Head Start Director

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Key responsibilities include guiding program leaders through mentoring, professional development, and performance management; overseeing program operations, financial performance, facilities, and outcomes; and leading annual grant applications, five-year goals, community assessments, self-assessments, and corrective action efforts. The Director works closely with the Policy Council and Board of Trustees, providing information and seeking appropriate approvals while ensuring accountability at all levels of the program.

Strong community engagement is also central to the role, with opportunities to build partnerships with families, staff, community leaders, service providers, funding sources, and other stakeholders to strengthen services and advocate for program participants.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, strategic leader with strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills and the ability to bring diverse perspectives together around shared goals. Sound judgment, professional integrity, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory, financial, and operational requirements are essential. A commitment to early childhood development, family services, continuous improvement, and quality programming will be key to success in this role.

If this sounds like you.

Job Description linked below: see NIC website for full details.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Level I:
Bachelors degree in educational administration, business administration, early childhood education, early childhood special education, adult education, health services, social work, or organizational management.

Level II:
Master’s degree in educational administration, business administration, early childhood education, early childhood special education, adult education, health services, social work, or organizational management.

Experience:

• Minimum three years of progressively responsible supervisory/management positions including experience working with boards and advisory committees.

• Experience planning, developing, and conducting professional development.

• Experience in strategic planning and project management.

Required License and/or Certifications
:

• Register with Idaho STARS and participate in the professional development system.

• Meet all training and certification requirements for child care licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

• Pass an enhanced background check including fingerprinting, as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards and Child Care Licensing requirements, prior to first day of work.

Starting pay:
Level 1 - $74,586
Level 2 - $85,849

Work Site

Location:

Head Start - Coeur d Alene
Work Schedule: full-time 94% FTE, July through June

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check and proof of degree if required for this position.

Application materials include: resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts

Advertised: August 12, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: September 04, 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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Work type: Full-time Staff
Location: Coeur d Alene
Category: Administration, Management, Head Start, Early Childhood Education
Hiring range: $74,586 - $85,849
Lead a mission-driven program serving children and families across North Idaho. This Director role provides strategic leadership, oversees program operations and compliance, and builds strong partnerships with staff, families, community organizations, and governing bodies. If you re a collaborative, thoughtful leader passionate about early childhood education and family services, we’d love to hear from you!
Closes:
September 04, 2026

The Talent Pools are used to gather interested candidates for future faculty positions at NIC.

The Talent Pools are used to gather interested candidates for future faculty positions at NIC.
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