Tribal Early Childhood Director (Trauma-Informed)

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Inc; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Inc is seeking an Executive Early Childhood Director to lead the Head Start Preschool and Head Start services. You will manage federal/state grants, ensure compliance with Head Start standards and Oklahoma licensing, and foster a trauma-informed, workforce-sustainable culture that aligns with tribal values.

You will oversee budgeting, policy development, staff supervision, and collaboration with tribal and community partners to support children and families.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of 2024 Head Start Program Performance Standards and 2026 Oklahoma licensing rules.
• Proficiency in trauma-informed leadership and the integration of mental health supports within an educational setting.
• Strong financial acumen for managing multi-million dollar federal grants and diverse funding streams.
• Competence in implementing workforce compensation structures and competitive staff benefit programs.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure during high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for technical reporting and family-centered engagement.
• Deep understanding of Historical Trauma and its impact on Tribal healthcare and educational delivery systems.
• Skill in strategic planning and resource allocation to meet evolving needs.
• Digital literacy and proficiency in leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance learning.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with the Policy Council and Tribal leadership.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple programs under the Head Start umbrella.
• Competence in resolving complex conflicts between staff, families, or community partners.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit comprehensive grant applications and compliance documents to federal and state agencies.
• Oversee sound financial management including the development of complex budgets and cost-effectiveness monitoring.
• Implement multidisciplinary reporting systems to track fiscal, programmatic, and child outcome data.
• Lead workforce sustainability initiatives including the implementation of competitive salary scales and staff benefit packages.
• Ensure program operations comply with the 2024 Head Start Final Rule and the 2026 Oklahoma staff-to-child ratios.
• Develop and update internal policies to align with evolving Tribal, State, and Federal early childhood regulations.
• Supervise all subordinate personnel including recruitment, workload determination, and professional development planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and initiate corrective actions or disciplinary procedures as necessary.
• Report regularly to the Governing Body and Policy Council regarding regulatory changes and program performance.
• Facilitate a multidisciplinary mental health approach to support the emotional well-being of children and staff.
• Collaborate with Tribal and community organizations to secure integrated services for children and families.
• Manage the annual Self-Assessment and Community Assessment processes to guide strategic program goals.
• Direct the recruitment and enrollment process including the application of new housing-cost eligibility adjustments.
• Oversee the Tribal Child Care Assistance program in strict accordance with the Child Care and Development Fund.
• Oversee annual reviews and onsite inspections of Tribal Child Care Assistance providers for quality assurance.
• Implement modernized incident reporting systems to ensure immediate response to child health and safety concerns.
• Direct the integration of technology into both administrative processes and the learning environment.
• Coordinate with Tribal health programs to ensure children receive timely developmental and medical screenings.
• Advocate for early childhood needs at Tribal Council, community forums, and regional educational summits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Trauma-informed leadership

Financial acumen

Grant management

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Technology integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Inc is seeking an Executive Early Childhood Director to lead the Head Start Preschool and Head Start services. You will manage federal/state grants, ensure compliance with Head Start standards and Oklahoma licensing, and foster a trauma-informed, workforce-sustainable culture that aligns with tribal values.

You will oversee budgeting, policy development, staff supervision, and collaboration with tribal and community partners to support children and families.