Head Start & Early Childhood Programs Leader

family-; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Family & Children’s Place seeks an experienced Vice President of Head Start to provide strategic and operational leadership for Head Start, Early Head Start, and early childhood education programs.

The role ensures quality, compliance, performance, and sustainability while guiding a team of directors, managers, and program professionals. Strong collaboration with leadership, the Board, and community partners is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Head Start/early childhood services or related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership in Head Start/Early Head Start or early childhood education.
• Experience with program administration, budget oversight, regulatory/grant compliance, and CQI.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related programs.
• Establish program goals, priorities, and performance expectations across all areas.
• Lead long-range planning focused on quality, growth, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the Board and leadership on budgeting, risk, and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements.
• Monitor reporting to Governing Body, Policy Council, and agencies; prepare for federal reviews.
• Oversee budgets with the VP of Finance, monitor enrollment and expenditures.
• Lead supervision, coaching, and professional development for program staff.
• Drive continuous quality improvement and strengthen community partnerships.
• Represent FCP with partners, funders, and regulatory entities.

Skills

Leadership

Head Start

Budget oversight

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Strategic planning

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's in ECE

Master's in nonprofit mgmt

Job description

Family & Children’s Place seeks an experienced Vice President of Head Start to provide strategic and operational leadership for Head Start, Early Head Start, and early childhood education programs.

The role ensures quality, compliance, performance, and sustainability while guiding a team of directors, managers, and program professionals. Strong collaboration with leadership, the Board, and community partners is essential.