The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
HEAD START
MANAGEMENT POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF POSITION: Vice President – Head Start & Early Head Start
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Sr. Vice President of Administration and Compliance
A. GENERAL SUMMARY
This position has primary responsibility for oversight and development of systems providing and coordinating Head Start/Early Head Start services for Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled children and families. The position has primary responsibility for leading the overall Head Start & Early Head Start (Head Start) program in meeting the goals of the Agency as well as the Head Start program. This position represents the Urban League’s Head Start program while partnering with other agencies to provide comprehensive HS/EHS services for children and families. This position is also responsible for assisting with the assurance and implementation of defined administration, fiscal, human resources, information services, public relations, support services and related planning for the program. This includes ensuring compliance with performance standards and other local, state and federal regulations and recognized best practices in Head Start/Early Head Start. The position has technical and administrative supervision over property and inventory of Head Start/Early Head Start. The Vice President is a part of the Head Start/Early Head Start Management Team and works in tandem with other program coordinators and specialists. The Vice President is an integral part of the larger system of services provided by Head Start and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
Duties are described in major areas in order of importance, and after each major area, the approximate percentage of time working on various components of the job is estimated.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION (75%)
1. Ensure that all programs, services, and systems are developed in accordance with current Head Start Performance Standards, the Head Start Act of 2007, and other local, state and federal regulations, and congruent with organizational philosophy, mission and values.
2. Ensure that ongoing monitoring is occurring according to our internal monitoring plan and that systems are updated to reflect any opportunities for improvement that may be identified.
3. Plan and monitor program evaluation utilizing child outcomes and benchmarks for measuring quality in program areas.
4. In partnership with the Assistant Directors and management team, insures that the program meets funded enrollment on a monthly basis.
5. In partnership with the Assistant Directors, maintains proper licensing and accreditation requirements for managed centers.
6. Remain up-to-date on Performance Standards and other federal, state and local regulations and general knowledge of how the program will implement them.
7. In partnership with the Head Start management team, parents, community members, and governing body members establish a five-year plan for program operations including administration, fiscal, human resources, facilities, transportation (if warranted), technology and other support needs of the program.
8. Solve complex technical, administrative, and regulatory/policy issues involved in implementing strong systems and services by making timely decisions
9. Represent Head Start/Early Head Start on various community boards/committees and professional organizations.
10. Participate in community groups, which will be supportive of program goals and objectives.
RECORD KEEPING AND FISCAL (15%)
1. Maintain a close working relationship with the Chief Financial Officer and Controller to facilitate effective oversight of expenditures while exchanging information for budget, grant writing and status updates.
2. Ability to write, revise, and manage multiple grants simultaneously.
3. In conjunction with the Assistant Directors develops and implements a plan and system of continuous monitoring and evaluation of activities within the program.
4. Ensure that filing, tracking and documentation systems are maintained.
5. Submits verbal and/or written reports to the Sr. Vice President of Compliance & Administration, President/CEO, Board of Directors, Vice President of Human Resources, and Policy Council on program activities and status on a monthly basis and as needed.
6. In partnership with the Business Office, ensure that updated policies and procedures to include inventory control, risk management and procurement oversight are shared and implemented by program staff.
SUPERVISION AND TRAINING (10%)
1. In partnership with the Assistant Director(s) sets priorities and provides leadership and training for the implementation of the work plans of Head Start/Early Head Start staff to include their integration into the total program operation and referral system for utilizing other resources of the Urban League.
2. In partnership with the Vice President of Human Resources, develop a working knowledge of the agency employee recruitment and selection procedures to ensure consistence and compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), legal hiring practices and internal policies and procedures.
3. Sets the job standards, sets goals, monitors and provides on-going feedback for performance improvement, and submits appraisals in a timely manner. Updates and revises job descriptions as needed.
4. Becomes thoroughly familiar with the personnel policies and procedures and ensures that parents are aware of these and any changes that may occur.
5. In partnership with the Human Resource Division, foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued.
6. In partnership with the Head Start management team use professional development to increase the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive services within the scope of each Head Start/Early Head Start employee’s job responsibilities.
7. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
8. Attends national, regional, state and local meetings/conferences related to Head Start/Early Head Start.
PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT and CEO TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM.
C. SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Direct supervision of positions directly within the reporting structure of the Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start, to include employees the position assigns, directs, and evaluates performance. This position is the first step for resolution in the grievance procedure.
Positions Supervised: Assistant Head Start/Early Head Start Directors, and Executive Assistant
D. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge: Must have knowledge of the principles and practices of early childhood education programming, child development, family services and human behavior. Knowledge of program planning and community resources. Knowledge of family dynamics and male involvement. Through knowledge and training on methods to handle suspected or know child abuse and neglect cases, that comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Knowledge of computer operation and basic office software. Through knowledge of writing, revision, and management of programmatic grants with demonstrated success is required.
Abilities: Must have the ability to relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and other agencies. Ability to exercise professional judgment before making decisions and maintain all information in strict confidence. Ability to prioritize, consider alternatives and respond quickly and effectively to unexpected and rapidly changing conditions. Ability to comprehend both verbal and written instructions. Ability to know and implement Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act of 2007, child care licensing regulations, policies of the program as well as other pertinent federal, state, and or local regulations. Able to work in a team environment. Transport self to and from, agencies, Head Start/Early Head Start and other locations. Possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by the program’s insurance carrier. Must meet Agency computer standards applicable to the position. Must have reliable transportation. Candidates fluent in Spanish highly desirable.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
• Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business journals and technical procedures.
• Ability to speak before groups of individuals.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts and percentages.
REASONING SKILLS
• Ability to define problems collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret, implement and complete a task following an extensive variety of instructions.
• Ability to summarize conclusions and instructions, then make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times, including the ability to recognize situations in which confidentiality is required.
E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The above knowledge and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management and administration. Five years of experience as a Head Start/Early Head Start Director preferred. Three years of experience working with disadvantaged, low income clients and the general community desirable. Must be willing to obtain the Red Cross First Aid Certification and CPR coursework and updates as required. A health exam and clear tuberculosis screen are required for hire and periodically per program regulations.
Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.
F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to lift, carry, or push forty (40) pounds and evacuate children as needed.