Program Manager-Center Base

Tri-County Child and Family; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Scale: $52,000-$58,000 (annual)

Hiring Bonus

401K

Paid Time Off-Start Earning immediatly

Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD &

Life Insurance

Student Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Em

Professional Development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Tri-County Child and Family in Waterloo, IA is seeking a Program Manager to oversee daily operations of our center-based Head Start and Early Head Start programs. You will align center activities with policy goals and ensure high-quality service for children and families.

The role leads educators, manages regulatory compliance, and supports staff development. A bachelor's degree and 2+ years' experience in early childhood are required, along with strong leadership, communication, and analytical

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Two years of experience or more in early childhood, Head Start/Early Head Start, or child care.
• Knowledge of data collection, information processes, and systems.
• Advanced computer skills (database management, spreadsheet, document, internet, and e-mail).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and team management.
• Must obtain Iowa Driver’s License and clear background checks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, management, and implementation of agency goals at a center-based site.
• Bridge between policy and classroom reality to ensure high-quality service for children and families.
• Lead a dedicated team of educators and navigate regulatory landscapes.
• Foster an environment where children thrive and staff feel supported.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Team management

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Database management

Spreadsheets

Documents

Email

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Play a pivotal role in closing the achievement gap for children in our community.

• Culture: Work within a supportive, mission-driven environment that values professional growth.

• Compensation/Benefits:

  • Salary Scale: $52,000-$58,000 (annual); 12 months
  • Hiring Bonus
  • 401K
  • Paid Time Off-Start Earning immediately
  • Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD & Life Insurance
  • Student Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer
  • Professional Development
  • Employee Assistance Program

Role Overview

Are you a passionate leader dedicated to early childhood excellence?

We are seeking a Program Manager (On-site: Waterloo, IA) to oversee the daily operations, management, and implementation of agency goals in a center-based site. In this role, you will be the bridge between high-level policy and classroom reality, ensuring that every child and family in our Head Start and Early Head Start programs receives the highest quality of service.

As a Program Manager, you will lead a dedicated team of educators, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and foster an environment where children thrive and staff feel supported.

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Preferably related to one or more of the disciplines they oversee.
• Two years of experience or more.
  • Prefer Early Childhood, Head Start/Early Head Start, and/or Child care.
• Knowledge and experience in data collection, information processes, and systems.
  • Prefer knowledge of childcare regulations and policy and procedure compliance.
• Advanced computer skills (database management, spreadsheet, document, internet, and e-mail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills, plus excellent organization skills.
• Must obtain a valid Iowa Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be cleared and allowed to work in a childcare setting by the Iowa Department of Human Services, by completing a State of Iowa Criminal History Record Check and FBI National Fingerprint Record Check.