Head Start Manager

Location: Kansas City Metro Area
Organization: Futures First
Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: The role described below offers a base salary of $55,000 - $65,000 per year
. Your offer will be determined based on how your qualifications align with the requirements of the position and internal equity. In addition to the stated salary, Futures First’s Total Rewards package includes a comprehensive benefits plan.

• Medical Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with matching up to 2%
• Yearly 5% employer retirement contribution
• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Rolling Paid Holidays (
  Instead of a fixed holiday schedule, employees may observe holidays that reflect their personal, cultural, or religious beliefs.)

Are you passionate about early childhood education, family engagement, and creating high-quality programs that support children and families? Futures First is seeking a Head Start Manager to support the effective operation and oversight of Early Head Start, Head Start, and Child Care Partnership programs. This role provides leadership for Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA), quality assurance, program data, compliance, and continuous quality improvement while supporting staff and community partners.

For over 145 years, Futures First has strengthened families, supported early education, and promoted economic stability across the Kansas City metro. As we continue to grow and evolve, this role plays a critical part in ensuring that Head Start and Early Head Start programs operate effectively, meet regulatory requirements, and provide high-quality services to children and families in our community.

At Futures First, we believe that every child deserves a strong foundation for success. Our Theory of Change focuses on early childhood education, economic stability, and family well-being to create lasting community impact.

.As the Head Start Manager, you will play a key role in supporting this work by strengthening program operations, supporting staff and providers, using data to drive improvement, and ensuring programs meet Head Start, state, grant, and organizational requirements.

Futures First is seeking a Head Start Manager who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to supporting high-quality programs for children and families. This position supports the Director of Head Start and Early Childhood Partnerships in the effective operation and oversight of Early Head Start, Head Start, and Child Care Partnership programs.

The Head Start Manager provides leadership for ERSEA and quality assurance functions while monitoring program compliance and supporting continuous quality improvement. The position works closely with staff, child care partners, families, community organizations, and organizational leadership to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure program goals are achieved.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and organized leader who can use data to inform decisions, build strong relationships, support staff development, and navigate complex regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the quality and effectiveness of early childhood programs serving children and families in our community.

In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Head Start and Early Childhood Partnerships, Head Start staff, ERSEA and Quality Assurance teams, Child Care Partnership providers, families, community partners, and Futures First staff across the organization.

You will…