Head Start Director - Lead Strategic Early Education

Gabriel Group; Dodgeville (WI); On-site; USD 81,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCAP is seeking a Head Start Director to provide strategic leadership for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related programs in Wisconsin. You will guide planning, budgeting, compliance, and quality improvement and foster partnerships with families, school districts, and the SWCAP Board of Directors.

You will lead program development, monitor performance, and ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations while building staff capacity and ensuring fiscal accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field.
• At least four years in Early Childhood Education or Education.
• At least four years leading or supervising staff.
• Experience with fiscal management and budgets.
• Extensive experience with grant and contract compliance.
• Experience measuring program outcomes and working with Boards/Councils.
• Knowledge of federal/state rules for early childhood programs.
• Ability to analyze data to support program improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for Head Start and related programs.
• Develop strategic plans, school readiness goals, and improvements.
• Lead self-assessment, community assessment, planning, and monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start standards and licensing.
• Oversee grants, contracts, PIR and reporting activities.
• Develop and manage program budgets with fiscal team.
• Analyze data on enrollment, attendance, and outcomes for improvements.
• Supervise program managers and department staff.
• Ensure staffing, training, and TA to support services.
• Collaborate with Policy Council and SWCAP Board for actions.
• Build partnerships with districts, communities, families, stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Grant & contracts

Staff supervision

Communication

Microsoft Office

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

SWCAP is seeking a Head Start Director to provide strategic leadership for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related programs in Wisconsin. You will guide planning, budgeting, compliance, and quality improvement and foster partnerships with families, school districts, and the SWCAP Board of Directors.

You will lead program development, monitor performance, and ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations while building staff capacity and ensuring fiscal accountability.