Director of Head Start/Early Head Start Program (AP25-065) - Military veterans preferred

Positio Title: Director of Head Start/Early Head Start Program (AP25-065)

Location: East St. Louis, IL



Apply Before: 00840

Department: Head Start

FLSA: Determined by Position

Description: Description

To build on a strong foundation of achievement and contribute to the realization of its ambitious institutional goals, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for the position of Director of Head Start/Early Head Start Program (AP25-065). As a premier metropolitan university, SIUE is committed to advancing social and economic mobility while shaping the workforce of the future. Grounded in a comprehensive, broad-based education and enriched by hands-on research opportunities, SIUE equips its students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global marketplace and positively impact their communities.

Why SIUE?

Employing more than 2,400 faculty and staff members, SIUE is one of the largest employers in the Metropolitan St. Louis area. A study by SIUE School of Business faculty shows the University has a $471 million annual economic impact on the region. Each year, the University's presence generates almost 9,000 additional jobs and more than $250 million in labor income for the area.
What You Will Do
The University Services to East St. Louis department and School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are seeking innovative and experienced candidates to fill the Director of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program position. In compliance to the Head Start Performance Standards and SIUE Policies and Procedures, the Director functions as the senior administrative position for the program. The Director leads and coordinates the vision, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of all program operations and provision of services, including the delivery of instructional, family support, and health/nutritional services. This position serves as the primary point of contact between the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program, the East St. Louis Center's Executive Director's Office, the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, the Office of Research and Projects, and the funding agency. The selected candidate will ensure programmatic and budgetary information is conveyed to governing bodies
as well as represents the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program to community agencies and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs).

The Director will also serve as the program's fiscal officer and will be responsible for effective planning, program execution and resource management for a federal grant that supports approximately 600 children and expectant families throughout St. Clair County, Illinois. Services include directly-operated center-based and early head start home-based programs as well as collaborations with community partners. The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start team consists of approximately 150 state university civil service and administrative and professional staff employees. The majority of the workforce is represented by unions. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for leading innovative recruitment efforts for teaching staff, children and families in
Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs and goals of the program.

For additional information on SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program, visit: https://www.siue.edu/eslc/programs/head-start/

FLSA: Exempt

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

-Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Services, or closely related field.
-5+ years experience in Early Childhood Education
-3+ years experience in progressive administrative and/or senior-level experience and leadership capabilities, including program administration, budgeting, and personnel management
-3+ years administrative and staff supervision experience required
-Years can be concurrent

Preferred Qualifications:
-5+ years administrative and staff supervision experience within Head Start and/or Early Head Start Program or US military child care system

Must have the skill set required to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS licensing requirements, and SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start policies and procedures. Must possess strong fiscal management oversight skills, demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and be capable of building collaborative partnerships and effectively solving problems.

Supplemental Information

Application Materials and Information:

• To be eligible for the role, ensure that your application includes a complete and detailed employment history that highlights your relevant full-time and part-time work experience, including start and end dates of employment, and at least three professional references.
• You are strongly encouraged to submit a resume and/or cover letter to provide additional context and showcase your qualifications.
• Applicants who feel their credentials and prior experience align with the listed minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. In the application or within the cover letter and resume clearly describe how your credentials and relevant work experience align with the specified minimum requirements of the position.
• Applications must be submitted by the specified closing date no later than 11:59 p.m. CST.

Pre- Employment Screening: All external candidates who receive a job offer will be required to undergo pre-employment screening for this position. The screening process will encompass a criminal background check and, where applicable, other background checks such as a drug screen, verification of employment and education or licensure/certification, reference checks, and/or checks with relevant government registries. Please note that all job offers are contingent upon successful completion of the required screening process.

Additional Information: This position does not offer work authorization sponsorship. International students at SIUE on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for full-time or part-time civil service positions with permanent status. F-1 and J-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time and can only apply for temporary part-time roles working 20 hours or less per week during spring and fall semesters, such as student worker positions, assistantships, and civil service extra help roles. SIUE is a state university, and it's important to highlight that benefits from state-sponsored plans may not be accessible to individuals on F1 or J1 visas.

Accommodation: If you are unable to utilize our online application system and need to request an accommodation, please reach out to us at 618-650-2190 or via email at careerinfo@siue.edu .

EEO Statement

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an equal opportunity employer and thus prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.
We value your interest and look forward to reviewing your application. For questions or more information, email: careerinfo@siue.edu.

Benefits: SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at the percentage of appointment) including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• University tuition waivers (full-time employees receive 100% waiver of tuition)
• Life insurance;
• SURS retirement plan;
• Supplemental retirement savings plans;
• Paid vacation and sick leave accrual;
• Generous holiday schedule/paid holidays;
• WorkLife programs;
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness);
• Employee discounts (local and national retailers);
• Flexible Spending Account Program;

For more about our benefits and employee services, visit: https://www.siue.edu/human-resources/benefits


Opening Date: 07/24/2025

Closing Date: 9/8/2025 11:59 PM Central

Address: 1040 Rendleman Hall
Edwardsville, Illinois, 62026

Website: https://www.siue.edu/



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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