1

Head Start Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Head Start Center Supervisor

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$28.10 - $28.11/hr

JOB SUMMARYThe Head Start Center Supervisor is responsible for managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions of an individual Brightpoint Head Start site. The ...

JOB SUMMARY The Head Start Center Supervisor is responsible for managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions of an individual Brightpoint Head Start site. The ...

Head Start Center Supervisor

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$28.10 - $28.11/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Head Start Center Supervisor is responsible for managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions of an individual Brightpoint Head Start site. The ...

Substitute Cook

Jasper, IN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Requirements Direct the preparation of approximately 20-100 meals a day that meet USDA, Head Start and additional governing body nutrition requirements based on location. * Serve meals that are high ...

Substitute Cook

Jasper, IN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Direct the preparation of approximately 20-100 meals a day that meet USDA, Head Start and additional governing body nutrition requirements based on location. * Serve meals that are high in nutrients ...

Substitute Cook

Newburgh, IN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Requirements: · Direct the preparation of approximately 20-100 meals a day that meet USDA, Head Start and additional governing body nutrition requirements based on location. · Serve meals that are ...

Substitute Cook

Newburgh, IN · On-site

$12.42/hr

Requirements • Direct the preparation of approximately 20-100 meals a day that meet USDA, Head Start and additional governing body nutrition requirements based on location. • Serve meals that are ...

Substitute Cook

Petersburg, IN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Requirements • Direct the preparation of approximately 20-100 meals a day that meet USDA, Head Start and additional governing body nutrition requirements based on location. • Serve meals that are ...

Substitute Cook

Boonville, IN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Requirements: · Direct the preparation of approximately 20-100 meals a day that meet USDA, Head Start and additional governing body nutrition requirements based on location. · Serve meals that are ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Head Start Director information

See Indiana salary details

$20.9K

$91.9K

$210.3K

How much do head start director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start director in Indiana is $91,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Head Start director do?

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 is a Head Start director?

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?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Head Start Director jobs in Indiana?

For Head Start Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Head Start Director job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,932 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Program Director / Education Manager Head Start

Community Development Institute Head Start

Kokomo, IN • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
This is a salaried position at $1,400.00 per week.
We are actively seeking a qualified Program Director/Education Manager who will oversee the daily operations and administration of our Head Start program. The candidate will be experienced in the field of Early Childhood Development and general management. The responsibilities include supervising recruitment of Head Start staff, Head Start property maintenance, marketing and communication, financial management, and communication with stakeholders. The Program Director/Education Manager must be committed to improving teaching practices through collaboration with teachers, other managers and staff, community members, and students. An ideal manager candidate should be able to use new and existing resources to ensure Head Start student needs are met, and educational goals are achieved. As a general requirement, applicant must have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD) or an equivalent (BA plus 18 ECE or CD credits) and experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management, and administration. Applicant must meet state licensing requirements ore be able to do so within 30 days of hire.
Benefits:
    • Paid Vacation time and Sick Leave
    • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance coverage available first day of employment
    • $30.00 per month cost to employee for employee only Core Health Insurance Plan with Vision Insurance
    • $15.95 per month cost to employee for employee only Dental Insurance
    • 12 Paid Holidays, plus two floating holidays
    • Paid Spring Break, Summer Break and Winter Break
    • Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Perkins Loan Forgiveness programs.
    • Tuition assistance to meet job requirements
    • Paid trainings
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Employee discount benefit program (LifeMart)
    • $35,000 term AD&D life insurance at no cost to employee (for full time employees)
    • Travel Connect medical support for assistance when you travel

Interested? To find out more, please visit:
CDI Head Start is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.