development.Valid Texas Driver’s License and ability to travel between agency sites.Licenses/CertificationsCurrent CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).Valid Texas ID/Driver LicenseBackground clearance as required by state and federal regulations.Working Conditions & Physical DemandsWork performed primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to centers and community locationsAbility to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionallyAbility to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as neededPerforms other duties as assigned