Strategic Director, Early Learning & Head Start

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Head Start/Early Head Start seeks a Director of ECR Programs to provide expertise, oversight, training, and leadership across multiple Head Start programs, ensuring compliance with standards and funding requirements. The role emphasizes enrollment, data reporting, and strategic planning.

The position manages budgets, guides procedures, and partners with the ELS leadership team to prepare reports for the Policy Council and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• 5 years of administrative or supervisory experience, including at least 3 years of Head Start supervisory experience.
• 7-10 years of experience in Head Start/Early Head Start.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans and systems to ensure high-quality services at directly operated early learning programs.
• Oversee budget development, reporting, and monitoring to meet program goals and compliance.
• Collaborate with leadership to prepare reports for funding agencies and governing bodies.
• Lead ongoing monitoring to ensure Head Start standards and contract compliance.
• Recruit, hire, and develop staff; set program goals and performance metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Program oversight

Budget management

Communication

Strategic planning

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Easterseals Head Start/Early Head Start seeks a Director of ECR Programs to provide expertise, oversight, training, and leadership across multiple Head Start programs, ensuring compliance with standards and funding requirements. The role emphasizes enrollment, data reporting, and strategic planning.

The position manages budgets, guides procedures, and partners with the ELS leadership team to prepare reports for the Policy Council and Board of Directors.