Program Administrator - Head Start (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3605

PAY GRADE: 2270

SALARY RANGE: $55,097 - $92,876

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Human Development and Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the Executive Program Administrator, performs highly responsible administrative and supervisory work in the administration of the Head Start Program. Work involves planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating program systems. Work also involves representing the Head Start Program at conferences, in communities, and with local, regional, state, and national associations. Work is performed with professional discretion and considerable independence. General supervision is exercised over professional and clerical staff. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Develops and ensures adequate systems are in place to maintain the highest quality of services to children and families in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. Provides and ensures consistency in service delivery across programs with attention to inclusive practices and integration of component areas; encourages continuous improvement of systems. Participates in the development of program interagency agreements and contracts, collaborations, and facility development for future expansion of families and services, activities, and organized community events. Establishes and maintains relationships and collaborations with public school districts, systems of higher education, community agencies, and partners. Ensures coordination among content area components and levels within the organization. Oversees the efforts of managers and consultants in the monitoring and control of component budgets; identifies and interprets the needs of Head Start and the community; maintains compliance with Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements. Encourages and supports professional development opportunities and conducts regular leadership meetings; participates in weekly Head Start executive meetings in the development of program budgets and reviews. Promotes a consistent exchange of information across the agency; attends interagency organizational and planning meetings. Hires, coaches, and evaluates the performance of staff and consultants; facilitates resolution of conflicts. Participates in the design of internal structures, systems, and policies. Conducts community needs assessments and annual program self-assessment. Designs and delivers formal presentations; represents Head Start on local planning bodies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of public, private, or non-profit boards. Knowledge of development and implementation of employee development plans for all employees in the program. Skill in the formulation, preparation, and submission of annual budgets. Skill in the use of computer technology. Skill in conducting a community needs assessment and an annual program self-assessment. Skill in establishing and maintaining an internal communications system. Skill in evaluating staff performance, interviewing, and hiring. Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, parents, the community, private partners, and external agencies, and to make informed, objective decisions. Ability to formulate and implement long-range plans for expansion. Ability to direct and assess the performance of program supervisors and consultants. Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations. Ability to handle stressful situations professionally and to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions. Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and to individuals. Ability to establish a framework for collaborative action and involve the community in developing and supporting shared beliefs, values, mission, and goals for the program. Ability to maintain confidentiality of program, staff, and client information. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS