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SW
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program
Assistant Director- Head Start
Career Insights for Education and Social Policy Program Director (Public Sector)
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Based on Wisconsin data
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What they do
An Economic and Social Policy Program Director manages government initiatives relating to the education and welfare of the residents in a state and may work for a child welfare agency, department of education, or other public agency.
$178,521 / year median in Wisconsin
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Join SWCAP and make a meaningful impact on children, families, and communities. As the Head Start Assistant Director, you will help lead our Head Start and family development programs by supporting exceptional services, maintaining regulatory compliance, developing staff, and advancing continuous program improvement. In this role, you'll collaborate with agency leadership, community partners, and funding organizations to enhance child and family outcomes while supporting SWCAP's Whole Family Approach. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership in program planning, strategic initiatives, and continuous quality improvement efforts. Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, grant requirements, Wisconsin Child Care Licensing regulations, and all applicable policies and regulations. Review and analyze program performance, child outcomes, school readiness, and family engagement data to strengthen services. Develop, implement, and evaluate program policies, procedures, and service plans. Lead and support supervisors and program staff through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development. Collaborate with Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain talented employees. Oversee child care licensing activities for all center-based programs. Assist with budget development, grant administration, contract management, resource allocation, and compliance monitoring. Foster strong partnerships with community organizations, funding agencies, and other key stakeholders. Champion advocacy efforts and initiatives that enhance services for children and families. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, Education, Social Work, or a closely related field. Three years of supervisory or management experience. Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interpret data and apply findings to improve program quality and outcomes. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance. Ability to travel throughout the service area. Ability to successfully complete all required background checks. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Wisconsin Child Care Licensing regulations. Experience in program planning, continuous quality improvement, school readiness, child outcomes, and family engagement. Experience managing grants, contracts, budgets, and regulatory compliance. Experience leading teams, facilitating professional development, and building collaborative community partnerships. Physical Requirements Primarily office-based with regular travel throughout the service area. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods. 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.