Head Start / Early Head Start Director

We are required to follow regulations put forth in several federal and state COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Please know we are requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of hire.

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking a Program Director for our Head Start and Early Head start programs.

The Director of Head Start and Early Head Start position offers a unique opportunity to play a critical role in advancing equitable access to high quality, culturally appropriate early education, childcare, and support services to hundreds of children and families across Cumberland County.

This position is responsible for the supervision and management of the overall operations of the program and assures that service design, delivery and quality comply with the federal Head Start Standards, state licensing regulations and all legal and contractual obligations. The Director is also responsible for setting and holding program managers accountable to achieving specific results in child and family outcomes, evaluating and improving program systems, and representing the agency in local, regional, and state communities.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader that plans for and makes decisions within the framework of organizational mission, values and goals. They build trusting relationships through effective communication, reliability, and collaboration. The prospective candidate is flexible and able to pivot quickly and intentionally in a changing environment. They are invested in the community and believe deeply in the value of Head Start in interrupting poverty and preparing children and families for school.

This is a full-time, 40 hours/week, salaried position, primarily located on-site in South Portland.

Some travel to classroom locations may be required.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or, Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to ECE and coursework equivalent to a major in ECE, plus minimum five years’ experience in a managerial role (program planning and operations and evaluation).
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience, required.
• Group facilitation skills and experience leading and engaging parents.
• Ability to be self-motivated and organized and strong verbal and written communication skills required. Computer and word processing skills preferred.
• Sensitivity and familiarity working with diverse populations required.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen.
• ECE must be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check.
• Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
• Must be able to exert moderate physical effort with occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and frequently lift and carry small children or material weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings but is not a primarily and essential job responsibility.

The Opportunity Alliance has an extensive benefit package. Explore here: https://www.opportunityalliance.org/explore-our-benefits

Our benefits include but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off
• 9 paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year
• Excellent medical benefits at very reasonable cost
• Dental and Vision insurance options
• Agency paid basic life insurance and STD & LTD disability insurances
• 403(b) retirement with a generous agency match
• Tuition Reimbursement - Additional information about benefits offered by TOA and eligibility requirements will be explained upon hire.
• The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Why Work for TOA?

The Opportunity Alliance works with people to build better lives and stronger communities. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify the goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

The Opportunity Alliance envisions contributing meaningfully to a community in which families and individuals are thriving and supported as they pursue their aspirations for a better life. Within The Opportunity Alliance, there is a shared belief that positive change is possible.

The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a multi-service, comprehensive, high impact organization providing 46 integrated community based and clinical programs serving more than 20,000 people annually throughout the state of Maine.

TOA tackles some of our community’s most pressing problems: poverty, homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and domestic violence. Our programming draws from a wide range of resources, blending evidence-based practices with practical experience and community resources.

The Opportunity Alliance is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are viewing this posting on a third -party site, please visit our website at https://www.opportunityalliance.org/careers/ to apply.

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your application.

Thank you!