Job Application - Cortland County Community Action Program

Job Posting CLOSED

Head Start/Early Head Start Director

Position: Head Start/Early Head Start Director
Program: Head Start/Early Head Start
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am-4pm; 37.5 hours per week
Annual Salary: $67,000 - $72,000


Job Function: The Head Start/Early Head Start Director is responsible for the supervision and management of the overall operations of the Head Start/Early Head Start Programs. This position assures that all federal and state standards and regulations are met, as well as all other contractual obligations. The Director works in conjunction with the Executive Director, Fiscal Director, Policy Council and Board of Directors to strategically lead the program forward.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Assures compliance with all funding source mandates, applicable laws, regulations, and standards while also staying up to date on all regulations.
  • Works with Executive Director, Board of Directors, Policy Council, and other applicable staff/community members to meet the program’s strategic plans and smooth operation.
  • Leads planning meetings with Policy Council and Board of Directors to establish long- and short-term goals for improvement and strategic objectives.
  • In consultation with the Education/Special Needs Coordinator, assures all program standards and day care licensing requirements are met and exceeded.
  • Compile, review, and analyze monthly financial and statistical reports to assess the budget status and to initiate preventative measures as necessary, including oversight of the Program’s administrative costs.
  • Maintain close working relationship with the Fiscal Director to provide information for Program budget writing and status of the budget to maintain effective oversight of expenditures.
  • With support from appropriate staff, complete and submit all necessary reports to funding sources and stakeholders. Works jointly with each Program-area coordinator to ensure a team approach to the integration of the Performance Standards and compliance with NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and licensing requirements.
  • Oversee overall staffing levels to ensure the Program has adequate staffing to effectively operate all classrooms while also meeting and exceeding program performance standards and compliance. Collaborates with Human Resources Department and applicable staff on hiring and termination decisions, as well as HS/EHS employee performance.
  • Overall planning, organizing, and identifying of resources to sustain enhance and/or develop programs to fulfill the needs of the populations served, including additional funding options.
  • Assures that the Program serves the number of eligible children for which the Program receives funding, working with appropriate personnel to devise an effective enrollment plan. Track trends and proactively identify any cause(s) for under-enrollment to avoid Program under-enrollment.
  • Identify, establish, and maintain community, regional, and national partnerships in conjunction with collaborative agreements and contracts, including collaborations with public school districts and systems of higher education.
  • Facilitates the continuing professional development of all staff as part of the commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person in this position. The statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in this position.


Qualifications and Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree from accredited four-year college or university, preferably in early childhood education, elementary education, human services or related field; plus a minimum of three (3) years related supervisory experience, fiscal management, administration, and leadership. Must have a valid Driver’s License; can pass an extensive background check and fingerprint check process, as well as complete an initial Physical Examination and TB Test.


CAPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, and physical or mental disability. CAPCO will make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates in adherence of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York Human Rights Act.