Head Start Operations Manager

Adams County Government; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/AD&D

Disability insurance

401a defined benefit plan

457b deferred compensation plan

Job summary

Adams County Government heads the Head Start Program within the Human Services Department, Westminster, CO. The Director leads policy development, budget planning, and interdepartmental coordination to deliver services in education, health, and family support.

Responsibilities include overseeing program operations, staff management, grant writing, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The role requires strategic leadership and collaboration with external partners to improve

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Head Start program operations.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of supervision and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to prepare administrative and financial reports.

Responsibilities

• Assume oversight for all services and activities of the Adams County Head Start Program.
• Support the Head Start Policy Council and parent involvement in policy development.
• Develop and implement goals, policies, and priorities for Education, Health, Nutrition, Disability, and Family Support.
• Monitor service delivery efficiency and establish improvements with the Human Services Division Deputy Director.
• Direct staff training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Plan and direct strategy for the Head Start Program and manage workload and projects.
• Oversee the annual Head Start budget and grant applications; monitor expenditures.

Skills

Head Start knowledge

Budget management

Supervision

Policy development

Interagency coordination

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Office software

Computerized information systems

Job description

Direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the programs and activities of the Adams County Head Start Program within the Human Services Department. Coordinate assigned activities with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies. Provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Human Services Department Director.

This posting is scheduled to close on our website on 10/12/2026 at 4:30pm Mountain time: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/adams

Examples of Duties for Success

• Assume oversight for all services and activities of the Adams County Head Start Program.
• Provide support to and develop the Head Start Policy Council to ensure effective development of policies, long term goals, staff hiring, selection criteria, and involvement of parents in a shared decision-making model.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs including Education, Health, Nutrition, Disability, and Family Support; recommend, within Departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Human Services Division Deputy Director; direct the implementation of improvements.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Head Start Program personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the strategy for the Head Start Program; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Head Start Program annual budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary; write grant applications.
• Serve as liaison for the Head Start Program with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to the Human Services Division Deputy Director; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Head Start programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of educational administration.
• Maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of regulations overseeing the program, including the Head Start Act, Child Care licensing regulations, and rules and memos issued by state and federal agencies.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and program events as requested.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a Head Start program.
• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems.
• Knowledge of government practices and policies.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
• Manage, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Head Start Program.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient Head Start Program services.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate and work with low income and diverse parent groups.
• Learn and apply the policies/procedures of the Head Start program and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

More Qualifications for Success

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in education or human services programs including two (2) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

Education and Training:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

• A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted.
• Must pass multiple criminal background checks.
• Must also pass FBI background check and Central Registry check.
• A fingerprint may be conducted.

Other:

• Must complete physical examination and TB test upon hire.
• Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in strict compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, policies, and user agreements.

This position qualifies for the follow benefits:

• Life/ADD, disability
• 401a defined benefit plan and 457b deferred compensation plan