Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Head Start Director to lead our Head Start program. This full-time (40 hours/week) position is based primarily at our Worthington facility, with responsibilities that include oversight of the Pipestone Center and additional home-based site in Rock and Murray counties.

Roles / Responsibilities

The Head Start Director is a strategic leader responsible for guiding the overall administration and operation of the Head Start program. This role ensures program goals are met while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Director provides vision and direction for staff, cultivates a culture of safety and inclusivity, and fosters strong partnerships with families and the community.

Key responsibilities include overseeing program planning, budgeting, and evaluation; ensuring high-quality early childhood education and family support services; and leading a dedicated team of staff toward achieving measurable outcomes for children and families. The Director serves as a community ambassador for Head Start, building relationships with stakeholders and advocating for resources that strengthen families and promote school readiness.

This position requires a leader who is passionate about early childhood development, skilled in program management, and committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of children and the communities we serve.

Education / Experience / Qualifications

· Required:

o Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field.

o Minimum of three (3) years’ experience with program and fiscal management.

o Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in supervision of staff.

· Preferred:

o Previous experience working with the Head Start program and/or early childhood education.

o Familiarity with Head Start or early childhood education software management systems.

Skills and Competencies

· Have sufficient knowledge, training and experience, and competencies to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of this position

· Ensure high-quality service delivery

· Provide ongoing training and professional development to support staff in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities

· Strong leadership ability with a proven record of fostering positive, collaborative, and productive team environments

· Knowledge of child and family systems, as well as community resources that support low-income families

· Capacity to solve complex technical, administrative, and regulatory/policy issues involved in implementing strong systems and services by making timely decisions

· Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite.

· Capacity to prioritize, consider alternatives, and respond quickly and effectively to unexpected and rapidly changing conditions

· Flexibility to attend meetings and trainings that may occur during evenings or weekends.

Compensation and Benefits

· Annual salary: $67,182.73 – $69,198.22 (DOQ/DOE)

· This is a salaried, exempt position.

SMOC offers a competitive benefits package including access to health, dental, life, and vision insurance, IRA contribution, Paid Time Off, and paid holidays.

Interested candidates must submit a SMOC application and resume to Karie Bursell, HR Director, by Friday, October 10th. Application forms are available at SMOC, 1106 3rd Avenue, Worthington, on our website at www.smoc.us, or by calling 507-376-4195. Applications are accepted via email to kbursell@smoc.us, fax (507)376-3636, or can be dropped off at the SMOC Worthington office.