Head Start Regional Director - Military veterans preferred

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.


Head Start Regional Director

US-TX-Texas City

Job ID: 2025-6533
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Head Start
Head Start

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

The Head Start Regional Director is responsible for coordinating all functions of the Head Start program(s) within a designated region. This leadership role involves providing guidance, support, and direction to program staff, ensuring the successful implementation of program systems that meet the needs of children and families. The Regional Director works closely with other program leaders and agency departments in planning, designing, and evaluating the effectiveness of program operations. In addition to managing internal operations, the Regional Director represents the agency in local, regional, state, and national communities, advocating for the needs of the program and fostering partnerships that enhance the program's impact. The Regional Director plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and ensuring the program’s alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, local policies, and agency goals. Furthermore, the Regional Director is responsible for establishing and nurturing partnerships with the Integrated Services Delivery (ISD) network in their region, fostering collaborative efforts to enhance service delivery and support for children and families. 

*This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly. 

• Directly supervise Center Directors, Education Coordinators, Family Services Coordinators, and Area Administrative Assistants, providing guidance, leadership, and ongoing support to ensure effective program operations and team success
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, federal standards (including Head Start Performance Standards), local ordinances, and Child Care Minimum Standards; Monitor safety protocols, including fire/security systems and maintaining childcare licensing compliance
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement operational procedures, strategic initiatives, and projects; Monitor program data, establish program goals, and approve key decisions regarding staffing, time management, and performance evaluations
• Oversee fiscal management by monitoring educational expenditures, approving classroom and facility purchases, and managing the annual budget for IT, facilities, maintenance, and food services; Ensure proper reconciliation of capital assets and inventory
• Regularly communicate with leadership, staff, ISD partners, and community stakeholders to ensure program success; Coordinate and facilitate monthly Policy Council meetings and maintain strong community and vendor relationships; Collaboratively plans, organizes, and facilitates monthly Policy Council meetings with Family Services team
• Provide coaching, feedback, and support to staff, ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to meet program goals; Collaborate with the leadership team to organize professional development, training opportunities, and performance reviews for staff growth
• Respond to emergencies and act as a liaison with municipal departments; Coordinate school delays, closures, and new building assessments to ensure business continuity and expansion opportunities
• Oversee and analyze data from education, family services, health, and disabilities teams to inform program decisions and develop new goals; Monitor program outcomes and ensure that funded enrollment levels are maintained
• Foster a collaborative environment by working with program leadership to recruit families, develop partnerships, and align instructional strategies with program goals; Promote positive working relationships among all team members and demonstrate Upbring’s Core Values
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with ISD partners, contractors, and the community to enhance program effectiveness; Represent the agency in regional, state, and national forums to advocate for Head Start initiatives and foster new partnerships
• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence. 
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings 
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, on-going, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives 
• Work closely with management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring 
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
• Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff 
• Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field 
• Three (3) years experience in a supervisory role  
• Previous experience in an early childhood setting
• Valid Texas Driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; ability to meet Agency insurance provider guidelines as an insured and approved driver 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field Bilingual education expertise 
• Prior Head Start / Early Head Start experience to include experience with approved curriculums, monitoring and assessment tools 
• Reliable in CLASS 

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 75%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time being mobile to coordinate events
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

PI270250959