Head Start Director

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Coeur d'Alene (ID); On-site; USD 75,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

7 personal days

11 sick days

9 paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. invites applications for the Head Start Director position at Head Start - Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho.

The role provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for a comprehensive early childhood program serving children, families, and communities. Responsibilities include regulatory compliance, program planning, grant management, community engagement, and collaboration with the Policy Council and Board of Trustees.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include a Bachelor’s degree (Level I) in educational administration, business administration, early childhood education or related fields.
• Level II requires a Master’s degree in one of the listed disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a comprehensive Head Start program for North Idaho.
• Oversee operations, fiscal performance, facilities and outcomes.
• Guide program leaders through mentoring, PD, and performance management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Program management

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor-level or higher in education/administration

Master’s degree in administrative/education field

Job description

Lead a mission-driven program that makes a lasting difference forchildren and families across North Idaho. As NIC's Head Start Director, this position provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for a comprehensive early childhood program while ensuring services meet the needs of children, families, and communities. The role oversees program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal regulations, and college policies.

Key responsibilities include guiding program leaders through mentoring, professional development, and performance management; overseeing program operations, financial performance, facilities, and outcomes; and leading annual grant applications, five-year goals, community assessments, self-assessments, and corrective action efforts. The Director works closely with the Policy Council and Board of Trustees, providing information and seeking appropriate approvals while ensuring accountability at all levels of the program. Strong community engagement is also central to the role, with opportunities to build partnerships with families, staff, community leaders, service providers, funding sources, and other stakeholders to strengthen services and advocate for program participants.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, strategic leader with strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills and the ability to bring diverse perspectives together around shared goals. Sound judgment, professional integrity, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory, financial, and operational requirements are essential. A commitment to early childhood development, family services, continuous improvement, and quality programming will be key to success in this role.

Enjoy excellent benefits, including retirement

• 7 personal days per year
• 11 sick days per year
• 9 paid holidays
• Tuition assistance

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Level I: Bachelors degree in educational administration, business administration, early childhood education, early childhood special education, adult education, health services, social work, or organizational management.
Level II: Master’s degree in educational administration, business administration, early childhood education, early childhood special education, adult education, health services, social work, or organizational management.

Experience:

• Minimum three years of progressively responsible supervisory/management positions including experience working with boards and advisory committees.
• Experience planning, developing, and conducting professional development.
• Experience in strategic planning and project management.

Required License and/or Certifications

• Register with Idaho STARS and participate in the professional development system.
• Meet all training and certification requirements for child care licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Pass an enhanced background check including fingerprinting, as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards and Child Care Licensing requirements, prior to first day of work.

Starting pay

• Level 1 - $74,586
• Level 2 - $85,849

Work Site Location: Head Start - Coeur d'Alene

Work Schedule: full-time 94% FTE, July through June

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check and proof of degree if required for this position.

Applications close: September 04, 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time