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Head Start Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Opportunities for Otsego

Head Start Director

Oneonta, NY · On-site

$81K - $89K/yr

Head Start Director Oneonta, New York About Us: Opportunities for Otsego is one of 1,000+ Community Action Agencies across the nation that are actively fighting the "War on Poverty" based on ...

Pocono Services for Families and Children

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Head Start Director

Stroudsburg, PA · On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

Head Start Director Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $73,537.70 - $84,568.36 Work Location: In person Immediately hiring one Head Start Director to oversee the Monroe County Head Start Program to ...

Pocono Services for Families and Children

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Head Start Director

Stroudsburg, PA · On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

Head Start Director Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $73,537.70 - $84,568.36 Work Location: In person Immediately hiring one Head Start Director to oversee the Monroe County Head Start Program to ...

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How much do head start director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start director in the United States is $96,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Head Start Director?

The job duties of a Head Start director include overseeing the setup and day-to-day operations of a Head Start early education program. In this career, you ensure that the program meets Head Start standards and mandates. You provide leadership in developing and assessing the program, and you may hire and offer guidance to staff. You also oversee the implementation of early education teaching practices and ensure compliance with Head Start standards. This career may also include administrative responsibilities, such as securing funding and organizing a budget.

What is the difference between Head Start Director vs Education Coordinator?

AspectHead Start DirectorEducation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education or related field; experience in program managementBachelor's or Master's in Education or Early Childhood; teaching or curriculum development experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple classrooms and staff in Head Start programs, manages budgets and complianceFocuses on curriculum implementation, teacher support, and classroom activities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, Head Start programsEducational institutions, Head Start programs, childcare centers

The Head Start Director manages the overall program, staff, and compliance, while the Education Coordinator focuses on curriculum and classroom support. Both roles require relevant early childhood credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities within the Head Start environment.

What are Head Start Directors?

Head Start Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of Head Start programs, which provide early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. They manage program staff, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and work to create a positive learning environment for children. Head Start Directors also handle budgeting, community outreach, and the development of educational strategies to meet the needs of their communities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head Start Director and how can they be addressed?

A Head Start Director often faces challenges such as managing limited resources, meeting strict regulatory requirements, and ensuring high-quality, inclusive programming for children and families. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership requires strong organizational and communication skills. Successful directors build supportive teams, foster ongoing staff development, and maintain open communication with families and community partners to address these challenges proactively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Start Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program administration, and compliance management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with federal Head Start Performance Standards, grant management systems, and data tracking tools like ChildPlus is essential. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster positive staff relationships and engage families effectively. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring program quality, regulatory compliance, and positive outcomes for children and families.
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Head Start Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,611 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Head Start Director

Head Start Director

Opportunities for Otsego

Oneonta, NY • On-site

$81K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Head Start Director
Oneonta, New York
About Us:
Opportunities for Otsego is one of 1,000+ Community Action Agencies across the nation that are actively fighting the "War on Poverty" based on President Lyndon B Johnson's ideal. Since 1966, Opportunities for Otsego has focused its attention on specific problems affecting the greater Otsego County community, mobilized resources, and developed solutions to unlock opportunities for low-income individuals and disenfranchised families.
Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of three and four year old children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Early Head Start programs promote healthy pregnancy, enhance the development of very young children, assist with coordinating children's medical and dental visits, and guide parents through the choices that lead to a healthy family.
OFO's Head Start program is seeking a highly qualified professional to lead our Head Start Program.
Salary Range: $81,000 - $89,000 annually
Pay Range Guide:
  • Standard Start Rate - education and experience meet job requirements
  • Advanced Start Rate - education and experience exceed job requirements (subject to approval)

Benefits available to our Head Start Director:
  • Health, dental, vision, and other optional benefits
  • Generous holiday schedule
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions on eligible plans
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Local, state, and national training and certification opportunities
  • Eligibility for our Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program (more information available via our website)

No Relocation Assistance Available
Most Important Responsibilities of our Head Start Director:
  • Direct programming and operations for Head Start and Universal Pre-Kindergarten
  • Ensure compliance with program requirements, standards and operations with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, HHS Administration for Families and Children, NYS Department of Health and other funding sources
  • Establish and maintain a system for overall supervision and the effective operation and coordination of daily programming
  • Prepare program funding proposals
  • Prepare and manage program budgets

Requirements of our Head Start Director:
  • Bachelor's degree in Education, Management, or Administration and five years' experience in budget management, administration and supervision of staff; OR
  • Master's degree in Education, Management, or Administration and two years' experience in budget management, administration and supervision of staff;
  • Valid, unrestricted New York State driver's license

Click here to view full Job Description
Pay Range: $1,584.22 - $1,742.64 per week

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