Head Start Center Director: Operations & Compliance Leader

GenerationEd; Eden (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GenerationEd is seeking a Center Director to oversee daily operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center in Eden, NC. You will lead staff, ensure licensing and safety, and maintain strong family partnerships while driving program quality and compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education/Development, a Level 3 admin credential, and 3+ years in program leadership. On-site leadership, professional development, and community collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Level 3 administration credential.
• 3 years’ experience (preferred) in early childhood program administration or leadership, preferably in Head Start/Early Head Start.

Responsibilities

• Must be physically present during program hours to support children, families, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure daily staffing coverage and compliance with staff-child ratio requirements.
• Oversee classroom operations, including implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment.
• Conduct monthly classroom observations (one video and one in-person).
• Participate in CLASS observations and quality monitoring.
• Monitor and maintain facilities, equipment, and safety standards; submit and follow up on maintenance work orders within required timeframes.
• Ensure center passes licensing, sanitation, and compliance inspections.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support all paid and volunteer staff at the center.
• Conduct and update staff Professional Development Plans.
• Provide quarterly reflective supervision with all direct reports to support morale, professional growth, and trust.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Monitor and maintain staff time, attendance, and training requirements.
• Conduct new and returning staff orientation.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start, NC DCDEE, NAEYC, and NCPK program standards, as well as all licensing requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, staff, and agency records.
• Maintain accurate, timely reporting and data entry into designated systems.
• Upload licensing and regulatory visit summaries into Child Plus.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and impromptu check-ins as needed.
• Check and respond to voicemails and emails daily using professional communication standards.
• Immediately report all incidents involving children, staff, or families, including those requiring medical attention.
• Collaborate with Family Advocates to plan parent committee meetings, special family events, and policy council elections.
• Conduct parent orientation for new enrollees.
• Support attendance initiatives and develop improvement plans for children with chronic absenteeism.
• Ensure collection of monthly in-kind contributions.
• Build partnerships with community agencies and resources to support center goals and family needs.
• Support recruitment and intake processes for new families.
• Ensure timely enrollment, orientation, and attendance monitoring.
• Partner with ERSEA Manager and Family Advocates to achieve and maintain funded enrollment.

Skills

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Teamwork

Collaboration

Integrity

Effective Communication

Initiative

Quality and Timeliness of work

Performance

Team Development

Leadership

Cost Consciousness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Level 3 administration credential

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Child Plus

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

GenerationEd is seeking a Center Director to oversee daily operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center in Eden, NC. You will lead staff, ensure licensing and safety, and maintain strong family partnerships while driving program quality and compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education/Development, a Level 3 admin credential, and 3+ years in program leadership. On-site leadership, professional development, and community collaboration are essential.