Vice President of Head Start Programs - East Bay Community Action Program

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCP) is seeking a full-time Vice president of Head Start for our Agency. To Lead and inspire our Head Start, Child Care, and Pre-K programs with a transformative vision that advances educational equity and excellence. The Vice President will shape strategic direction, build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, and ensure programmatic excellence through data-driven decision-making. This role requires a passionate advocate for early childhood education who can effectively balance compliance requirements with innovation and continuous improvement.

Strategic Leadership & Vision (30%)

· Develop and execute a compelling strategic vision that advances program quality, family engagement, and community impact

· Foster a culture of excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement across all program sites

· Lead change management initiatives that enhance program effectiveness while maintaining staff engagement

· Analyze program data and outcomes to inform strategic decisions and drive innovation

· Build and maintain strong partnerships with community stakeholders, public schools, and state/federal agencies

Program Leadership & Operations (25%)

· Oversee comprehensive Head Start operations while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations

· Direct the development and execution of program goals, policies, and quality standards

· Lead grant writing efforts and manage relationships with funding sources

· Collaborate with the CEO and CFO on budget management and resource allocation

· Partner with and support the Head Start Policy Council to ensure shared governance, including providing monthly program updates, facilitating Policy Council involvement in hiring decisions, and ensuring parent engagement in program planning and decision-making

· Ensure successful program monitoring, licensing, and accreditation processes

Team Development & Engagement (25%)

· Cultivate strong relationships with front-line staff through regular site visits and open communication channels

· Implement a comprehensive professional development strategy that supports staff growth and program quality

· Build and mentor a high-performing leadership team through coaching and delegation

· Create systems for gathering and acting on staff feedback to improve program operations

· Foster a positive organizational culture that promotes staff retention and satisfaction

Data & Quality Management (20%)

· Implement robust data collection and analysis systems to track program outcomes

· Use data analytics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement

· Ensure comprehensive reporting to federal, state, and local stakeholders

· Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives based on data insights

· Maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards while pursuing excellence beyond minimum requirements

Required Qualifications

· Master's degree preferred (Bachelor's required) in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, or related field

· 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Head Start or early childhood education, including 5+ years in senior management

· Demonstrated success in grant writing and grants management

· Strong track record of data-driven decision making and program evaluation

· Experience building and leading high-performing teams

· Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives

· Excellence in relationship building across diverse stakeholder groups

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with quality rating and improvement systems

· Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing requirements

· Success in implementing innovative early childhood education programs

· Track record of community partnership development

· Experience with change management and organizational development

Leadership Competencies

· Visionary Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead transformational change

· Emotional Intelligence: Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competence

· Strategic Thinking: Capacity to balance short-term needs with long-term goals

· Data Literacy: Skill in using data to drive decision-making and improvement

· Communication: Excellence in written and verbal communication across all levels

· Change Management: Experience leading organizational transformation

· Delegation: Ability to build and empower strong teams

Physical Requirements

· Ability to travel regularly to program sites (25% local travel expected)

· Capability to lift 25 pounds using proper techniques

· Proficiency with computer systems and office equipment

· Ability to engage in activities with children when visiting classrooms

· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required

For Full-Time Employees Working 30 – 40 hours per week, EBCAP provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes heavily subsidized medical and dental insurance plans (BCBSRI), supplemental vision insurance, voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, up to 3% of company matching 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid life insurance & long term disability, generous paid time off that includes vacation/holidays/personal days/sick time, mileage reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, opportunities for center-paid training/CEUs, employee assistance program.

EBCAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to providing a diverse work environment.