Head Start Education Director: Multi-Site Impact

ORANGE COUNTY HEAD START, INC.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Head Start, Inc. seeks a Director of Education Services to lead education strategy across 30+ locations, aligning state/federal standards, ensuring high-quality services, and advising the Executive Director.

You will oversee curriculum, data, budgets, and partnerships; manage a multi-site team of 300-350 indirect reports, and promote inclusive, bilingual practices.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Required).
• Completion of a recognized Head Start management fellowship (e.g., UCLA/PMFO) is highly desirable.
• 7 years of progressively responsible management experience within a multi-site, integrated Head Start/Early Head Start ecosystem or non-profit/public sector equivalent.
• Proven experience navigating mental health and disabilities (inclusion) systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect and maintain the Service Area Plan, Policies, and Procedures (SAPPP). Act as the leading advisor on HSPPS and 2 CFR Part 200 compliance.
• Direct curriculum enhancements, maximize school readiness, and foster an intrapreneurial culture with modern pedagogical methods and AI-driven workflow efficiencies.
• Direct agency-wide education data collection, establish performance tracking KPIs, and present progress reports to the Board and Policy Council.
• Manage center and partner budgets, ensure licensing ratios and performance standards are met, and lead annual grant applications.
• Guide and mentor Education Managers, Inclusion Managers, and Center Directors; cultivate a people-first, high-EQ environment for ~300-350 indirect reports.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations and higher education programs.

Skills

Regulations

Systems & Tech

Communication

Logistics

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Master’s Degree in ECE / Educational Leadership

Head Start management fellowship

7 years multi-site management experience

Experience navigating mental health and inclusion systems

Tools

ChildPlus

Learning Genie

Job description

Director of Education Services

Company: Orange County Head Start (OCHS) Location: Main Office (Brea, CA) | Regular local travel required Status: Full-Time, Exempt Reports To: Executive Director

Our Mission

MAKE AN IMPACT. CHANGE LIVES. END POVERTY. At Orange County Head Start, we believe every child deserves the chance to shine. We partner with families to provide high-quality education and support through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Join a purpose-driven team helping children overcome challenges and unlock their full potential.

Position Overview

The Director of Education Services serves as the Agency’s chief strategist for early childhood development and a champion of exemplary leadership. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, integrated services across all Head Start and Early Head Start programs spanning over 30 locations. You will translate complex state and federal trends into actionable policies, advise the Executive Director, and drive educational excellence, mental health, and disabilities integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Policy: Architect and maintain the Service Area Plan, Policies, and Procedures (SAPPP). Act as the leading advisor on HSPPS and 2 CFR Part 200 compliance.
• Educational Excellence & Innovation: Direct curriculum enhancements, maximize school readiness, and foster an “intrapreneurial” culture that experiments with modern pedagogical methods and AI-driven workflow efficiencies.
• Data-Driven Operations: Direct agency-wide education data collection, establish performance tracking KPIs, and present progress reports to the Board of Directors and Policy Council.
• Fiscal & Structure Oversight: Manage center and partner budgets, ensure licensing ratios and performance standards are met, and lead the authorship of annual grant applications.
• Talent Management & Culture: Guide and mentor Education Managers, Inclusion Managers, and Center Directors. Cultivate a people-first, high-EQ environment for a multi-site team of ~300–350 indirect reports.
• Community Partnerships: Cultivate strategic collaborations with community organizations, partner agencies, and higher education programs.

Job Qualifications Education & Experience

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Required).
• Completion of a recognized Head Start management fellowship (e.g., UCLA/PMFO) is highly desirable.
• 7 years of progressively responsible management experience within a multi-site, integrated Head Start/Early Head Start ecosystem or non-profit/public sector equivalent.
• Proven experience navigating mental health and disabilities (inclusion) systems.

Core Knowledge & Skills

• Regulations: Expert knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards (HSPPS), 2 CFR Part 200, and California Title 22/Title 5 licensing.
• Systems & Tech: Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace, data analysis (Excel/Sheets), childcare management software (ChildPlus and Learning Genie), and utilizing AI tools for workflow optimization.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to confidently present to governing bodies and build collaborative relationships with diverse communities.
• Logistics: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various centers. Must pass SB 933 background and fingerprint clearances.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly desired.

Why Join Us?

If you have the purpose, analytical mindset, and leadership passion to make a real difference in the lives of hundreds of families, apply today to unleash your own potential while helping children unleash theirs.

Orange County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.