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Head Start Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Opportunities for Otsego

Head Start Director

Oneonta, NY · On-site

$81K - $89K/yr

Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of ... Direct programming and operations for Head Start and Universal Pre-Kindergarten * Ensure compliance ...

Opportunities for Otsego

Head Start Director

Oneonta, NY

$1K - $1K/wk

Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of ... Direct programming and operations for Head Start and Universal Pre-Kindergarten * Ensure compliance ...

Pocono Services for Families and Children

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Head Start Director

Mount Pocono, PA · On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

This role involves managing the program's strategic planning, staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to maintain high standards. Additionally, the Head Start Director ensures that ...

Pocono Services for Families and Children

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Head Start Director

Stroudsburg, PA · On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

This role involves managing the program's strategic planning, staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to maintain high standards. Additionally, the Head Start Director ensures that ...

Pocono Services for Families and Children

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Head Start Director

Stroudsburg, PA · On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

This role involves managing the program's strategic planning, staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to maintain high standards. Additionally, the Head Start Director ensures that ...

Pocono Services for Families and Children

Be Seen First

Head Start Director

Mount Pocono, PA · On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

This role involves managing the program's strategic planning, staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to maintain high standards. Additionally, the Head Start Director ensures that ...

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$29.5K

$78.2K

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How much do head start program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Start Program Director vs Head Start Center Supervisor?

AspectHead Start Program DirectorHead Start Center Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or associate's degree; experience in early childhood education or supervision
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple centers or programs, administrative settingManages daily operations of a single center, direct supervision of staff
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, compliance, staff management, community relationsStaff supervision, classroom quality, parent engagement, daily operations

The Head Start Program Director typically oversees multiple centers and handles administrative and strategic responsibilities, requiring higher credentials. In contrast, the Head Start Center Supervisor manages daily operations at a single center, focusing on staff and classroom quality. Both roles are vital but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

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

To thrive as a Head Start Program Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program administration, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards, ChildPlus software, and grant management systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing staff, building community partnerships, and ensuring program quality. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality educational services to children and families while maintaining compliance with federal and state requirements.

What is a Head Start Program Director?

A Head Start Program Director is responsible for overseeing the operations of a Head Start program, which provides early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. The director manages staff, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, develops program policies, and oversees budgets and grants. Their goal is to ensure that children are prepared for school and that families receive the support they need. This role also involves collaborating with community organizations and engaging with parents to strengthen program outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by Head Start Program Directors, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Head Start Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing compliance with federal regulations, managing diverse teams, and ensuring high-quality early childhood education for all children served. Candidates should be prepared to implement effective systems for staff supervision, budget management, and community engagement. Developing strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills is essential for addressing these challenges and fostering a positive, supportive environment for both staff and families.
More about Head Start Program Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Start Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Head Start Program Director job openings:
What states have the most Head Start Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Start Program Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Head Start Program Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Head Start Program Director jobs are:
Head Start Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Head Start Program Director

Ulster County Community Action Committee

Kingston, NY • On-site

$61K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join the Ulster County Community Action Committee as a Full-Time Head Start Program Director and make a significant impact in the lives of young children and their families in Kingston! This onsite role offers the opportunity to lead innovative early childhood education initiatives, shape curriculum development, and foster community partnerships. You’ll work with a passionate team dedicated to empowering children and igniting their potential.

The expected pay for this exciting position ranges from $61,000 to $65,000 a year, providing you with a competitive salary that reflects your expertise and commitment to early childhood education. As a team member you'll be able to enjoy benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Competitive Salary, Paid Time Off, and Retirement SEP-IRA. If you’re ready to lead transformative programs that enrich the lives of children, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of our mission!

Your day to day as a Head Start Program Director

As the Full-Time Head Start Program Director at Ulster County Community Action Committee, you will be responsible for managing the complete Head Start program. This includes overseeing the development and implementation of educational curricula, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and coordinating staff training and development. You will drive program quality while fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for children and their families. Your leadership will be crucial in managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and building meaningful partnerships within the community.

This role offers you the chance to shape the future of early childhood education in Kingston while making a lasting impact on the lives of those you serve.

What you need to be successful

To excel as the Full-Time Head Start Program Director at Ulster County Community Action Committee, you will need a strong set of skills and competencies. Exceptional organizational and planning skills are essential to manage the comprehensive program effectively. Your ability to supervise staff while fostering a collaborative environment will be crucial for team success.

You should possess leadership capabilities to inspire and guide your team in achieving program goals. A firm understanding of federal and state regulations will ensure compliance and accountability within the program. Additionally, experience in budget development and maintenance is vital for assessing financial performance and resource allocation.

With these skills, you will be well-equipped to lead a transformative early childhood education program in Kingston.

Knowledge and skills required for the position are:

  • Organizational
  • planning skills; supervisory
  • ability to develop a budget and maintain controls
  • leadership
  • understanding of federal & state regulations
Join our team today!

If you have these qualities and meet the basic job requirements, we'd love to have you on our team. Apply now using our online application!