Join SWCAP and lead programs that make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. As the Head Start Director, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related early childhood programs. You will lead program planning, compliance, fiscal management, staff development, and continuous quality improvement while building strong partnerships with families, community organizations, Policy Council, and the SWCAP Board of Directors. This position is ideal for an experienced early childhood leader who is passionate about strengthening outcomes for children and families and can effectively balance program quality, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and staff leadership. All work is guided by SWCAP's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Dignity, Compassion, Belonging, and Equitable Leadership. Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership, direction, and oversight for Head Start, Early Head Start, and related program activities. Develop and monitor strategic plans, program goals, school readiness goals, and continuous improvement activities. Lead program self-assessment, community assessment, program planning, and ongoing monitoring processes. Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Wisconsin Child Care Licensing requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Oversee grant and contract compliance, including preparing grant applications, reports, and the annual Program Information Report (PIR). Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets in collaboration with the fiscal team and ensure resources are used effectively and within funding requirements. Analyze program data, outcomes, enrollment, attendance, and school readiness information to identify opportunities for program improvement. Provide leadership and supervision to program managers and other department staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and problem resolution. Ensure appropriate staffing, work plans, training, and technical assistance are in place to support high-quality program services. Collaborate with Head Start Policy Council and the SWCAP Board of Directors and ensure required program actions and approvals are brought forward appropriately. Build and maintain partnerships with school districts, community organizations, families, and other stakeholders to strengthen services and outcomes. Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory developments affecting Head Start. Represent SWCAP and Head Start at local, state, and federal meetings and through community and public relations activities. Oversee program policies, procedures, Memorandums of Understanding, and other agreements necessary to support program operations. Promote innovative approaches and collaborative strategies that improve services for children and families. Prepare and present program reports, outcomes, and recommendations to agency leadership, Policy Council, the Board of Directors, and funding sources. Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field. At least four years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Education. At least four years of experience leading or supervising staff. Experience with fiscal management, including budget development and/or monitoring and managing multiple funding sources. Extensive experience with grant and contract compliance. Experience measuring and achieving program outcomes. Knowledge of federal and state rules, regulations, and laws related to early childhood programs. Ability to analyze data and use information to support program improvement and decision-making. Experience developing and managing budgets. Experience working with Boards, Councils, or similar governing bodies. Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience using databases for data tracking and reporting. Reliable, licensed, and insured transportation. Successful completion of required background checks, including Sex Offender Registry, Child Abuse and Neglect, and Criminal History/fingerprinting checks. Preferred Experience in Head Start or Early Head Start. Experience working with Head Start Performance Standards and Wisconsin Child Care Licensing regulations. Experience overseeing multiple funding sources, grants, and contracts. Experience leading organizational or program-wide continuous quality improvement efforts. Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships. Experience working with Policy Councils, Boards of Directors, or other advisory/governing bodies. Knowledge of community resources and services available to children and families. Physical Requirements This position regularly requires sitting, using hands to handle objects or controls, and communicating with others. The position frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing and walking. Employees may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. SWCAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to characteristics protected under state or federal law.